YearToAvoid

2007 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

90/100

#3 most-complained of 21 Mazda3 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2007 Mazda Mazda3 has 222 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #3 highest of 21 Mazda3 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is steering (89 complaints, 40% of the total). Complaints report 28 crashes, 3 fires, and 28 injuries.

Complaints
222
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
28 / 3
Injuries / deaths
28 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
25
22 city / 30 hwy

Top 2007 Mazda Mazda3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering89 (40%)
  2. Engine39 (18%)
  3. Airbags36 (16%)
  4. Electrical System28 (13%)
  5. Brakes24 (11%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires24 (11%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain17 (8%)
  8. Structure & Body11 (5%)
  9. Fuel System10 (5%)
  10. Other6 (3%)
2007 Mazda Mazda3 complaints: complaints filed per quarter172006 Q42009 Q12011 Q22013 Q42016 Q12018 Q32021 Q12025 Q3
287 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q4 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q4 (17).

2007 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  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 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Good4097225.5
2006Caution70166125.5
2007Avoid90222225
2008Avoid95303225.5
2009Avoid75115325

All Mazda Mazda3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 ranks #3 of 21 among Mazda3 model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 222 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Mazda Mazda3?
The most reported problem areas are steering (89 complaints), engine (39 complaints), and airbags (36 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 73,000 miles.
Does the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2007 Mazda Mazda3, most recently reported 2021, covering airbags and steering.
What is the fuel economy of the 2007 Mazda Mazda3?
EPA rates the 2007 Mazda Mazda3 at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.