The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Mazda
MAZDA3Problems & recalls

145 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 31 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 145 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components31 reports
Brakes26 reports
Air bags25 reports
Transmission & drivetrain24 reports
Engine21 reports
Steering19 reports
Body & structure8 reports
Electrical system8 reports
Fuel system7 reports
Suspension3 reports
Visibility2 reports
See original component labels
STEERING17
AIR BAGS16
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR8
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
POWER TRAIN7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
TIRES6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION4
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
ENGINE4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SEAT BELTS3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
TIRES:SIDEWALL2
PARKING BRAKE2
STRUCTURE2
WHEELS2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
STEERING:LINKAGES1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM1
STEERING:COLUMN1
TIRES:BEAD1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
VISIBILITY1
EQUIPMENT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
SEATS1
SUSPENSION1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 18, 2024
Mileage, where supplied

59,151 miles is the median among 111 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 15,000–96,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jul 1, 2021 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 21V494000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 4921G

Read campaign 21V494000 at NHTSA
Apr 2, 2009 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 09E011000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E011000 at NHTSA
Sep 24, 2004 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 04V468000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 2304J

Read campaign 04V468000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

249 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-055-26Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.NHTSA ID 11037013

Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11037013 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions09-022-26This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integra…NHTSA ID 11035599

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035599 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-029-26This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that s…NHTSA ID 11032103

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

Components: ENGINE · POWER TRAIN · SERVICE BRAKES · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032103 at NHTSA
Dec 10, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07-004-25aA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling u…NHTSA ID 11026904

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11026904 at NHTSA
Aug 22, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-039/25Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a …NHTSA ID 11022742

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11022742 at NHTSA
Jun 19, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-032-25Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin…NHTSA ID 11020039

Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leaves, dust, dirt....ect.) may fall on the blower motor causing a fluttering type noise or odor.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020039 at NHTSA
Apr 25, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07-004-25A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling u…NHTSA ID 11017699

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017699 at NHTSA
Aug 15, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-058-24Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.NHTSA ID 11007022

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007022 at NHTSA
Aug 8, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions09-038-24In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s respons…NHTSA ID 11006987

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the “Speedometer Replacement Label”. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda’s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO’s services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006987 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-011-24bMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or…NHTSA ID 11005671

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11005671 at NHTSA
Jun 7, 2024 OtherSA-011-24aMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or…NHTSA ID 11003398

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003398 at NHTSA
Feb 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSA-011-24Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or…NHTSA ID 10251387

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · POWER TRAIN · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · STEERING · TIRES · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251387 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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