2006 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

1 recall and 166 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3.

1
recalls
166
owner complaints
21
complaints mentioning a crash
3
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.

2006 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.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Apr 23, 2024 · Unknown or other

There’s a recal in my current steering wheel of the 2006 Mazda 3 sedan i recently purchased

Jul 31, 2023 · Suspension

The rear driver's side trailing arm broke into two pieces.

Feb 22, 2023 · Structure

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…

Jan 20, 2023 · 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 still doesnt work…

Nov 2, 2021 · Air bags · crash reported

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…

MAZDA3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2004 2145182
2005 297163
2006 1166213
2007 2222283
2008 2303291
2009 3115111

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

Questions

Does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 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 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (28 complaints), followed by air bags (27).
How many 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
21 of 166 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 23, 2024.