2007 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 Mazda Mazda3 ranks 3rd worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 90 and 222 complaints, mostly tied to steering (40% of complaints). Two recalls cover power steering and airbag module covers, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Mazda3 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 222
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 28
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 28
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 28 / 0
Top 2007 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering89 (40%)
- Engine39 (18%)
- Airbags36 (16%)
- Electrical System28 (13%)
- Brakes24 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires24 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (8%)
- Structure & Body11 (5%)
- Fuel System10 (5%)
- Other6 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering suddenly becomes stiff or locks up at highway speed, causing loss of control.
- Power steering assist can fail suddenly, sometimes leading to a crash into a fixed object.
- Airbags, including side airbags and side curtains, fail to deploy in moderate-speed collisions.
- Seats can dislodge and fly backward during rear-end impacts, pushing the driver forward.
- Vehicles left in gear with the parking brake engaged have rolled backward on inclines.
- Xenon headlights reportedly provide poor visibility of animals or objects at night.
2007 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 10V374000Aug 12, 2010Steering215,000 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
2007 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 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.
2007 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
- Compared with other Mazda3 model years, the 2007 ranks 3rd worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 90 and 222 NHTSA complaints, most involving steering.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2007 Mazda Mazda3?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 89 of 222 complaints (40%), with a median mileage at failure of 81,000 miles and 9 related crashes.
- Does the 2007 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for a power steering pump/line failure that could cause sudden loss of steering assist, and one for airbag module covers that can shatter and project plastic fragments during deployment.
- What year Mazda3 should I avoid?
- Among Mazda3 years, 2010 has the highest complaint index (100), followed by 2008 (95) and 2007 (90), all rated Avoid relative to other years.
- How does the 2007 Mazda3 compare to the 2008 and 2006 models?
- The 2007 model (complaint index 90) sits between the 2006 (70, Caution) and 2008 (95, Avoid), with steering and airbag issues driving its lower ranking.