2006 Mazda MAZDA3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MAZDA3 › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Mazda MAZDA3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3. Newest first.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.
Thule, inc. IS recalling 2,323 owner-installed roof-mounted fit kits, models 3068 and 3069, manufactured between january 1, 2008 and february 28, 2009 that are used with thule podium foot packs, models 460 and 460R. these fit kits were sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the bolt(s) used to secure the foot to the vehicle…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in the bolt(s) snapping off during use or without a load. the unsecured rack and load can then come loose while driving creating a potential road hazard, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Thule will mail a retro fit kit along with repair instructions to owners free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before april 13, 2009. owners may contact thule toll-free at 1-800-238-2388.
Owner complaints
166 complaints21 involved a crash3 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
There’s a recal in my current steering wheel of the 2006 Mazda 3 sedan i recently purchased
- Suspension
The rear driver's side trailing arm broke into two pieces.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Suspension
Im having issues with rust the car it’s getting pretty much the car it’s falling apart the under body it’s nothing but rust I’m scared of changing a tire because there’s actually not a good grip where I can lift the car without feeling it’s going to fall apart, the rear or the disks it’s falling by…
Im having issues with rust the car it’s getting pretty much the car it’s falling apart the under body it’s nothing but rust I’m scared of changing a tire because there’s actually not a good grip where I can lift the car without feeling it’s going to fall apart, the rear or the disks it’s falling by chunks and just yesterday the rear shock plate broke out of place because it’s way too rust same thing with my muffler I don’t feel safe I’m My car which I love, I truly do but I feel like at any minute its just going to break apart right now it’s the shock rear driver side but I feel like next a tire or my brake disks are going to break like I said I don’t even feel safe to change a tire
- Electrical system
When I take the key out of the ignition the car doesn't recognize the key is out and won't stop beeping. I can't use the key fob to lock or unlock the car. I have to use the original door key to lock and unlock or the alarm will go off. I have replace the ignition switch cylinder 2 times and it…
When I take the key out of the ignition the car doesn't recognize the key is out and won't stop beeping. I can't use the key fob to lock or unlock the car. I have to use the original door key to lock and unlock or the alarm will go off. I have replace the ignition switch cylinder 2 times and it still doesnt work. There is a little bit of "play" that is keeping it from not beeping and beeping. I can take it out slowly and it will work but then it slips again and I get locked out of the car and the alarm goes off again until I use the key to manually unlock the car door.
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the driver-side airbag deployed without warning which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle. The contact was the only injured and sought medical treatment. The contact sustained…
The contact owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the driver-side airbag deployed without warning which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle. The contact was the only injured and sought medical treatment. The contact sustained bruising on the right wrist and chest. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable
- Air bags · Unknown or other
This vehicle has one unrepaired recall. When I tried to make an appointment with the Mazda dealer to correct it, no recall is found after giving my VIN number. Is there any other way to have them repair it?
- Air bags
My 2006 Mazda was in a serious accident last month and my air bag did not inflate properly along with the warning logo a few days before the accident. My car was picked up and released to Geico yesterday for inspection from their at fault driver totalling my vehicle. It was a head on collision so…
My 2006 Mazda was in a serious accident last month and my air bag did not inflate properly along with the warning logo a few days before the accident. My car was picked up and released to Geico yesterday for inspection from their at fault driver totalling my vehicle. It was a head on collision so the air bag is a big factor in a serious wreck. It was confirmed to have an active recall. The warning logo appeared on my dash right before the accident that caused a broken and dislocated hip resulting into two surgeries and a long recovery period.
- Air bags
TL* the contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2006 mazda mazda3. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 mph and crashed into another vehicle towing a trailer, which flipped the vehicle upside down and dragged the vehicle for unknown miles. The contact stated no air…
TL* the contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2006 mazda mazda3. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 mph and crashed into another vehicle towing a trailer, which flipped the vehicle upside down and dragged the vehicle for unknown miles. The contact stated no air bags deployed. The contact stated her son was had his hand outside of the vehicle and lost 4 fingers on his left hand and had a brain bleed. Medical attention was sought for his injuries. A police report was filed. The insurance deemed the vehicle loss. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. *Dt consumer stated vehicle flipped 5 or 6 times, it finally ended up upside down after and airbags did not deployed. *Jb skidding 600 feet, no airbags deployed.*jb*ln
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Wheels
I have, had (2), two brand new set, of tires from firestone put on this car. I was also told only those two sets can only be put on this mazda 3. the car keep bucking on every street and every road. every day and evening.
- Air bags
Letter expressing concerns regarding mazda's recall for takata air bags. *Ld the consumer was informed the vehicle was not apart of the recall. *Js
- Air bags
Takata airbag recall, my 2006 mazda IS listed as one of the cars noted for the takata recall. Please advise.
- Air bags
Takata recall my passenger airbag light came on a few months ago. It has stayed on.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Driving my way to work the car suddenly stop and jerk from transmission gear also on reverse I run diagnostics and came out to be tcm (transmission control module) I bought another one from lkq use, and replaced and the car start working fine again then after about almost 2 years I was driving on…
Driving my way to work the car suddenly stop and jerk from transmission gear also on reverse I run diagnostics and came out to be tcm (transmission control module) I bought another one from lkq use, and replaced and the car start working fine again then after about almost 2 years I was driving on a highway and suddenly and the at lights came on and almost have and accidents this time.my mechanic run a test with same results tcm not communication with transmission. I research this and there's a lot of problem with tcm out there but I guest that people haven't complaint , this IS issue the mazda know and they haven't done nothing about it. Thank you and hope the mazda open recall on the tcm. mazda 3 2006
- Engine · Unknown or other
My engine has a sudden burst of acceleration. I have to always be ready to drop it into neutral it happens upon the car starting to move
- Unknown or other
This vehicle's vin cannot be located in any system whatsoever. Not even in the mazda data base. I need to attend it's recalls.
- Electrical system · Steering
My car has been like loosing power when in stuck in traffic to the point it gas shut off in the middle of the highway and turns the power steering light. Now when I put gas on it and turn it on it turns off seems to be electrical but my mechanic told me it must be power steering pump gwtting defective. Well now it has no power steering but it dosent show the light on the panel either.
- Air bags
Airbag light has come one and stays on. There are numerous complaints and discussion of this issue.
- Power train
While driving the transmission shifts from a high gear to a low gear and shakes violently
- Suspension
While driving on a city street, I started to hear a banging noise coming from the rear of my car. When I got home and checked it out, I saw that the rear shock mount had busted from where it IS bolted into the wheel well. It has cracked across the entire mount from bolt to bolt. It's only a matter of time before it happens to the other rear shock.
- Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2006 mazda 3. The contact noticed that the seats of the vehicle were coming apart from the base. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (hodges mazda at the avenues, 10681 philips hwy, jacksonville, fl 32256) and repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 30,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I started noticing a strong smell of gasoline inside the car whenever I turned on ac. I thought it could be because of some leak but there was no leak anywhere outside the car. I have been using the car for the commute just within the city limits. When the smell continued to exist I took it to…
I started noticing a strong smell of gasoline inside the car whenever I turned on ac. I thought it could be because of some leak but there was no leak anywhere outside the car. I have been using the car for the commute just within the city limits. When the smell continued to exist I took it to earnhardt mazda dealership in scottsdale az where I was told that it could be a problem with the fuel pump and it needs to be replaced. But to make sure I went to firestone as well where it was confirmed that the fuel pump has a leak and needs replacement. I had to stop driving this car further because I was told that this can be dangerous. this car never went through any crash and has been maintained regularly. The summers in az are really hot so I'm not sure if this could have caused the problem. IS there any chance that mazda can investigate this and provide a replacement for this component?
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Car continuingly shows evap dtcs including p0443 and p0446 as well as either too rich or too lean fuel mixture and and O2 sensor issue code. Both O2 sensors were replace previously. The main concern IS dangerous and has already almost caused several accidents while the issue has occurred after…
Car continuingly shows evap dtcs including p0443 and p0446 as well as either too rich or too lean fuel mixture and and O2 sensor issue code. Both O2 sensors were replace previously. The main concern IS dangerous and has already almost caused several accidents while the issue has occurred after driving from a stopped position. The issue IS, when the vehicle stops at 0 mph, the normal idling rpm speed IS around 750rpm. During stops longer than a second, the car will lower the idle rpms to about 500rpm and stay until the throttle IS engaged. When the throttle IS engaged the vehicle hesitates and comes close to stalling. The vehicle will not power the wheels above about 1000rpms when the throttle IS fully depressed and the car will hesitate until the car starts to gradually move forward. This all IS happening in the intersection. As the car gets to the intersection, the car starts to pick up to about 1000 to 1500rpm and only then will the car start to fully drive forward without relation to driver's forced depression of the throttle. Basically the vehicle IS defiantly not going above 1500rpm until the vehicle IS a certain ways forward. This IS very dangerous and I have already had very close calls with a dodge durango, a tractor trailer, an unidentified sedan, and a toyota prius (of all the vehicles in the world). I was almost "t-boned" by a prius. this issue IS I believe to be an issue with the fuel system or engine as this issue only really occurs when it IS very very humid or hot out. Usually above 80 degrees with any humidity at all. could be a vaporlock, although somewhat unusual for a fuel injected vehicle, it isn't impossible.
- Steering
Started vehicle and power steering light came on, no power steering available. Went out less than 2 minutes later. Drove to work and after work started vehicle. Light came on again, no power steering, and remained that way intermittently for 45 minute drive home, mostly on. Vehicle parked since.
- Service brakes
Approaching a redlight at a highway intersection, my son pressed his foot down on on the brake and the brakes failed. the pedal went all the way to the floor and did not work at all and resulted in an accident that destroyed the car and injured the occupants of the car he struck. The car was…
Approaching a redlight at a highway intersection, my son pressed his foot down on on the brake and the brakes failed. the pedal went all the way to the floor and did not work at all and resulted in an accident that destroyed the car and injured the occupants of the car he struck. The car was purchased used. the previous owner had the brakes completely repaired when the same thing had happened while braking. I was not aware of the specifics of the brake repair until after the accident when I inquired as to why he had replaced the brake booster prior to my purchase. Internet searches after the accident seemed to indicate that this happened with some frequency to others and I wanted to make sure I let someone know.
- Steering
Driving down the road and went to make a turn and no power steering the light came on and has since cut on and off again working. We replaced the pump with another pump just the other day and it does the same thing.. This IS not very safe when turning it would kick on and work after not working right when you were trying hard to turn and making you lose control.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10225724Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213423Siriusxm satellite radio registration transfer after unit replacement
- 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
- 10213421Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
- 10213417Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10213399Brake noise, judder and dragging diagnosis and servicing
- 10213387Shock absorber replacement guidelines
- 10213385Stains appear on wheels
- 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
- 10213332Battery Maintenance
- 10213329Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed
- 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
- 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 10208567Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10208556Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10206002Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmission when it is operating.
- 10205994Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10202696Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:
- 10202695Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V.
- 10201777Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended. E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles. E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V. What if a customer puts E85 in there Mazda vehicle? Symptoms include: Rough Running, Lean Codes, Misfires and/or misfire codes, Lack of power, Poor fuel economy, Spark knock, Mechanical engine damage.
- 10200933This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10198691Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198689Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. Accessories E-catalog For models prior to 2016: Accessory Parts and Installation Instructions
- 10198574Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with a series of flat windows, which act like mirrors, the reflections all converge at one point, focusing and concentrating the light onto the street below.
Every Mazda MAZDA3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.