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2006 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 108.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

124 reports with mileage · 42 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Power Train complaints

21 reports
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301 miles · Aug 10, 2006
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING IN "MANUAL" MODE ON MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL VIBRATION IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND VIBRATION COULD ALSO BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CAR, AS IF THE ENTIRE CAR WERE "WOBBLING". DROVE STRAIGHT HOME; HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT HAS BEEN …

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WHILE DRIVING IN "MANUAL" MODE ON MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AND SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL VIBRATION IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND VIBRATION COULD ALSO BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CAR, AS IF THE ENTIRE CAR WERE "WOBBLING". DROVE STRAIGHT HOME; HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT HAS BEEN (AS OF TODAY) FOR ELEVEN (11) DAYS. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ADVISED ME THAT THEY ARE CALLING IT "INTERNAL AXLE FAILURE" ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THEY ARE WAITING FOR PARTS, WHICH THEY SAY WILL TAKE ANOTHER FEW WEEKS TO COME IN; THE CAR IS SO NEW THERE AREN'T ANY AVALIABLE PARTS FOR IT?!? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165198

Official recalls

1

21V494000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 1, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.