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2004 Mazda Mazda3 repairs by problem area

Engine (34%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (23%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 283 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (41%)

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Chart based on 229 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Mazda Mazda3 model years.

Mazda Mazda3 in New Mexico, United States Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008 45000 mi	Airbag light just stays on. Been at the dealer several times

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010 56000 mi US $100	Light behind dash controls dead.

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Dec 2006 26040 mi C $197

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 100000 mi US $200	The engine kept stalling. As I slowed down, it would take too long to shift to first. Also the engine was idling very rough.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Virginia, United States Jul 2009 - Aug 2012
Aug 2012 86000 mi	a tie rod needed replacement

Mazda Mazda3 in Michigan, United States Aug 2010 - Mar 2011
Sep 2010 80000 mi	replaced both front wheel bearings. Alternator pulley, manufacturing defect.

Mazda Mazda3 in Michigan, United States Oct 2005 - Dec 2014
Nov 2005 10000 mi	tsb on purge solenoid and recall on airbag sensor
Aug 2008 71000 mi US $400	Purge valve was replaced.
Aug 2010 96000 mi US $650	air conditioning didn't work. A hose needed to be replaced. Air conditioning system needed to be recharged.
Nov 2011 104000 mi	front struts replaced
Jun 2013 111000 mi US $225	a/c recharge since it was blowing warm air
Mar 2014 115000 mi US $1000	wheel bearings broken rear shock, both had to be replaced
Dec 2014 119000 mi US $600	Engine hood latch and cable assembly in need of replacement Engine mount drivers side broken and leaking.

Mazda Mazda3 in Tennessee, United States Aug 2007 - Nov 2009
Dec 2007 52000 mi US $258	Strut mounts replacements.
Jun 2008 55000 mi US $460	Engine mount replacement.
Jul 2009 60000 mi US $458	Airbag sensor and drivers seatbelt pretensioner.
Sep 2009 65000 mi US $15	Headlight out. 4th time headlights have gone out on car. 2nd time on this housing in 9 months.

Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Dec 2006 51000 mi	The timing belt tensioner failed during highway travel, seizing the engine. Engine was replaced successfully under Extended (CPO) warranty. During the repair, some maintenance needed to be done to finish the repair (cleaning carbon deposits).
Feb 2008 65000 mi US $20	While having brake rotors replaced, the mechanic discovered a part of the hardware was missing - we ordered the parts and he installed them.
Jun 2008 68000 mi US $50	The radio face plate lost a button. Bought a new faceplate and replaced myself.

Mazda Mazda3 in Georgia, United States Jan 2006 - May 2016
Aug 2008 55000 mi US $80	The driver's side headlight bulb needed to be replaced. The old one had quit working.
Jan 2009 61000 mi US $120	A motor mount was broken and was easily and quickly replaced.
Mar 2009 63000 mi US $30	The passenger sight headlight went out; I replaced the bulb. I replaced the turn signal switch in the steering wheel, as it would stick when in the "right" position. This cost $85 for parts, in addition to the $30 I spent on the passenger-side headlight.
Aug 2011 89600 mi US $800	A belt tensioner broke. Caused the car to overheat and I had to have it towed. A tensioner broke, causing a belt to stop powering the electronics. The tensioner and belt were replaced.
Oct 2011 94000 mi US $50	Front left headlight went out; bought a new bulb and replaced myself. Dealer didn't install it, but kindly showed me how.
Aug 2012 109200 mi US $800	The AC button worked intermittently; a switch was bad. The dealer replaced the entire AC control panel. Reflective coating on the rear view mirror started peeling off. The clip that holds the driver side visor broke; I had a new one installed.
Nov 2012 115800 mi US $65	Replaced driver side headlight. The headlight bulbs seem to burn out faster than they should.
Dec 2012 115000 mi US $1200	Oxygen sensor and catalytic converter needed to be replaced (discovered because of CEL). The long repair time was due to ordering the CC.
Sep 2014 147000 mi US $500	Rear window switches and driver's master window switch didn't work properly or reliably. Had all replaced. Headlight bulb died (again). I have great difficulty with the clip, so I let the dealer do it after I ordered the part.
Feb 2015 150400 mi US $1500	replaced front struts and rear shocks
Aug 2015 155500 mi US $10	The headlights had yellowed badly with time and UV exposure, and were dim at night as a result. A mechanic friend sanded them clear, and now they look like new.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ohio, United States Sep 2009 - Nov 2011
Feb 2010 108000 mi US $1100	Both front wheel bearings had gone bad and needed to be replaced.
May 2011 140000 mi US $110	Leak detection pump failed. Won't be repairing.
Nov 2011 147000 mi	Leak detection pump never fixed.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Sep 2014 - Apr 2018
Mar 2016 86180 mi C $2000	Wheel bearings + ball joints
Apr 2017 117180 mi C $240	Spark plugs and #4 coil
Jul 2017 169880 mi C $400	both rear struts
Aug 2017 124000 mi C $1300	Rear Brakes, calipers, rotors
Dec 2017 133300 mi C $525	Front pads and rotors.
Apr 2018 140740 mi C $500	Thermostat housing

Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada Nov 2006 - Mar 2014
Mar 2007 57040 mi	This is my second set of wheels whereby the alloy wheels begin to corrode near the center cap on all four wheels. My first set of wheels were replaced as it was within the 3yr/80,000Km warranty. I have the top of the line extended warranty but Mazda refus This is my 2nd set of wheels whereby the finish begins to flake off near the center cap on all four wheels. 1st set replaced under basic factory 3yr/80,000Km warranty. No fix under my extended warranty. Must return to resolve.
May 2007 58280 mi C $300	Refinished the wheels. The total price came to $600 but I negotiated with my dealer and got them to pay half. Total price is confirmed with other, independent shops.
Jul 2008 88660 mi	The pulley on the belt tensioner broke such that the main serpentine belt broke rendering the car undriveable. This is a known issue with the car and Mazda has put out a service report but has not warranted a recall. I had purchased an extended warranty. Pulley on the belt tensioner broke & cut main serpentine belt rendering the car undriveable. It's a known issue & Mazda has put out a service report but no recall. Fixed under extended warranty. (otherwise: $550)
Feb 2009 99200 mi	Driver's seat belt tensioner failed. The belt became stuck such that it could not be usefully extended to strap the driver in. Belt tensioner replaced under extended warranty. Driver's seat belt tensioner failed. The belt became stuck such that it could not be usefully extended to strap the driver in. Belt tensioner replaced under extended warranty.
Jun 2009 102300 mi	Electric side mirrors. 1 day both sides stopped tilting up and to the left -> Obviously a switch problem: i.e. Chance both motors failed at exact way&time? Slim to none, right? No tech. needed for that info. yet charged $55 for diagnose. Rip off. Rust formation beginning on exterior edge of wheel well. Almost dime size. Failed to take my vehicle in for regular inspection at one of their proprietary paint protection centers -> lifetime warranty for rust was nullified. Remember oil changes yrs ago? Power side mirrors failed - stopped tilting up and to the left. Asked for tech advice but instead charged $55 for 0.5 hours labour to diagnose. My bad, i.e. should have went directly to parts counter to ask my question. Rust formation beginning on exterior edge of wheel well. Almost dime size. Failed to take my vehicle in for regular inspection at one of their proprietary paint protection centers -> lifetime warranty for rust was nullified. Won't repair.
Aug 2009 104160 mi	2 non-dealer shops showed me that rotors are cracked. 2 dealerships told me that the marks are not cracks in the rotors. Only 10,000km on these rotors.
Sep 2009 105400 mi C $460	Driver's side front bearing had worn out and made a what sounded like loud road noise from the wheels. I was told that the hub would need replacement as well for reasons that were supposedly due to design and not damage but I'm not too clear on this. The bearing definitely needed replacement. Driver's side front bearing and hub needed replacement. It was discovered from loud road noise that the driver heard. Loud road noise took me to a mechanic who accurately diagnosed it as a worn driver's front wheel bearing. The hub and bearing comes as one unit so parts were pricey.
May 2010 110980 mi C $250	Motor mount #? broke which is common for all Mazda3's. Same motor mount in all of them. I don't know if they corrected the problem in later models. Motor mount #? broke which is common for all '04 Mazda3's. Same motor mount in all of them. I don't know if they corrected the problem in later models.
Aug 2010 115940 mi C $389	Driver's side front wheel bearing had worn out prematurely earlier repair. Receipts were stolen so only got partial warranty. Note, the hub & bearing comes as one unit. Driver's side front wheel bearing had worn out prematurely earlier repair. Receipts were stolen so only got partial warranty. Note, the hub & bearing come as one unit.
Sep 2010 118420 mi C $392	Check engine light code indicated an emissions fault. Found thermostat faulty & replaced. (Engine had been unable to warm to precise operating temp. so fuel wasn't burned as fully as it could be... I think.) Check engine light emissions code. Diagnosed as faulty thermostat. Needed replacement. Replaced thermostat. **(Don't think it ever needed this b/c the car warmed up fine and blew good heat. I only understood this after my Jan 2011 trip unfortunately.)
Jan 2011 119660 mi	Check engine on. Fuel filler cap not closed tight. Light suppose to turn off after driving 10 minutes. It did not. Back to shop that replaced thermostat. Cleared the code. Everything fine since. **(Prob. misdiagnosed earlier & never needed)
Mar 2011 120900 mi C $460	Front passenger bearing needed replacement. It's fine considering the car had almost 200,000km on it. Front passenger side bearing needed replacement. It's fine considering the car had almost 200,000km on it.
Jun 2012 142600 mi C $11	Over 5 years the headlamps built up a thick film to the point of fogging up the lens, brightness of light reduced by roughly 50 percent. $51 ($40 for a drill & $11 for Maguires lens cleaning kit) & one hour later my headlamps were crystal clear.
Feb 2013 153840 mi C $20	Driver's window switch would only intermittently raise the window. Parts, eBay, $20. Mazda wanted $270 before labour. Five minutes to install. The driver's window in particular has been used thousands of times.
Nov 2013 160580 mi C $350	Starter gave up the ghost. $200 parts & $150 labour.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada May 2009 - Oct 2017
Jun 2009 73780 mi C $1200	Evaporator failed and had to be replaced. Possibly because of contaminants.
Dec 2010 89280 mi C $250	Check Engine Light on due to failed Purge valve.
Nov 2013 148620 mi C $300	replaced suspension mount.
Aug 2015 166040 mi C $400	sway bar replaced

Mazda Mazda3 in Utah, United States Mar 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009 72000 mi US $280	Blower motor went out. Replaced with new blower motor.

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States May 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010 66000 mi US $400	Themostat needed to be replaced Coolant reservoir hose ripped by contact with serpentine belt.

Mazda Mazda3 in Wisconsin, United States Oct 2010 - Oct 2012
Nov 2010 78000 mi US $735	Loose Ball joints. Both lower control arms replaced.
May 2012 92000 mi US $175	thermostat stuck open, motor under temp. replaced thermostat

Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States Jun 2013 - Nov 2014
Apr 2014 156000 mi US $1100	replace transmission, faulty mounts allowed too much movement between engine/trans.
Sep 2014 156000 mi US $20	when transmission was replaced, mechanic didnt plug in sensor, after months of difficulties with this mechanic, took to a different transmission shop, they found issue within minutes and plugged it in, worked great.
Nov 2014 156000 mi	misfire kept happening at random, I attributed it to old gas, light would come on, then clear in the same driving session. last 2driving sessions, light never came on.

Mazda Mazda3 in Puerto Rico Sep 2013 - Feb 2016
Jan 2015 94200 mi US $80	Change transmission fluid and filter because mal functioning AT at cold starts.
Feb 2016 98000 mi	Transmission kit need to be replaced, also struts, and frontal rack

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Mar 2016 - Apr 2017
Apr 2017 124000 mi US $130	rear brakes and rotors

Mazda Mazda3 in British Columbia, Canada Nov 2006 - Oct 2008
Aug 2007 22320 mi	Front suspension squeaks when going over speed bumps. Dealer replaced front control arms for a modified new part (there was a TSB issued by Mazda) under warranty.
Sep 2007 22940 mi	Installed new control arms to fix squeak.

Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States May 2010 - Dec 2013
Feb 2011 73000 mi US $1100	A/C compressor locked up
Dec 2011 93000 mi	A/C compressor seized, locked up tighter than the hubs of hell
Jul 2012 99000 mi US $320	a/c compressor and dryer, evac and recharge

Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States Oct 2007 - Feb 2009
Mar 2008 35000 mi	Torn engine mount found during oil change...
Aug 2008 36000 mi US $400	Oil pan leaking. Gasket replaced. Also found a broken motor mount, which was replaced.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008 37200 mi C $500	Front wheel bearings (both sides) replaced. Out of warranty, but we had purchased the car less than 6 months earlier, so the dealer covered $300 of the $800 repair.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Arizona, United States Oct 2013 - Oct 2017
Jun 2014 132000 mi US $85	Both engine motor mounts were replaced.
Oct 2014 139000 mi US $39	The transmission mount was replaced.
May 2015 154000 mi US $478	Discharge side hose had a leak and a new hose was installed. The system was then recharged and checked for leaks.
Jun 2015 156000 mi	Both lower control arms where replaced because of worn bushings.
Jul 2015 156800 mi US $45	Both sway bar end links were replaced. They were worn and making popping and clunk type noises over bumps.
Dec 2015 163000 mi US $53	Evap canister purge valve was replaced. The engine idle was erratic and a gas smell was present also.
May 2016 166000 mi US $100	Motor mount replaced. Loud noise, similar to what a modified exhaust sounds like, was occurring.
Oct 2016 169200 mi US $88	Speed sensor on transmission changed. Speedometer was bouncing all over the place from 0mph to the actual mph. Turn signal unit changed. Blinker would not turn off automatically after turn was made.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Jan 2007 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010 71900 mi C $360	wiper linkage broke, wipers stopped functioning
Nov 2010 83080 mi C $1000	ac compressor clutch seized. belt had to be cut to prevent damage to other parts.
May 2011 88660 mi C $1000	a/c compressor replaced due to faulty clutch

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada Sep 2013 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013 172360 mi C $300	passenger side control arm ball joint

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Jul 2013 - Oct 2013
Aug 2013 152320 mi C $200	Ball joint boot damaged, replaced control arm assembly.

Mazda Mazda3 in Nevada, United States Oct 2006 - Oct 2010
Feb 2009 81000 mi US $65	Received CEL for Coolant Temp Low. Replaced Thermostat and Coolant Temp Sensor.
Oct 2010 96000 mi	Engine code for temp sensor - unrepaired.

Mazda Mazda3 in Manitoba, Canada Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012 121520 mi C $2000	Rear bushings, front wheel bearing, a stabilizer bar, an ABS sensor and rotor.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Nov 2006 - Jul 2012
Dec 2007 63860 mi C $350	The tensioner that keeps the belt tight broke requiring replacement of the tensioner and belt.
Jun 2009 102300 mi C $70	Paint was lifting on rocker panel behind front wheels and metal was rusting. Sanded, primed and painted repair area.
Mar 2010 106020 mi C $930	plus emergency brake cable--emergency brake was not working.
Oct 2010 116560 mi C $308	Speedometer and odometer were not working. Dealer replaced vehicle speed sensor

Mazda Mazda3 in Maryland, United States Sep 2009 - Jan 2013
Feb 2010 139000 mi US $30	Driver's side headlight out

Mazda Mazda3 in Saskatchewan, Canada Jan 2004 - Mar 2010
Oct 2004 930 mi	Trunk lid adjusted - squeak
Jun 2006 12400 mi	Airbag sensor recall

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Mazda Mazda3 in Manitoba, Canada Jun 2013 - Dec 2015
Jul 2013 170500 mi	Cruise control and throttle "pulsing" (barely perceptible) despite new oxygen and cruise sensors month prior. ECU flashed then replaced. Problem not solved. Dealer did not charge for repairs. New shocks (old, high-mileage car so it really should count as wear) Bushing replacement (old, high-mileage car, should really count as wear)
Jul 2015 237640 mi C $25	Socket for driver side bulb replaced; problem solved for 1 month then failed again.
Aug 2015 239840 mi C $600	Worn rear, passenger side wheel bearing

Mazda Mazda3 in Maine, United States Oct 2006 - Mar 2010
Nov 2006 54000 mi	Car has been "knocking" for some time. It sounded like a noise my Geo Metro had before - bad strut mount. It was determined by the dealership to be exactly that. However, the "knocking" has returned and I need to bring it back in...

Mazda Mazda3 in Saskatchewan, Canada Jan 2004 - Mar 2011
Jan 2004 93 mi	The panel underneath the instrument cluster came loose. Dealer snapped it back in place.
Apr 2004 1860 mi	Windshield wipers don't wipe very well. Dealer cleaned the wipers but didn't really help. It's just a known issue for the car and has nothing to do with the wiper blades.
Feb 2008 31000 mi	Car stalling and it's an ATX. Dealer told me everything is fine but the car stalled right in the lot when I picked it up. Dealer also managed to have my car rear-ended during a test drive. This problem was never fixed.
Feb 2011 44640 mi	Repainted the driver side rear wheel well. They declined the claim for the passenger side because it was painted over already, due to them declining the same claim years ago. Mazda's paint quality is pathetic.

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada Feb 2004 - Apr 2007
Jun 2004 3100 mi	Replacement of faulty airbag sensor - under warranty.
Jan 2005 12400 mi	Replacement of faulty door seal - under warranty

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Dec 2008 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010 45260 mi C $980	Emergency brake did not fully disengage. replaced emergency brake, ground rotors and replaced pads. said transmission seal leaked. did not repair. have not detected any fluid under the car.

Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States Jul 2014 - Mar 2018
Aug 2014 166000 mi US $15	Lower control arms on both side had to be replaced because lower ball joint seal was cracked and full of dirt. Inner cv joint boot cracked. Car making loud clicking noise when driving. Throttle body had to be cleaned. Engine stalling while idleing
Mar 2015 183000 mi US $250	Front struts replaced. Upgraded to Koni STR.T's.
Jul 2015 186000 mi US $30	Thermostat stuck open replaced thermostat.
Sep 2016 210000 mi	Transmission mount bolt came lose and dropped transmission. Tore inner cv axle and had to tow home. Reconnected transmission with thread locker. Replaced cv axle under warranty.
Jan 2017 183700 mi	Transmission wouldn't shift into 2nd or 4th gear. Upon visual inspection of the transmission it was found that the 2-4 clutch anchor bolt was loose and needed to be re-tightened.
Mar 2018 247000 mi US $250	Transmission slipping out of overdrive and 4th gear. Found clutch pack piece in transmission oil. Replaced transmission with used transmission. Filled with new fluid.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Sep 2007 - Dec 2016
Jan 2011 69280 mi C $70	Car has a low idle (around 500 RPM) and shakes and almost stalls at red lights, once the engine is warmed up. The Mazda dealership cleaned the throttle body and replaced engine mount #3, at my expense, with NO improvement in symptoms. Follow up visit for my low idle/shaky idle/almost stalling at red lights, after I paid them good money to diagnose and fix the problem. They claim the idle is just fine and there is no problem. Roll Eyes. Useless Mazda dealership! The car would intermittently not start when in Park, and you would have to shift it into Neutral to start it. They claim they adjusted the shifter cable, for $70, and now it does reliably start in Park.

Mazda Mazda3 in New York, United States Sep 2009 - Jan 2011
Aug 2009 65000 mi US $300	AC condenser replaced and AC system refilled with freon. AC compresor is noted as making noise and needs to be replaced.
Dec 2009 69000 mi US $185	AC compressor was replaced
Jul 2010 73300 mi	Automatic transmission gear selector not lighting up "P" on dash, car not recognizing it was in park and not starting. Put some thick oil on the gear shaft link under the car and problem went away. Gear link was rusty and needed oil is all.

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Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Sep 2011 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014 148000 mi	The new buyer was informed to replace the starter.

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Feb 2012 - Oct 2013
May 2012 140900 mi US $100	fixed it.
Aug 2013 149200 mi	In May I had a small leak in the coolant system, which got worse during a long drive and ended in overheating badly. The block was cracked, had to have the engine rebuilt, did not happen until August. Also needed a new thermostat and coolant temp sensor.
Sep 2013 149000 mi US $300	Not long after, a hose broke (coolant bypass - on the bottom of the engine, which costs $300 to access). Out of town, so I had to see an unfamiliar mechanic to replace that hose, and he messed up the recently-replaced thermostat.

Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada May 2008 - May 2012
Jan 2008 26660 mi C $300	Replaced belt that connects motor to alternator

Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011 187000 mi US $120	Thermostat has a tendency to fail.

Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010 62300 mi US $417	Front Left Wheel Bearing replaced.
Jul 2010 65850 mi US $1255	Front Left Wheel Bearing and Nuckle replaced.
Nov 2010 73412 mi US $551	Front Left Wheel Bearing replaced.

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada Jul 2015 - Jan 2017
Sep 2015 119660 mi C $550	Great car 2nd wheel bearing also controls arms changed Brakes as well

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Jun 2010 - Jun 2018
Jul 2010 108000 mi US $30	AC was weak, recharged
Dec 2011 120414 mi US $91	Fix engine undertray Retorque front suspension, lubricate bushings
Jun 2013 128328 mi US $315	Rear shocks were leaking and were replaced
May 2014 130000 mi US $138	Engine intermittently took a long time to heat up, thermostat was replaced.
Dec 2014 131000 mi US $269	Check engine light came on and car failed smog test. Rear O2 sensor was replaced.
Jan 2016 129000 mi US $160	Oil light illuminated, oil pressure switch was replaced. Oil filter housing had a hairline crack. Housing was replaced.

Mazda Mazda3 in Rhode Island, United States Nov 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014 117000 mi US $2000	replaced front struts

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Feb 2005 - Apr 2007
Mar 2005 19000 mi	A/C didn't blow cold on hot days. Repaired by installing pollen filter per service bulletin.
Jan 2006 35000 mi	Driver's door window made noise when opening or reversing direction. Window regulator adjusted and switch assembly replaced under warranty.
Dec 2006 35000 mi	Check engine light on --- Faulty evaporative emissions purge valve. Replaced under warranty.
Jan 2007 37000 mi	Check engine light on, plus occasional hesitation. Oxygen sensor diagnosed as faulty. Replaced under warranty.

Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States Mar 2011 - Jun 2022
May 2012 97800 mi US $519	Bad wheel bearing. Horribly loud grinding noise while driving above 20mph. Had to replace entire hub, also get alignment
May 2013 109100 mi US $600	LOUD grinding (obvious wheel bearing) noise. Took to private shop, confirmed that both front wheel bearings were bad. Replaced with OEM parts.
Jul 2014 124000 mi US $1000	Leaking front struts needed to be replaced. Along with 2 broken engine mounts. Check engine light was on. Faulty thermostat or coolant temp sensor.
Sep 2014 127000 mi US $625	Unusual wear on rear tires. Shop identified it as rear camber issue. Adjustable rear lower control arms were installed & car was aligned properly.
Nov 2015 141000 mi US $88	Rear right upper shock mount corroded through & broke off. Shock was loosely moving around. Replaced upper shock mounts & original shocks on both sides with parts from Amazon. Very easy to do. After previous strut mount repair, noticed that both struts were blown. Replaced other side strut mount + both rear struts, purchased off Amazon. Muffler was rattling around due to rear-most exhaust hanger that had rusted through & broken. Replaced with universal hanger from Amazon.
Jan 2018 159000 mi US $100	Battery died due to very cold temperatures in the northeast. Swapped out & changed a corroded negative terminal.
Mar 2018 159000 mi	Lower control arm was bad & was replaced

Mazda Mazda3 in Washington, United States Nov 2008 - Jun 2018
Nov 2009 80000 mi US $600	Alternator tensioner replaced. Belt managed to get destroyed. Water pump belt tensioner plastic pulley shattered at 3k rpm. Belt managed to get destroyed. Belt tensioner cost is $300 from dealer, $125 from NAPA.
Sep 2014 129000 mi	SRS; driver's side seatbelt pre-tensioner required wiring adjustment. Airbag light, diagnosed with code reader. Cost two tie wraps.
Apr 2016 147200 mi	MIL came on while driving. P0300 random misfire code. Reset with own code reader. MIL off. Has not returned in 1k miles. Suspect gasoline.
Jun 2017 157000 mi US $200	Passenger side headlight went out. The connector stopped making solid contact with the bulb assembly; requires about 5 degree clockwise turn to make connection again. Will perform connector surgery when sunlight returns to the PNW. Living with it for now. Water pump failed. Diagnosed failed motor mount at same time. Both replaced. Mileage number at failure seems normal. No complaints. Motor mount; the large liquid filled one on passenger side. Required removal for water pump replacement. Found the rubber had rotted and all liquid had previously vacated at unknown mileage. Explained why engine vibration was noticeable while operating the car. Easy to replace.
Jul 2017 157000 mi	Passenger side junction box under glove box. Affects tail lights and interior panel dimming when headlight switch is turned on. Too expensive to replace at the moment; "tap" with a rubber mallet in the sweet spot to activate failing relay.

Mazda Mazda3 in Oregon, United States Feb 2010 - Nov 2013
Oct 2011 63000 mi US $320	thermostat stuck open; replaced and coolant flushed and replaced
Oct 2013 70000 mi US $900	Clutch began slipping and needed replacing

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada Apr 2009 - Jul 2011
Feb 2010 68280 mi C $107	Tensioner and left wheel bearing.
Mar 2010 70060 mi	3 Doors have been changed, they were rusted prematurely (5 years old).They replaced the metal but not the trimming inside.

Mazda Mazda3 in Tennessee, United States Apr 2009 - May 2012
Sep 2010 65000 mi US $100	Replaced Purge Solenoid Valve. Replaced Purge Solenoid Valve.

Mazda Mazda3 in Saskatchewan, Canada Nov 2005 - Jul 2017
Mar 2005 16317 mi C $5	Squealing brakes. Dealer said it's normal. Applied Permatex Disc Brake Quiet to pads.
Sep 2006 31604 mi	Repaired MAF sensor wiring (under warranty).
Nov 2008 41880 mi	Front engine mount replaced (under warranty). Original was torn and leaking fluid.
Sep 2011 62620 mi C $250	Flimsy, junky, liquid-filled OE LCA control arm bushings tore and leaked oil. Replaced with solid rubber aftermarket bushings.
Dec 2013 76880 mi C $47	CEL with code P0106: issue with MAP sensor. Cleared code a couple of times and it kept returning. Installed new MAP sensor and code has not returned.
Aug 2014 79360 mi C $150	Replaced rear trailing arm bushings. The original were falling apart.

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States May 2008 - Jul 2010
Aug 2008 51000 mi US $600	Inner right axel had a bad bearing, was making a horible sound. Entire inner axel had to be replaced.
Mar 2009 59000 mi US $700	Thermostat was sticking. Some valve in/near the gastank that gets stuck and allows petrol to escape in gas form.

Mazda Mazda3 in Maine, United States Mar 2007 - Jun 2011
Mar 2008 53000 mi	Replaced purge solenoid valve myself to eliminate searching idle, a known problem with early 2004 2.3s.
Jun 2010 86000 mi US $100	blown motor. car is in garage awaiting money to repair

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Sep 2007 - Mar 2008
Oct 2007 37200 mi C $400	tension arm for serpentine belt broke - needed new arm and belt

Mazda Mazda3 in Idaho, United States Feb 2011 - May 2013
Nov 2011 173000 mi US $60	New thermostat

Mazda Mazda3 in Wisconsin, United States Apr 2011 - Jun 2012
May 2012 80500 mi US $2000	bad rust under wheel wells. my neighbor had same problems after 5 years of baby care for vehicle. water pump replaced turned out to be quite expensive at 20,000 miles

Mazda Mazda3 in Missouri, United States Dec 2006 - Feb 2007
Jan 2007	Rear end of car was unstable when going over bumps or driving on slick roads. Also experienced extreme rear tire wear. Clunking noise when rolling down driver's power window. Manual transmission is very hard to shift when cold. Told it was normal due to heavy weight oil in transmission.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Nov 2010 - Oct 2013
Jan 2011 105400 mi C $300	Alternator failed and was replaced.
Oct 2011 114700 mi C $500	transmission pan rusted and beginning to leak Sway bar links very noisy and replaced
Jan 2012 C $300	Purge valve assembly needed replacement
Mar 2012 120280 mi C $200	Rust in fuse box, some connections damaged.
Aug 2012 126700 mi C $220	front wheel bearing replaced

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Mar 2009 - Mar 2010
Apr 2009 101680 mi	Rust perforation in front pillar of rear doors.

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Jan 2011 - Jun 2016
Nov 2011 117000 mi US $550	AT Warning Light on, Shift shock when shifting to Reverse. Some slipping when shifting thru other gears. Diagnostic codes shown that "Pressure Control Solenoid" and "Pressure Sensor" was malfunctioning. Both parts were replaced.
Jun 2012 126000 mi US $500	Noticed A/C noise, turned out it was the A/C clutch, which was normal". At the same time timing belt and "pulley" was found to be "in a bad shape", and was replaced.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada May 2009 - Aug 2009
Jul 2009 53940 mi	Rust on top of both rear wheel wells was repaired under warranty.

Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada Apr 2012 - Jun 2012
Jan 2012 156240 mi	Replace engine with used engine Replace engine with used engine

Mazda Mazda3 in New Mexico, United States Mar 2012 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013 108000 mi	body side trim began to fall off.

Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States Sep 2011 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012 81000 mi US $200	Engine mounts needed to be replaced

Mazda Mazda3 in Georgia, United States Apr 2010 - Oct 2017
Dec 2010 101000 mi US $1000	The wires connecting the airbag sensors were corroded. Both airbag harnesses were somehow damaged and had to be replaced. Two motor mounts were corroded/broken and had to be replaced.
Aug 2012 127000 mi US $300	Wheel bearing was destroyed by driving with a bent rim. Bent rim was fault of the car's previous owner. Brake calipers were destroyed by a mechanic who worked on the car prior to my purchase of the car. Had calipers replaced & rotors turned.
Dec 2012 132000 mi US $400	Air conditioner compressor failed. AC belt broke.
Jan 2013 119700 mi	Replace both upstream and downstream oxygen sensors.
Mar 2013 138000 mi US $100	Replaced rear shocks.
Jun 2013 140000 mi US $250	Needed complete replacement of air compressor and all attendant coolant & belts.
Oct 2013 146500 mi US $150	Replaced shocks.
Nov 2013 148100 mi US $1500	Replaced front struts, ball joints, and lower control arm bushings
Sep 2014 168000 mi US $1300	Bad catalytic converter and O2 sensor needed replacement.
May 2015 178700 mi US $450	transmission fluid flush & filter replaced; speed sensors replaced; solenoids replaced
Oct 2016 191 mi US $2500	Car's original transmission failed. Replaced/repaired forward clutches, rebuilt transmission, replaced failed rear transmission mount. Replaced seal on oil valve behind transmission while the transmission was being repaired. Failed seal was causing slow oil leak.
Apr 2017 198000 mi US $125	Replaced car's original axles.
May 2017 200001 mi	Air compressor is shot. Estimated $1800 to fix the entire system. Cannot afford repair.
Oct 2017 202000 mi US $600	Replaced front pads, rear pads, and rear rotors Also replaced tie rod ends.

Mazda Mazda3 in Hawaii, United States Feb 2008 - Oct 2017
Nov 2010 62200 mi US $3000	AT light came on - dealer's service dept diagnosed problem as solenoid needs to be replaced in transmission. Also, recommended to replace struts and engine mounts.
Jan 2014 63500 mi US $280	lower engine cover ripped off from a prior car maintenance trip
May 2014 71300 mi	AC stopped working on May 10, 2014 at about 71,500 miles on it. Repair shop wanted $1,200 to diagnose and replace the part (AC compressor) but I found part online for $700. Decided not to do repair yet due to disability.
Jul 2014 71200 mi US $1163	Replaced blower motor and recharged AC. Also did recommended oil change.
Aug 2015 74000 mi US $45	Engine was overheating. I found out that the coolant reservoir had a small leak. I had my brother replace the reservoir, but the engine temp. is still high (based on the temp. gauge). Will save money to perform diagnosis.
Dec 2015 74000 mi US $80	Brother replaced thermostat with part I ordered online; also replaced spark plugs and changed coolant.
Feb 2016 75000 mi US $1000	Had check engine light, went in for routine oil change, diagnosed prob. as fuel pump (needs replacement). Didn't have enough money to resolve latest problem. Replaced rear shocks.
Mar 2016 75000 mi	Replaced fuel pump.
Feb 2017 77000 mi	Had to replace both rear taillights and headlights.

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Jun 2017 - Mar 2018
Jun 2017 118000 mi US $1000	Fuel pump overheat blow
Feb 2018 128000 mi US $120	Coolant leak (suspected water pump). engine overheating. Stopped using K-Seal.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Wisconsin, United States Sep 2015 - Jun 2016
Mar 2016 117000 mi US $450	An emissions sensor went bad. It had to be replaced.

Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009 63000 mi US $150	Passenger side junction box needed to be replaced- Tripped relay forcing headlights to stay on and thus kill battery. Relay pulled and drove with high beams. $800 part found at junkyard for $150. Repaired for $90 in labor.

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Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States Oct 2009 - Mar 2011
Jun 2010 67000 mi US $200	Temp sensor caused check engine light. Have not had time to fix it.
Jan 2011 US $80	Temp sensor code (check engine light) led to coolant sensor replace and thermostat replace for good measure. problem resolved.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Alaska, United States Oct 2012 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015 260000 mi	Needed a front wheel bearing Needed an emergency brake cable Needed a thermostat Electrical issues: the dash lights, low beams, and tail lights would sometimes turn on using the switch and they would turn off on their own. I read on the Internet that hitting the dash in certain spots would turn them on, and this worked for a while.

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Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada May 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008 45880 mi C $10	Changed Driver-side Rear Brake Light

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2004 Mazda Mazda3 repairs by problem area

2004 Mazda Mazda3 repair cost distribution

2004 Mazda Mazda3

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4-door

2004 Mazda Mazda3 4-door

2004 Mazda Mazda3 Repair Histories