2006 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other MAZDA3 years
- More complaints than other years 5th of 23 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3. That ranks 5th out of 23 MAZDA3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (28 complaints, 17%), typically at around 68,500 miles. Complaints mention 21 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.
- 166owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 21complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 28 | 17% | 68,500 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 27 | 16% | 57,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 21 | 13% | 71,145 | — | — |
| Power Train | 21 | 13% | 95,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 17 | 10% | 98,166 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 10% | 41,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 14 | 8% | 75,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 14 | 8% | 32,225 | — | — |
| Structure | 12 | 7% | 70,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 5% | 106,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | 5% | 91,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 4% | 39,950 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | 3% | 32,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 2% | 113,500 | — | — |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 2% | 72,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 2 | 1% | 55,000 | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 1% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1% | 180,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1% | 2,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | 146,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1% | 140,000 | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1% | 39,825 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 1% | 52,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2006 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal
Problem: 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.
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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Thereâs a recal in my current steering wheel of the 2006 Mazda 3 sedan i recently purchased
The rear driver's side trailing arm broke into two pieces.
Im having issues with rust the car itâs getting pretty much the car itâs falling apart the under body itâs nothing but rust Iâm scared of changing a tire because thereâs actually not a good grip where I can lift the car without feeling itâs going to fall apart, the rear or the disks…
When I take the key out of the ignition the car doesn't recognize the key is out and won't stop beeping. I can't use the key fob to lock or unlock the car. I have to use the original door key to lock and unlock or the alarm will go off. I have replace the ignition switch cylinder 2 times and it…
The contact owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the driver-side airbag deployed without warning which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle. The contact was the only injured and sought medical treatment. The contact sustained…
Other Mazda MAZDA3 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 MAZDA3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 MAZDA3 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 MAZDA3 | 12 | 3 |
| 2023 MAZDA3 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 MAZDA3 | 24 | 0 |
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 54 | 1 |
| 2020 MAZDA3 | 32 | 2 |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 74 | 6 |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 108 | 4 |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 83 | 2 |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 104 | 6 |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 130 | 4 |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 138 | 4 |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 117 | 1 |
| 2012 MAZDA3 | 226 | 1 |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 132 | 2 |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 686 | 3 |
| 2009 MAZDA3 | 115 | 3 |
| 2008 MAZDA3 | 303 | 2 |
| 2007 MAZDA3 | 222 | 2 |
| 2006 | 166 | 1 |
| 2005 MAZDA3 | 97 | 2 |
| 2004 MAZDA3 | 145 | 2 |
See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.
Similar Mazda models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners most often report steering, air bags, electrical system problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 28 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MAZDA3 model years, the 2006 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.