The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, other individuals informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clock spring was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The worst 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags24
- Engine23
- Electrical17
- Steering15
- Brakes6
- Fuel system6
- Lights6
- Transmission5
- Seat belts3
- Suspension3
- Tires3
- Visibility3
- Body2
- Seats2
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
Airbag light 10Stalling 8Engine failure 6Power steering loss 6Check engine light 5
Recalls 2
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 21V494000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- On two passenger vehicles, a crack in the solder connection attaching the acceleration sensor in the sas unit made contact with the base plate, damaging the solder connection.
- Risk
- The airbag may not deploy when the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash and it can cause serious injuries.
- Remedy
- Dealers repaired these vehicles. The two vehicle owners were contacted by telephone on november 22, 2004, and these vehicles have been repaired.
Recall number 04V559000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 212
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows
- When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing...
- Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement
- Exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
What 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Randomly, the parking lights, tail lights, and climate control lighting will fail. This has happened to me multiple times over a number of years. Striking the right side of the center console will generally result in functionality being restored. Sometimes, simply turning the lights off and then on again results in the failure as well. My assumption, based on online forums where others have had the same issues, is that the Passenger Junction Box (PJB) is faulty. Striking the center console send vibrations to the PJB, resulting in it (usually) to start working again. While I do not regularly drive the vehicle at night, my concern is that without working tail lights, I could be involved in an accident OR be ticketed for my lights not working. Others online have had the same issues, and I believe it may be an issue in multiple vehicle models and model years.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to contact reach the manufacturer or the local dealer for the recall repair. The contact called the number to the local dealer and the manufacturer but was unable to schedule an appointment for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and had made it very difficult to resolve the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Invalid VIN.
Tires feather or cup in less than 25000 miles due to the rear wheel factory camber tire manufacturers do not recommend aggressive camber and will not warranty the tires for premature failure. Mazda and other manufacturers know that the aggressive camber causes tires to wear faster since they are not designed for this. The feathering drastically affect handling especially in wet weather. Tire manufacturers should state the maximum acceptable camber for their tires and manufacturers should choose appropriately design tires for this application. It is a safety issue since it happens with factory recommended alignment specs. The aggressive camber improves handling but tires are not designed for this. If the tire manufacturer will not back the tire for this application then the car manufacturer has improperly designed the suspension for passenger cars. This is the 3s model with only 135000 miles and 5th set of tires and alignment checked each time.
Engine failed entirely during routine highway driving, vehicle lost forward propulsion, eventually coming to complete stop on the road. There were zero warning or any notice at all that the engine was dying. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 1 hour, while help arrived.
While driving the vehicle at any rate of speed the steering wheel locks and sometimes shuts the car down. I was traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour on the highway and the power steering light on the dash illuminated and then the steering wheel locked ,making it almost impossible to steer and have control of the vehicle..another instance , I was in the middle of making a turn when the steering wheel locked, this time the entire vehicle shut down forcing me to quickly try to restart the engine.
I drive a 2005 mazda mazda3 sp23i, four-door sedan. A few months ago, while parked in the street, my son had reclined the passenger seat all the way back and when I asked him to return it into the upright position, a red warning light illuminated on my dashboard. The warning light has never gone off since and I am fearful that the airbag will not deploy in case of an accident.
Vehicle will not start unless key is on put into neutral then starts. Sometimes green p light does not light up.
Suddenly loss of steering power when backing out of driveway
Compare the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
MAZDA3 vs Ford FocusMAZDA3 vs Honda CivicMAZDA3 vs Toyota CorollaMAZDA3 vs Volkswagen JettaMAZDA3 vs Hyundai ElantraMAZDA3 vs Nissan SentraMAZDA3 vs Chevrolet CruzeMAZDA3 vs Subaru Impreza
Other model years
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
Is the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Owners have filed 97 complaints about the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3, fewer than a typical MAZDA3 model year.
What is the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 year score?
The 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3?
Airbags, with 24 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is engine (23).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
2 recalls, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 airbags?
Yes, 2 recalls: 21V494000, 04V559000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have bad airbags?
The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (36 complaints), 2011 (29 complaints) and 2006 (27 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2005 Mazda MAZDA3?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history