2009 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Mazda Mazda3 has a complaint index of 75, ranking 6th worst out of 21 model years, and is rated Avoid. Owners most often reported suspension, wheels & tires (35% of complaints) and steering problems (30%), including 3 recalls covering wipers, power steering and brakes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 115
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 29.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires40 (35%)
- Steering35 (30%)
- Brakes12 (10%)
- Electrical System9 (8%)
- Engine6 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (5%)
- Airbags5 (4%)
- Fuel System5 (4%)
- Structure & Body5 (4%)
- Other4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power steering suddenly stops working at low speed, sometimes triggering a dashboard warning light and leading to a curb or pole collision.
- Vehicle sways from side to side at highway speed with a loud roaring engine noise before steering control returns.
- The parking/emergency brake fails to hold the car on an incline, letting it roll even when set.
- Side and frontal airbags fail to deploy in crashes, including a t-bone collision and a head-on crash.
- Cruise control does not disengage when the brake is pressed, requiring repeated hard braking to shut it off.
2009 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V329000Jun 15, 2011Visibility & Wipers103,300 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.
Risk: The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before july 15, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
- 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.
- NHTSA 09V187000May 29, 2009Brakes7,100 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Mazda is recalling 7,100 my 2009 mazda3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.
Risk: Improper operation of the electronic stability control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 14, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
2009 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 29.5 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.
2009 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 a good year?
- No. It has a complaint index of 75 and ranks 6th worst among the 21 Mazda3 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
- NHTSA complaints show suspension, wheels & tires issues (35% of complaints, median mileage 39,000) and steering problems (30% of complaints, median mileage 33,237), including power steering loss.
- Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Mazda3: a windshield wiper motor ground harness issue, a power steering pump/line replacement for sudden loss of assist, and a stability control system defect.
- How does the 2009 Mazda3 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 75 is worse than the 2005 (40), 2013 (45), and 2020-2025 model years, all rated Good or Best, but better than the 2010 model year, which has the highest index at 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Mazda3?
- EPA rates it at 25 mpg combined (22 city / 29.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.