CarRecallDB

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 115 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3.

3
recalls
115
owner complaints
11
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 11V329000 · reported June 15, 2011 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 103,300 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.
The risk
The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before july 15, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 10V374000 · reported August 12, 2010 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 215,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

NHTSA campaign 09V187000 · reported May 29, 2009 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 7,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda is recalling 7,100 my 2009 mazda3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.
The risk
Improper operation of the electronic stability control.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 14, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

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.

Mar 24, 2025 · Service brakes

Brake pedal sinks to the ground d after abs is turned on due to hard braking or after hitting a dip

Jan 21, 2025 · Fuel system, gasoline · 102,212 miles

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that previously there was an abnormally strong odor inside the vehicle and in the trunk. In addition, the contact stated that the odor was…

Apr 28, 2023 · Service brakes

For the past 9-10 months and on occasions, when I step on the brake pedal to either slow down or stop from a normal cruise speed, the engine rpm quickly jumps up to 2000 - 2500 rpm. I have to quickly brake harder and *place the auto transmission selector in NEUTRAL to fully stop the car from lunging forward*. The date…

Apr 28, 2023 · Steering

When driving and trying to negotiate a turn, or sometimes when going straight, the power assist steering simply fails (stops assisting the steering). I have to "muscle" the car off the roadway and either restart the engine or stop the car (off the road) straighten the steering wheel, restart the car, and the power…

Mar 24, 2022 · Exterior lighting

Brake lights are causing the top of the tail light to melt on the housing.

MAZDA3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2006 1166213
2007 2222283
2008 2303291
2009 3115111
2010 3686185
2011 2132122
2012 122691

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

Questions

Does the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on June 15, 2011 (Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (35 complaints), followed by tires (26).
How many 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
11 of 115 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 24, 2025.