YearToAvoid

2005 Mazda Mazda3 Airbags Problems

NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about airbag problems in the 2005 Mazda Mazda3, 25% of all 97 complaints for this model year. That is #5 highest airbag complaint count among 21 Mazda3 model years. These complaints report 8 crashes and 9 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 70,000 miles.

Airbags complaints
24
25% of 97
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
9
Median mileage
70,000 mi
Related recalls
2

When 2005 Mazda Mazda3 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 4, 2007, latest May 13, 2025.

2005 Mazda Mazda3 airbags complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2007Apr 2008Nov 2010Mar 2014Nov 2014Sep 2015Jan 2017May 2025
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2007 to May 2025; peak Nov 2010 (2).

Airbags recalls for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Airbags complaints by Mazda3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200524 (25%)
  2. 200627 (16%)
  3. 200736 (16%)
  4. 200822 (7%)
  5. 20095 (4%)
  6. 201026 (4%)
  7. 201129 (22%)
  8. 201217 (8%)
  9. 20137 (6%)
  10. 20144 (3%)
  11. 20154 (3%)
  12. 20166 (6%)
  13. 20172 (2%)
  14. 20180 (0%)
  15. 20196 (8%)
  16. 20200 (0%)
  17. 20214 (8%)
  18. 202212 (50%)
  19. 20231 (8%)
  20. 20241 (8%)
  21. 20251 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mazda Mazda3 have airbag problems?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about the airbag in the 2005 Mazda Mazda3, 25% of all complaints for this model year, including 8 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 70,000 miles.
Which Mazda Mazda3 year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2007 Mazda Mazda3 has the most airbag complaints (36), compared with 24 for the 2005.
Is there a airbag recall for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Mazda Mazda3 concern the airbag: 21V494000 and 04V559000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.