2007 Mazda Mazda3

Above average

Owners filed 222 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Mazda Mazda3 years to avoid. Which Mazda Mazda3 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
73,000 milesMedian miles at failure

182 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Mazda Mazda3 problems

74 of the 222 complaints (33%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering71
501
Air Bags · airbags27
9014
Engine15
000
Electrical System11
010
Service Brakes · brakes7
000
Power Train · transmission7
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights6
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control6
203
Tires5
100

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal21V494000
Filed Jul 1, 2021260,915 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System10V374000
Filed Aug 12, 2010215,000 vehiclesMazda Motor Corp

Defect. MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Risk. POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

Equipment09E011000
Filed Apr 2, 20092,323 vehiclesThule, Inc.

Defect. 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 WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.

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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2026195,081 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The contact stated that the steering then seized. While checking the NHTSA.gov website, the contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V374000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, and confirmed there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,081.

Steering
Filed Jul 26, 2025PA

Intermittently spanning several months, there is a sudden loss of power steering as the vehicle is in motion. Warning lights light up on the vehicle as power steering and power brakes are disengaged. Even though I provided a video of power steering loss, where a slight turn of the steering wheel engages this failure, where the dash board lights flash as power steering fails, the dealership will not fix anything they can’t duplicate in their shop. I guess they don’t believe their lying eyes, and don’t accept the video as proof of anything. It is doing exactly what it was recalled for back in September 15, 2010. Recall #10V374000. Mazda Corporate has been notified. Case # 00342901. There are known fixes for this problem. Mazda has done these repairs on hundreds of thousands of times. Dealership told me they will do nothing unless they can duplicate the problem. In reality it might take a month or more for this to show up at some unpredictable time and place. I have a potentially dangerous scenario awaiting me. Driving this vehicle in it’s present condition is recipe for a crash. This was a problem that Mazda addressed and fixed in the past. Being that it was done hundreds of thousands of times, I’m fairly certain that none of those fixes were predicated by mechanics having to see those issues in their shops before they did the repairs.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 8, 2025CT

Radio stopped working.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 27, 2022GA

My daughter and I were on the way to O'Reilly when we turned at a short curve going under 20 miles and the steering wheel got loose and the brakes wouldn't stop us. The car just kept swerving all over the road and we ended up in a ditch the day after my husband purchased the car.

Steering
Filed Aug 10, 2022206,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda M3. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel of the vehicle become hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic for diagnosis, and he stated the vehicle was experiencing the same failure as NHTSA Campaign Number:10V374000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and they both stated that the vehicle's VIN was not under recall NHTSA Campaign Number:10V374000 (Steering) and she had to pay out of pocket. The failure mileage was 206,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 4, 2022SC

Power steering failure causing rust on car components. When turning my steering wheel to the left or right there is a noise the car makes and it jumps gear shifts making it very unsafe to drive this car. Also there is an electrical power issue with the car. I just bought a new battery for the car but there still seems to be a shortage And I have to power jump the car every time I tune the car off and have to start the the car up. This is very unsafe for me as the driver and unsafe for those around my when driving because of the locking steering wheel.

Steering
Filed Jun 27, 2022150,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V374000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 23, 2022MO

Got a email stating I had a recall on my air bags

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 2, 2021TX

While driving engine started to sound louder and vibrating eventually engine shifted seems that one or more of the engine mounts completely broke.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 16, 2021OR

The airbag light on Dash comes on and goes off randomly then going on for 6 months. Obviously there's an open circuit in system that others have as well See a lot of others on here with the same problem over 100,000 miles

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 21, 2021CA

The brake light bulb has melted and burnt out the brake light housing assembly multiple times, I have purchased multiple brake light housing assembly and the issue continues. Clearly this is a manufacturing defect that is a safety/fire hazard.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2021NM

After a hard brake event to avoid a crash, brake pedal is soft and loses pressure. Identical to many, many Ford and Mitsubishi reports on models that use the same ABS equipment. ABS valves probably leaking internally. Dealer refuses to remedy and insists brakes are fine - they are not, significantly worse since hard brake incident. OEM ABS part no longer available (I wonder why?) so the only repair option is a used part that is probably also defective in manufacture.

SteeringCrash
Filed Jun 7, 2021101,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated their daughter was driving at 15 mph, when making a right turn the steering wheel locked up causing the driver to hit a curb and crash the vehicle into a mailbox. There were no warning lights illuminated on the vehicle, however, the driver stated there was a beeping noise coming from the vehicle once the steering wheel locked up. There was no one injured. There was no medical treatment at the scene. A police report was filed. There was damage where the front bumper of the vehicle came off and the front passenger side. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 101,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 9, 2021180,000 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. AS I WAS GOING AROUND A TURN GETTING IT HOME IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. AFTER THAT MY POWER STEERING WOULD COME AND GO WHILE DRIVING UNTIL IT STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION. I WAS IN MOTION WHILE IT STOPPED WORKING AND RANDOMLY STARTED WORKING AGAIN. SEVERAL TIMES.

Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2021108 milesID

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED WITH SALVAGE TITLE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2021. I TOOK IT TO BE INSPECTED AND I NEEDED BOTH BELTS REPLACED, THEY HAD TO TIGHTEN BACK DOWN MY STRUTS IN FRONT, MY POWER STEERING WAS ACTING FUNNY AND MAKING NOISE AND MY INTERMEDIATE SPEED SHAFT SENSOR IS GOING BAD BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON FOR THE SAME CODE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BUT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT IT WAS SERIOUS DAMAGE. WHEN DRIVING BARELY TURNING THE WHEEL THE CAR MAKES A WHINING NOISE, THE VEHICLE STILL SWAYS A LITTLE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BUT THE ALIGNMENT WAS JUST DONE YESTERDAY. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT ETC NEW TIRES AND MOUNT AND BALANCE MY CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WERE BOTH SHAKING REALLY BADLY AND JERKING ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2020130,000 milesSC

MY VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ON FRIDAY. I PARKED IT, LATER STARTED IT AND STARTED TO MOVE. HEARD A CRASH. MY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE FELL. MOTOR MOUNTS BROKEN, DAMAGED MY AXLE.

Steering
Filed Sep 24, 2020245,153 milesIL

POWER STEERING QUITS WORKING WHILE DRIVING .POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH TO WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS MAKE STEERING SUPER HARD TO TURNING WHILE DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE ITS UNEXPECTED.

Steering
Filed Feb 25, 20204 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT LEAST 3 TIMES THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND MAKES THE CAR UNABLE TO DRIVE AND IS VERY SCARY WHILE ON THE ROAD. A FEW LIGHT INDICATES FLASH ON MY DASH AND THE RADIO RESETS. I EVEN SAW MY RADIO RESET IN BETWEEN THE MAJOR EPISODES WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE 3 TIMES IT HAPPENED ROUGHLY 25-30 MPH AND WAS TURNING THE VEHICLE. I LOCATED A RECALL I BELIEVE # 6010H FOR STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, BUT IT IS FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER APRIL 2, 2017. MY CAR WAS ASSEMBLED ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006. IT STATES THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR MANUFACTURED 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE RECALL IS NOT COVERED AS THIS COULD CAUSE A SEVERE ACCIDENT WHERE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH MY KID IN THE CAR. PLEASE UPDATE THE RANGE OF THE RECALL TO SAVE MORE LIVES.

Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2020115,000 milesNJ

MY 17YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2007 MAZDA3 WHEN HER POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SHE WAS TAKEN BY SURPRISE BUT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO SAFETY OFF THE ROAD. SHE RESTARTED THE CAR AND HAD STEERING FOR LESS THAN A MINUTE. I FOUND THE RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR, WITH THESE EXACT SYMPTOMS, BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS VIN. MAZDA CORP ACKNOWLEDGED THE RECALL BUT SAID SINCE THE NHTSA DIDN'T INCLUDE THIS VIN THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. JUDGING BY THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS I THINK THE NHTSA SHOULD RECONSIDER EXPANDING THE SCOPE.

Steering
Filed Dec 12, 201969,000 milesNE

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS 70,000 MILES. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST. THE RECALL SHOULD BE WIDENED TO INCLUDE MORE VEHICLES THAT ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2019210,548 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, STEERING ABILITY, AND THE RADIO SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,548.

Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 2019UT

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY JERK AS IF BRAKING QUICKLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AT (AUTO-TRANSMISSION) LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR WILL THEN JUMP DOWN TO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, DISALLOWING IT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. IT WILL REMAIN STUCK ON THE LOWER GEAR WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. A FEW TIMES, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED PROBLEM, THE CAR HAS ALSO LOST POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND NOT A SINGLE ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED, SO THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO PREDICTING WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AS IT SEEMS TO COMPLETELY RANDOM. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY WHILE GOING 70 AND THROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS WHEN ONLY GOING 25. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT OR GIVE A PRECURSOR TO WHAT HAPPENED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE CAR JUMPING GEARS AND LOSING POWER STEERING. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS.

Power Train
Filed Sep 3, 2019155,000 milesOH

CAR RANDOMLY LOSES POWER, LOSS OF STEERING AND THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT BLINKS. IT GETS HARD TO CONTROL AND THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF. NO MATTER WHERE OR WHAT THE CONDITIONS.

Steering
Filed Aug 6, 20192,034,558 milesKY

MY CAR JUST GOT TO WHERE IT WON'T STEER AND SEEING IT WON'T STEER IT WON'T START NOW . IF U TAP ON THE STEERING PUMP THE CAR WILL START BUT ONCE SHUT OFF IT WON'T START AGAIN..

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 17, 201985,000 milesWA

ENGINE MOUNT BOLT FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO DROP ONTO AXEL. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL FRONT AXEL WAS REPLACED AND THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT WAS REPLACED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash2 injured
Filed Jun 29, 201915,000 milesGA

I HAD JUST GOT MY GRANDSON AND WAS TRAVELING DOWN I75 IN GA I WAS GOING TO MERGE INTO THE NEXT LANE FROM THE FAST LANE, I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SIDE MIRROR AND THEN BACK IN FRONT, I HAD PLENTY OF TIME AND ROOM, AS I STARTED TO MERGE IT WAS LIKE I COULD HARDLY TURN THE WHEEL AND LIKE I WAS BREAKING INSTEAD OF SPENDING UP TO GET INTO THE OTHER LANE, IT HAPPENED SO FAST I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD TAKEN PLACE BECAUSE I NEVER SHOULD HAVE HIT THE CAR, SUV. IN FRONT OF ME, I HIT HIM WITH MY LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT, BUT IF MY CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING AS IT SHOULD HAVE I WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE LANE AND PASSING HIM I WAS STUNNED, AND I DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ANY OF THE RECALLS ON MY CAR, AND I WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BROUGHT IT, NEW FROM TIME TO TIME AND HAD WORK DONE, MAINTENANCE AND WAS NEVER TOLD BUT I SURE KNEW WHEN MY TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT AND THEY SAID I WAS PASSED WARRANTY ON IT SO I ORDERED A NEW ONE AND HAD THEM INSTALL IT BUT NEVER TOLD ANYTHING ABOUT THE 2 RECALLS AND WHEN I WAS IN THE COLLISION I TOLD MY FRIEND WHO CAME TO GET ME SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR, IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN AND IT SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE BRAKES. I GUESS THAT'S WHAT SAVED OUR LIVES BUT IF IT HAD NOT HAPPENED I WOULD NEVER HAVE HAD THE WRECK MY CAR WAS TOTALED, I WAS NOT HURT NOT BAD JUST BRUISED BY THE AIRBAG AND MY GRANDSON HAD SEATBELT MARKS ON HIS NECK AND WAIST. OF COURSE I TOOK PICTURES AND I WILL UP LOAD THEM FOR YOU

Steering
Filed Jun 7, 201942,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 2019143,000 milesGA

NEARLY EVERY TIME WHILE DRIVING, A YELLOW "AT" SIGN WILL APPEAR AS THE GEAR WILL JUMP FROM WHATEVER IT IS TO 3, CAUSING A SUDDEN, SHARP JERK (AS IF ONE SUDDENLY BRAKED), BEFORE GOING BACK TO WHATEVER GEAR IT WAS IN. THIS HAS OCCURED MANY TIMES ONE INSTANCE AT A TIME, BUT SEVERAL TIMES 3-8 TIMES IN RAPID SUCCESSION. ALSO, AT TIMES THE GEAR # INDICATOR WILL FLICKER AND DISAPPEAR WHILE JUMPING THROUGH DIFFERENT NUMBERS, ALSO CAUSING THE TRACTION AND AT WARNING LIGHTS TO APPEAR. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY JERK, SLOW, AND SHIFT UNPREDICTABLY. THE CAR CAN ALSO GO INTO "LIMP MODE", IN WHICH THE GEAR GETS STUCK IN 3RD FOR A PERIOD OF TIME (USUALLY 2 MINUTES TO UNTIL RESTARTING THE CAR). ALL OF THESE ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR THE DRIVER AND DRIVERS AROUND THEM, AS THE CAR MAY SUDDENLY STOP OR SPEED UP WITH ZERO WARNING TO ANYONE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 5, 2019103,000 milesKY

MY VEHICLE FELT SHAKY WHICH CAUSED ME TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY CAUSING MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE TO RUN OVER A CURB. AFTER THE SCARE IT SEEMED TO DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. I ONLY HAD ABOUT A 5 MINUTE DRIVE TO WORK. WHEN GETTING TO WORK, AFTER BEING INSIDE A FEW MINUTES, A COWORKER POINTED OUT THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CAR. I WENT WITH A COWORKER TO CHECK, WE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT IN THE FRONT CLOSE TO WHERE THE BELTS ARE. WE QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FLAMES WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, AND I HAVE NOT TOUCHED THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ON 5/03/19.

Steering
Filed May 24, 2019169,000 milesOH

WHEN MY VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WILL ABRUPTLY STOP FUNCTIONING. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING.

Service Brakes
Filed May 8, 201989,000 milesID

THE CAR IDLES VERY HIGH WHICH PREVENTS IT FROM SHIFTING INTO GEAR MOST OF THE TIME. THE IDLE AND RPMS WILL ALSO ACCELERATE WHEN NO ONE IS TOUCHING THE GAS WHILE DRIVING MAKING THE CAR SPEED UP WHEN YOU ARE NOT SPEEDING UP. WHEN THESE ISSUES ARE HAPPENING THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING IT (WHILE IT IS STILL ON AND BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE ROAD) OR SOMETIMES WILL REV UP WHEN YOU PUSH ON THE BREAK CAUSING IT TO LAUNCH FORWARD. MY CAR HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE IT DIED WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE FREEWAY AND THE STARRING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED TO DRIVE ME OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT HAS ALSO LAUNCHED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HIT CARS IN FRONT OF ME.

Steering
Filed Apr 10, 201963,000 milesIN

POWER STEERING PUMP HAD SUDDEN FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. LOCAL IN-TOWN DRIVING. RESTART AFTER COOLDOWN OPERATES, BUT FAILS AFTER TIME. THIS SEEMS IDENTICAL TO : NHSTA RECALL 10V374000 RECALL DATE 08/12/2010 COMPONENT STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM HOWEVER, THIS RECALL IS FOR MAZDA'S PRODUCED FROM 04/07. VIN IN THIS EXAMPLE WAS MANUFACTURED 02/07

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 201975,000 milesMD

THE FIBERGLASS TUNNEL HEAT SHIELD HAD DETERIORATED AND PARTS OF THE FIBERGLASS WERE FALLING ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPING AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BURNING. THE ODOR FROM THE BURNING WAS NOTICEABLE BOTH INSIDE THE CAR AND WHEN STANDING OUTSIDE NEXT TO THE ENGINE. BURNING OCCURRED BOTH WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 2019MN

POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AS WELL AS THE CLOCK AND RADIO. THIS HAPPENED ON FRIDAY.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 10, 201820,000 milesNC

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET WHEN SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BACK IN OCTOBER 2018 WERE SHE FLIPPED INTO A STREAM. SHE ESCAPED WITH BRUISES AND CUTS, I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT NOTHING WORSE HAPPEN TO HER. WHEN THE WRECKER WAS PULLING HER CAR OUT, I NOTICED THAT THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS CRUSHED IN AS WELL AS THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAZDA 3 THAT WE PURCHASED FOR OUR DAUGHTER WAS TOTALED BUT NO AIRBAGS EVER CAME OUT. THE COP, EMS WORKER, AND I WAS WONDERING WHY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I KEPT CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON HER CAR BUT THE WEBSITE KEEPS SAYING 0. I REALLY THINK THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED PROMPTLY!

Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2018175,000 milesCA

POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. SOMETIMES I NEED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO PREVENT A CRASH DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 3, 2018123,000 milesID

VERY BAD VIBRATION FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO FAILED AND COLLAPSED MOTOR MOUNTS

Suspension
Filed Jun 29, 2018OR

I HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE SETS OF NEW TIRES FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT ALL THE COMPLAINTS SAY ABOUT THE TIRES WEARING ON THE INSIDE WALLS. I HAVE HAD A FEW PROFESSIONALS LOOK TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND NONE OF THEM CAN FIND ANYTHING. I NOW EXPERIENCE SHAKING OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHENEVER. JUST IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE PURCHASED 6 NEW TIRES. I AM AFRAID I WILL DIE IN AN ACCIDENT IF DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. PLEASE HELP!! MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR SHAKES, THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES AND BACK DRIVER SIDE WEAR DOWN TO THE THREADS ON THE INSIDE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash1 injured
Filed Jun 21, 2018141,000 milesNH

I HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY STEERING LOCKED UP SO I COULDN'T STEER MY STEERING WHEEL . I ROLLED MY CAR AND NEARLY WAS KILLED

Steering
Filed Jun 13, 2018184,850 milesTX

WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, MY RADIO TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON AND MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE SO IT WAS REALLY UNSAFE AND I COULD HAVE WRECKED. SUDDENLY THE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE, ABOUT 3 MINUTES LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THEN WENT BACK TO NORMAL.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 10, 2018SC

TAKATA RECALL. THE MOTOR TO THE SUNROOF CAME DOWN AND PULLED WIRES LOSE TO CAUSE THE MOTOR IN THE SUNROOF TO BURN UP. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE MAZDA DEALER SAID O WELL.

Engine
Filed May 25, 20182,400 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND SHAKING. ALSO, WHEN THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE "CHECK ENGINE" AND "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION" INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WILSON AUTOMOTIVE IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,400.

Steering
Filed May 16, 201899,300 milesCT

WHEN DRIVING YOU LOOSE POWER AND POWER STEERING. ALSO I UNDER STAND THIS IS UNDER RECALL, BUT THEY CUT THE RECALL SHORT OF MY DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF 01/07

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2018HI

TAKATA RECALL. INQUIRING IF THIS VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL.

Steering
Filed Jan 18, 2018129,900 milesNH

WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH ON THE HIGHWAY AT TYPICAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE DASH LIGHT TURNED ON. THIS WAS PRECEDED BY THE STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS TURNING ON. THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS TURNED OFF AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE. THE STEERING LIGHT STAYED ON. LATER, AS I WAS MAKING A SECOND 90 DEGREES LEFT TURN WITHOUT POWER ASSIST, THE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK SUDDENLY WHILE STILL TURNING. THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS AT AN IDEAL LEVEL BETWEEN MIN & MAX MARKER WHEN I PARKED. THE SUDDEN AND RANDOM LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS WELL AS THE UNEXPECTED RETURN OF THE FUNCTIONALITY ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE INABILITY TO TURN AS EXPECTED MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL AND ULTIMATELY A COLLISION. I NOTIFIED MAZDA USA OF THE FAILURE (800-222-5500) BUT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN DEC 2006 IT'S NOT COVERED BY THE 2010 RECALL # 10V374000 FOR THE STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IS THE SAME.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 18, 2018121,785 milesCA

TECH SCANNED ECU AND FOUND THE FOLLOWING CODES: B2232 AIRBAG CIRCUIT OPEN- LOOP #2 DRIVERS SIDE. LIGHT SENSOR IS ON, AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. MANY ONLINE FORUMS HAVE DISCUSSED ISSUE EVOLVING AFTER 100K. MANY PEOPLE HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET. I AM AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT GO AWAY IF TRYING TO JUST RESET IT. IT WILL ILLUMINATE AGAIN WITHIN SECONDS OF VEHICLE BEING TURNED ON.

Steering
Filed Jan 4, 201881,000 milesNC

OUR 2007 MAZDA 3 HAD A SUDDEN POWER STEERING FAILURE AT ONLY 81,000 MILES, EXACTLY THE SAME FAILURE AS THE THOUSANDS RECALLED BY MAZDA FOR MODEL YEARS 2007-2009. MAZDA REFUSED TO OFFER ANY HELP BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN LATE 2006 (VIN STATES 2007 MODEL YEAR) EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE IDENTICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM, SAME PART NUMBERS. I'VE SPENT HOURS TRACKING DOWN INFO AND TRYING TO FIND PARTS TO GET THE CAR BACK ON THE ROAD. UNLESS MAZDA WIDENS THE RECALL, OTHER MAZDAS, TECHNICALLY OUTSIDE THE RECALL LOT, WILL REMAIN ON THE ROAD AND POSE A DANGER TO THE LIVES OF THE DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS. THE STEERING ASSEMBLY IS PART NUMBER BR5V-32-600J.

Steering
Filed Dec 28, 201781,000 milesNC

WE'VE HAD NO SIGNS OF POWER STEERING PROBLEMS UNTIL A SUDDEN FAILURE TODAY, CLASSIC SIGNS OF THE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. OUR VEHICLE HAS ONLY 81,000 MILES ON IT, WAS MANUFACTURED IN 09/06, VIN PRIOR TO THE RECALL BATCH, BUT, BASED ON THE FAILURE, IT APPEARS EARLIER VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED AS WELL. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA USA (NO RESPONSE YET) AND THE DEALER WHO SAID ANY FIX HAS TO COME FROM CORPORATE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.

Steering
Filed Oct 23, 2017102,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE LIGHTS FLASH, RADIO CUTS OUT, ENGINE GLITCHES AND DASH LIGHTS COME ON, THEN POWER STEERING IS LOST. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING MAKES CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE. THE POWER STEERING MAY COME BACK TO NORMAL AFTER A FEW SECONDS OR MAY TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO RETURN MAKING CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE FRIGHTENING AND UNSAFE. EPISODES WILL OCCUR RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING (OTHER THAT FLASH OF LIGHTS AND RADIO CUT OUT FOR BRIEF MOMENT). EPISODES OCCUR FREQUENTLY AND WHILE VEHICLE IS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AS WELL AS WHEN STOPPED, BUT TYPICALLY WHILE DRIVING.

Steering
Filed Oct 16, 201767,000 milesGA

POWER STEERING WOULD RANDOMLY COME AND GO, UPON CRANKING THE (STATIONARY) CAR OR BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. PROBLEM SEEMED TO RESOLVE (WENT AWAY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS) AFTER I ADDED PS FLUID WITH "STOP LEAK", BUT THEN PROBLEM BRIEFLY REOCCURRED ONE MORE TIME. PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR MONTHS, BUT IS IT GONE FOR GOOD? THERE WAS NEVER ANY SIGN OF A LEAK, AND MECHANIC DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. PROBLEM BEGAN AT AROUND 67,000 MILES.

Complaints 1-50 of 222, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20258100Routine
202412300Routine
202312021Fatalities reported
202224000Routine
202154120Routine
202032200Routine
201974600Routine
2018110401Fatalities reported
201784200Routine
2016104610Do not drive
2015130420Do not drive
2014138410Routine
2013117120Routine
2012226110Above average
2011132220Routine
2010686350Above average
2009115410Routine
2008303310Above average
2007 — this page222330Above average
2006166230Routine
200597330Routine
2004145320Routine

Compare every Mazda3 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 1, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.