KnownCarProblems2006 Mazda Mazda3 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 166 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, most often about the engine (21% of complaints, typically around 85,000 miles). It is 5th of 23 Mazda3 model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2006 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Engine
34 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Took the car into dealer for normal scheduled maintenance (oil change/tire rotation). Told that the #3 engine mount is cracked and needs to be replaced. Service advisor tells me that it is a general occurrence and that he sees 1-2 a week with cracked/broken #3 engine mounts. Mazda headquarters says that it is normal…
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond. The vehicle suddenly stalled while making a left turn.…
Steering
28 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, electric power assist system.
Power steering seems to quit - power steering warning light comes on. Since we were on a freeway, it was some time before we could get off the road. Steering was available, but very stiff. We turned of the engine and got power steering back/warning light off. Since then the power steering will "fail" (get stiff) as we…
2006 Mazda 3 I touring, started to have heavy steering problem without the steering light turning on at the dashboard. Failure occurs from standing stop to turn left or right while in intersection..hard to steer. Easier to steer while in motion. Been a problem for several months now. Dealer claims not included in the…
Air bags
27 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of another vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag deflated immediately after deploying. A police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises and chemical burns to…
Airbag light has come one and stays on. I called Mazda and have an incident report. This is a common issue and per Mazda, until they receive enough complaints, they will not recall, hence why I am filing this complaint.
Electrical
21 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.
This is not the first time I am having a problem. It started by the car not starting, then it would start and be fine for a couple months. Battery was not low, fluids were perfect, everything was tested and no problem was found. But there obviously a problem. Now, the car starts but I can't get it out of park and the…
While I was driving on 101n, I saw the power steering light illuminating. Steering wheel felt stiff and I have to fight it to keep the car in control while I was making a turn at 45mi/hr. I have experience this issue over 20 time now. On 12/7/12 this issue occurred so many times that I had to park my car at a random…
Transmission
21 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch assembly.
I was driving along and suddenly a loud noise, the check engine light came on and the car shifted from 4th to 3rd without losing speed (except from me taking my foot off of the gas when hearing the noise) all at the same time. My mechanic said the diagnostic machine pointed to the "turbine speed sensor", so this was…
The engine was cold. I entered the car, started the engine, shifted into reverse and the engine accelerated uncontrollably, screaming. I could not stop the car with full braking and shut off engine. I restarted and it worked normally. This also happen about a year ago and the dealer could find nothing wrong. Help!!!!
Wheels and tires
17 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 43,500 miles. Parts named most often: rim, sidewall.
I purchased a Mazda 3 new in april of 2006. Between 20,000 - 30,000 miles I noticed that the tires would probably need to be replaced soon. At 32,225 miles, my left front tire blew. The rubber was still attached to the rim, and the outer tread was still in one piece. The entire sidewall just exploded. These tires are…
I own a Mazda3 2006. The following are issues that have occured since I've owned the vehicle and I wanted everybody to be aware of them: 1) the dashboard clock was incorrect. It would lose time every day and started going back in time. Was fixed under warranty. 2) the tires have had to be replaced often. Not sure why…
Suspension
14 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact stated during routine maintenance, she was advised that the rear trailing arms were dry and malfunctioned. As a result of the failure the bushing on the rear suspension caused the tires to deteriorate on the inside. The dealer stated that the rear lower trailing links…
I hit a bump going about 30 MPH and after I hit the bump I kept hearing a clunk noise when I would run over a uneven part of the road! I took it to my mechanic and they couldn't figure it out. I figured it was something in my spare tire compartment or my seat belt in the back! Come to find out it was my rear strut…
Brakes
13 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 81,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, pedals and linkages.
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond. The vehicle suddenly stalled while making a left turn.…
I have, had (2), two brand new set, of tires from firestone put on this car. I was also told only those two sets can only be put on this Mazda 3. The car keep bucking on every street and every road. Every day and evening.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
Air bags: frontal
Risk: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2006 Mazda Mazda3
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (34 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); steering (28 complaints, typically around 68,500 miles); air bags (27 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 1, 2021 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Mazda Mazda3?
- It is 5th of 23 Mazda3 model years by number of complaints, with 166 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.