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2007 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 108.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

183 reports with mileage · 39 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 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports16 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

6 reports
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103,000 miles · Jun 5, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

MY VEHICLE FELT SHAKY WHICH CAUSED ME TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY CAUSING MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE TO RUN OVER A CURB. AFTER THE SCARE IT SEEMED TO DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. I ONLY HAD ABOUT A 5 MINUTE DRIVE TO WORK. WHEN GETTING TO WORK, AFTER BEING INSIDE A FEW MINUTES, A COWORKER POINTED OUT THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CAR. I WENT WITH A CO…

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MY VEHICLE FELT SHAKY WHICH CAUSED ME TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY CAUSING MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE TO RUN OVER A CURB. AFTER THE SCARE IT SEEMED TO DRIVE LIKE NORMAL. I ONLY HAD ABOUT A 5 MINUTE DRIVE TO WORK. WHEN GETTING TO WORK, AFTER BEING INSIDE A FEW MINUTES, A COWORKER POINTED OUT THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CAR. I WENT WITH A COWORKER TO CHECK, WE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT IN THE FRONT CLOSE TO WHERE THE BELTS ARE. WE QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FLAMES WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, AND I HAVE NOT TOUCHED THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ON 5/03/19.

NHTSA ODI #11218023

92,000 miles · Dec 24, 2016
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM CRACKED AT COUPLING UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SPEWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FUEL INTO THE CAB SOAKING THE REAR SEAT PAD FIRE RISK PRESENT WITH ELECTRIC PLUG THERE STRUTS ARE UNSTABLE AND NOISY VVT MAKES NOISE WHEN STARTED, GRINDING IN FRONT HUBS. VEHICLE HAS SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS DRIVING AND PARKED. AIRB…

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FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM CRACKED AT COUPLING UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SPEWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FUEL INTO THE CAB SOAKING THE REAR SEAT PAD FIRE RISK PRESENT WITH ELECTRIC PLUG THERE STRUTS ARE UNSTABLE AND NOISY VVT MAKES NOISE WHEN STARTED, GRINDING IN FRONT HUBS. VEHICLE HAS SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS DRIVING AND PARKED. AIRBAGS SYSTEM NON ACTIVE. OTHER ISSUES UNKNOWN BUT POSSIBLE 35.

NHTSA ODI #10937314

83,000 miles · Sep 7, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

ON 8/5/16 THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT INTO A MAZDA DEALER FOR A GASOLINE ODOR & ENGINE CODE # PO455. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A SPLIT FUEL PUMP RETAINING ALLOWED THE FUEL PUMP TO SEPARATE FROM THE FUEL TANK CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THANK GOODNESS. I MAY NOT HAVE HAD A SON TODAY. THE REPAI…

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ON 8/5/16 THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT INTO A MAZDA DEALER FOR A GASOLINE ODOR & ENGINE CODE # PO455. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A SPLIT FUEL PUMP RETAINING ALLOWED THE FUEL PUMP TO SEPARATE FROM THE FUEL TANK CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THANK GOODNESS. I MAY NOT HAVE HAD A SON TODAY. THE REPAIR CAME TO OVER $500.00. MAZDA DOES NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO COVER THE FULL COST. IN MY OPINION THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ITEM BUT A DEFINITE SAFETY DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #10904544

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON 30 MPH ROAD WITH 'STOP' SIGN AHEAD. AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MPH, TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHAKE, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF, INCLUDING OIL AND POWER STEERING, RPM FELL VERY CLOSE TO 0 (ZERO) AND CAR DIED. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE 'STOP' SIGN. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS…

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VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON 30 MPH ROAD WITH 'STOP' SIGN AHEAD. AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MPH, TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHAKE, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF, INCLUDING OIL AND POWER STEERING, RPM FELL VERY CLOSE TO 0 (ZERO) AND CAR DIED. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE 'STOP' SIGN. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ON, ANY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT PROVIDE POWER OR INPUT TO THE TRANSMISSION, NOW IN 1ST GEAR, TO MOVE THE CAR. CAR NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND THEN TURNED ON BEFORE IT COULD MOVE AGAIN. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 4 YEARS REGARDLESS OF SPEED. THE CAR HAS ALSO DECIDED TO STOP PROVIDING POWER WHILE IN MOTION WHILE IN MOVING TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MULTIPLE CAR CRASHES OR WORSE. MAZDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR SINCE THEY "CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THIS ISSUE IS SPORADIC AND OCCURS REGARDLESS OF SPEED (USUALLY AROUND 30 MPG OR LESS), WEATHER, DISTANCE TRAVELED, AMOUNT OF TIME CAR HAS BEEN IN CONSISTENT USE, ETC. MAZDA HAS EVEN HOOKED THIS CAR UP TO THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM AND NO ERROR CODE HAS BEEN FOUND. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY DOCUMENTED WITH OUR LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND PAPERWORK IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A TRUE LEMON SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. IT ONLY HAS ROUGHLY 55K MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588250

95,000 miles · Mar 16, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAUSE ,AFTER RUNNING CODE CHECK,P2004. RUNNER CONTROL VALE STUCK. REPLACE SOLENOID. FRONT STRUTS GONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572685

108,000 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN STUTTERING AND MISFIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN STUTTERING AND MISFIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #10522257

Official recalls

2

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.

10V374000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Aug 12, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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

1

PE10021 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist

Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Nov 29, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.