There’s a recal in my current steering wheel of the 2006 Mazda 3 sedan i recently purchased
The worst 2006 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.
- Engine34
- Steering28
- Airbags27
- Electrical21
- Transmission21
- Brakes14
- Suspension14
- Tires14
- Body12
- Acceleration7
- Fuel system4
- Lights3
- Seats3
- Wheels3
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
Check engine light 11Power steering loss 11Jerking 10Airbag light 9Stalling 9No deployment 7Loss of power 6Won't start 6Knocking 5
Recalls 1
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
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 192
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- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid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 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The rear driver's side trailing arm broke into two pieces.
Im having issues with rust the car it’s getting pretty much the car it’s falling apart the under body it’s nothing but rust I’m scared of changing a tire because there’s actually not a good grip where I can lift the car without feeling it’s going to fall apart, the rear or the disks it’s falling by chunks and just yesterday the rear shock plate broke out of place because it’s way too rust same thing with my muffler I don’t feel safe I’m My car which I love, I truly do but I feel like at any minute its just going to break apart right now it’s the shock rear driver side but I feel like next a tire or my brake disks are going to break like I said I don’t even feel safe to change a tire
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 still doesnt work. There is a little bit of "play" that is keeping it from not beeping and beeping. I can take it out slowly and it will work but then it slips again and I get locked out of the car and the alarm goes off again until I use the key to manually unlock the car door.
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 bruising on the right wrist and chest. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable
This vehicle has one unrepaired recall. When I tried to make an appointment with the Mazda dealer to correct it, no recall is found after giving my VIN number. Is there any other way to have them repair it?
My 2006 Mazda was in a serious accident last month and my air bag did not inflate properly along with the warning logo a few days before the accident. My car was picked up and released to Geico yesterday for inspection from their at fault driver totalling my vehicle. It was a head on collision so the air bag is a big factor in a serious wreck. It was confirmed to have an active recall. The warning logo appeared on my dash right before the accident that caused a broken and dislocated hip resulting into two surgeries and a long recovery period.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2006 mazda mazda3. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH and crashed into another vehicle towing a trailer, which flipped the vehicle upside down and dragged the vehicle for unknown miles. The contact stated no air bags deployed. The contact stated her son was had his hand outside of the vehicle and lost 4 fingers on his left hand and had a brain bleed. Medical attention was sought for his injuries. A police report was filed. The insurance deemed the vehicle loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. *dt consumer stated vehicle flipped 5 or 6 times, it finally ended up upside down after and airbags did not deployed. *jb skidding 600 feet, no airbags deployed.*jb
I have, had (2), two brand new set, of tires from firestone put on this car. I was also told only those two sets can only be put on this mazda 3. The car keep bucking on every street and every road. Every day and evening.
Letter expressing concerns regarding mazda's recall for takata air bags. *ld the consumer was informed the vehicle was not apart of the recall.
Compare the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
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Other model years
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
Is the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3, 1.4 times a typical MAZDA3 model year.
What is the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 year score?
The 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 59 out of 100 (below 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 2006 Mazda MAZDA3?
Engine and cooling, with 34 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is steering (28).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have bad engine?
The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (36 complaints), 2006 (34 complaints) and 2010 (31 complaints).
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