2006 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
70/100
#7 most-complained of 21 Mazda3 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Mazda Mazda3 has 166 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 70 out of 100 — #7 highest of 21 Mazda3 model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (39 complaints, 23% of the total). Complaints report 21 crashes, 3 fires, and 15 injuries.
- Complaints
- 166
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 21 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 22.5 city / 30 hwy
Top 2006 Mazda Mazda3 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine39 (23%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (19%)
- Steering28 (17%)
- Airbags27 (16%)
- Electrical System23 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (13%)
- Brakes16 (10%)
- Structure & Body15 (9%)
- Other12 (7%)
- Fuel System4 (2%)
2006 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
2006 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.
2006 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 ranks #7 of 21 among Mazda3 model years (Complaint Index 70/100, verdict: Caution). It has 166 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (39 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (31 complaints), and steering (28 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 71,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, most recently reported 2021, covering airbags.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
- EPA rates the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 at 25.5 MPG combined (22.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.