YearToAvoid

2006 Mazda Mazda3 Airbags Problems

NHTSA has 27 owner complaints about airbag problems in the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, 16% of all 166 complaints for this model year. That is #3 highest airbag complaint count among 21 Mazda3 model years. These complaints report 11 crashes and 10 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 57,000 miles.

Airbags complaints
27
16% of 166
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
10
Median mileage
57,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 29, 2006, latest Nov 2, 2021.

2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbags complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2006Jul 2007Jun 2012Sep 2014May 2015May 2018Jan 2020Nov 2021
27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2006 to Nov 2021; peak Jul 2014 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2006 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.

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 2006 Mazda Mazda3 have airbag problems?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints about the airbag in the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, 16% of all complaints for this model year, including 11 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 57,000 miles.
Which Mazda Mazda3 year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2007 Mazda Mazda3 has the most airbag complaints (36), compared with 27 for the 2006.
Is there a airbag recall for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 concerns the airbag: 21V494000.

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.