2005 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Mazda Mazda3 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 13th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict. It carries 97 complaints and 2 recalls, both airbag-related, well below several later Avoid years like 2010 (index 100).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 97
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 22.5 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2005 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags24 (25%)
- Engine24 (25%)
- Electrical System21 (22%)
- Steering15 (15%)
- Brakes7 (7%)
- Fuel System6 (6%)
- Other6 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in frontal crashes at moderate speed, around 35-40 mph, leaving drivers without protection.
- Steering wheel became stiff and hard to turn during a low-speed turn, preceded by a week of steering shake at any speed.
- Engine lost all power multiple times while driving at highway speed, causing loss of control before eventually leading to a guardrail impact.
- Engine compartment caught fire while driving to a dealership shortly after the owner noticed unusual engine noise.
- A front tire lost air suddenly and without warning, leading to loss of control and a median wall collision.
2005 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V494000Jul 1, 2021Airbags260,915 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
- NHTSA 04V559000Nov 22, 2004Airbags2 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
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.
2005 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 Mazda3 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 13th worst of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Mazda3 years.
- What are the biggest problem areas for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3?
- Airbags and Engine each account for 25% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 22% and Steering at 15%, based on NHTSA data.
- Does the 2005 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Mazda3, both involving the airbag system, including a 2021 campaign for a steering wheel airbag cover that could shatter and project fragments.
- How does the 2005 Mazda3 compare to other Mazda3 years?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 40 is lower than most Avoid-rated years like 2010 (index 100) and 2008 (index 95), and it performs better than the 2006-2012 range overall.
- At what mileage do 2005 Mazda3 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 65,915 miles, with airbag complaints centered around 70,000 miles and electrical issues around 83,525 miles.