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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

222 reports
106,000 miles · Aug 16, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

AS I PLACED THE MANUAL 5-DOOR SEDAN MODEL INTO REVERSE GEAR AND SLOWLY INCHED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, THE POWER TO THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING DIED AND A THE POWER STEERING WHEEL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. AS I PLACED THE CAR INTO FIRST GEAR AND BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD, GREAT DIFFICULTY WAS FELT TRYING TO GET TH…

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AS I PLACED THE MANUAL 5-DOOR SEDAN MODEL INTO REVERSE GEAR AND SLOWLY INCHED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, THE POWER TO THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING DIED AND A THE POWER STEERING WHEEL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. AS I PLACED THE CAR INTO FIRST GEAR AND BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD, GREAT DIFFICULTY WAS FELT TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE TO TURN AND THE AC AND RADIO KEPT TURNING OFF. AS I ATTEMPTED TO ENTER ONTO THE MAIN STREET, THE VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY TURNING AND ALMOST CREATED AN ACCIDENT. THIS INABILITY TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THE ELECTRICAL GOING OUT, RESULTED IN ME EVENTUALLY PULLING TO THE CURB AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER GIVING THE VEHICLE A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED IT AND HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL I WAS PULLING INTO MY APARTMENT COMPLEX ABOUT 15 MINUTES AWAY WHERE THE SAME POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I COULDN'T FULLY TURN THE VEHICLE. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND ARE EXACTLY THE SAME COMPLAINTS THAT CAN BE FOUND WITH NTHSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V374000

NHTSA ODI #11015625

75,000 miles · Jul 24, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

SINCE WE HAD THIS CAR, WE'VE HAD TO REPAIR THE ENGINE OXYGEN SENSOR AT LEAST 2 TIMES. WHY THIS CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION WE DON'T KNOW, BUT AT SOME POINT WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAULTY ENGINE/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PART.

NHTSA ODI #11010421

90,000 miles · Jul 13, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainSteering

THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE LOST ALL POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES, VERY SCARY! MAKES IT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TURNS! NOTICED IT LUCKILY AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A LARGE PARKING LOT. TRYING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION SO I CAN USE A CAR THAT ISN'T AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ODI #11005185

155,000 miles · May 8, 2017
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY AFTER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA ODI #10984303

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2017
Engine

CAR ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE. UPON RESEARCH, SEE THERE WAS A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST MAZADA FOR TIMING CHAINS. THIS UNBELIEVABLE. THE REPAIR COST IS OVER 1500.00 FOR SOMETHING THEY HAVE KNOW ABOUT FOR YEARS.

NHTSA ODI #10968662

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2017
Air Bags

MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, SOMETIMES IT TURNS OFF BUT GOES BACK ON AND STAYS ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW. I RECIEVE EMAIL FOR MAZDA RECALLS. I NOTICE THAT WERE TWO MAZDA RECALLS FOR AIR BAGS. RECALL NUMBER 2304J-A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING AND MADA RECALL NUMBER 2504K-A CRAC…

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MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, SOMETIMES IT TURNS OFF BUT GOES BACK ON AND STAYS ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW. I RECIEVE EMAIL FOR MAZDA RECALLS. I NOTICE THAT WERE TWO MAZDA RECALLS FOR AIR BAGS. RECALL NUMBER 2304J-A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING AND MADA RECALL NUMBER 2504K-A CRACK IN THE SOLDER CONNECTION ATTACHING THE ACCELERATION SENSOR IN THE SAS UNIT. I CALLED MAZDA ALL THEY HAD TO SAY THAT MY VIN NUMBER SHOWS NO RECALL. IM AFRAID IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT MY AIR BAG WILL NOT WORK. THIS RECALL SHOULD COVER MY MAZDA. PLEASE HELP, THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #10965905

125,000 miles · Mar 4, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

WHEN I START THE CAR AND START DRIVING THE POWER STEERING STIFFENS AND THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF AND THE HEAD LIGHTS LIKE ITS LOSING POWER. THEN IS I PUSH THE GAS TO GO THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITH THE STEERING WILL BEING HARD TO TURN THIS HAPPENED WHILE BACKING UP AND STARTING TO DRIVE ON THE REDIDENTIAL STREET

NHTSA ODI #10958603

105,000 miles · Feb 28, 2017
Service Brakes

I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE MAY BE THE SAME AS INVESTIGATION PE 16-017. THAT MENTIONS ONLY FORD/MERCURY CARS, BUT I THINK THEY SHARE SOME COMPONENTS WITH MAZDA3'S OF THE SAME YEARS. AFTER AN INCIDENT WHERE ABS ENGAGED WHILE BRAKING ON A SLIPPERY CITY STREET, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY "MUSHY" AND NOW THE BRAKES TAKE A WORRYING…

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I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE MAY BE THE SAME AS INVESTIGATION PE 16-017. THAT MENTIONS ONLY FORD/MERCURY CARS, BUT I THINK THEY SHARE SOME COMPONENTS WITH MAZDA3'S OF THE SAME YEARS. AFTER AN INCIDENT WHERE ABS ENGAGED WHILE BRAKING ON A SLIPPERY CITY STREET, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY "MUSHY" AND NOW THE BRAKES TAKE A WORRYINGLY LARGE AMOUNT OF TRAVEL (ALMOST TO THE FLOOR) TO SLOW THE CAR IN REGULAR DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #10957657

139,000 miles · Jan 29, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

MY BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING IS MELTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB IS MELTED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT SOCKETS ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHTS. I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND CARS WERE FLAGGING ME TO TELL ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT. I PULLED INTO A AUTO SHOP TO CHECK AND BOTH SIDES WERE MELTED. I HAD MY CAR SINCE 2…

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MY BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING IS MELTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB IS MELTED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT SOCKETS ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHTS. I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND CARS WERE FLAGGING ME TO TELL ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT. I PULLED INTO A AUTO SHOP TO CHECK AND BOTH SIDES WERE MELTED. I HAD MY CAR SINCE 2013 AND EVERYTHING WAS ORIGINAL STOCK. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES AND WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED THEY SAID IT MAY BE FAULTY FUEL PUMP, BECAUSE THAT'S THE ONLY CODE THAT SHOWS AND I ALREADY HAD EVERYTHING REPLACED. MY CAR VERY FREQUENTLY STALLS OUT (HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS) EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND O2 SENSOR. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT FLICKERS FREQUENTLY, WITH AND WITHOUT PASSENGERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10948368

95,000 miles · Jan 16, 2017
Air Bags

MAZDA DEALERSHIP SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING DUE TO THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON.

NHTSA ODI #10945550

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.