Model year
2005 Mazda 3
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name 3 for 2005. Under the matched name MAZDA3, NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 97 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints for MAZDA3 are AIR BAGS (22), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16), STEERING (14). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 23–27 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$2,900, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2004 145 complaints
- 2005 97 complaints
- 2006 166 complaints
- 2007 222 complaints
- 2008 303 complaints
- 2009 115 complaints
- 2010 686 complaints
- 2011 132 complaints
- 2012 226 complaints
- 2013 117 complaints
- 2014 138 complaints
- 2015 130 complaints
- 2016 104 complaints
- 2017 84 complaints
- 2018 110 complaints
- 2019 74 complaints
- 2020 32 complaints
- 2021 54 complaints
- 2022 24 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
- 2024 12 complaints
- 2025 8 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2005. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 | 2 | 97 | 0 |
Recalls for MAZDA3
21V494000 · Jul 1, 2021
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.
04V559000 · Nov 22, 2004
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ON TWO PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE SOLDER CONNECTION ATTACHING THE ACCELERATION SENSOR IN THE SAS UNIT MADE CONTACT WITH THE BASE PLATE, DAMAGING THE SOLDER CONNECTION.
Complaints for MAZDA3
97 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 16, fire flag on 3, injury field 11, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for MAZDA3
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| 3 · 2L · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| 3 · 2.3L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 29 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| 3 · 2.3L · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 26 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2005 Mazda 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.