Does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on July 1, 2021 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (25 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (25).

How many 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

18 of 145 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3.

recalls

145

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 21V494000 · reported July 1, 2021 · Mazda North American Operations · 260,915 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 04V468000 · reported September 24, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 42,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a crack in the air bag crash zone sensor housing can allow water to enter the sensor, causing a short circuit and illuminating the air bag warning light.
The risk: If this problem exists, the air will not deploy as designed in certain types of frontal crashes, increasing the risk of death or serious injury to the driver and front seat passenger.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the crash zone sensor and replace it, if necessary. The recall began on october 28, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags25
Service brakes, hydraulic25
Power train24
Steering19
Engine and engine cooling17
Tires9
Electrical system8
Exterior lighting8
Structure8
Equipment5

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 18, 2024 · Exterior lighting
This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a "passenger junction box" that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license plate light and is…

Dec 21, 2023 · Tires · 150,000 miles · crash reported
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out. The contact's…

Aug 13, 2023 · Structure
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these…

Oct 28, 2021 · Air bags · 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor…

Mar 22, 2020 · Engine · 45 miles
THE CAR RAN GREAT FOR THE END OF 2019. I BOUGHT IT USED AT 145,000 MILES. THEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. NOW ITS STUCK IN LIMP MODE.

MAZDA3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2004	2	145	18	2
2005	2	97	16	3
2006	1	166	21	3
2007	2	222	28	3

Across all years, the 2010 MAZDA3 has the most complaints (686). All Mazda MAZDA3 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on July 1, 2021 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3?: Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (25 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (25).
How many 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 18 of 145 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 18, 2024.