repaired · 2023 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
2004 Mazda MAZDA3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 145 owner complaints about the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-494 the manufacturer reports only 6% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 18, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 has problems
145 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
25Air bags12 crash/fire/injury
25Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
24Power train1 crash/fire/injury
19Steering1 crash/fire/injury
17Engine and engine cooling3 crash/fire/injury
9Tires
8Electrical system
8Exterior lighting
8Structure
3113 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 25 | 12 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 25 | 1 |
| Power train | 24 | 1 |
| Steering | 19 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 17 | 3 |
| Tires | 9 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 31 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
79kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 21 air bags complaints. 67% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles14under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other MAZDA3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MAZDA3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 safety ratings
2004 Mazda3 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MAZDA3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAIN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT…
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE PREGNANT AND DRIVING MY 2004 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BUT I WAS ON MY WAY TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE AN ULTRASOUND TO ENSURE MY CHILD WAS SAFE. NO INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED BUT I WAS CONCERNED. I WAS AT A STOP SIGN.
Own a 2004 MAZDA3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.