Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mazda 3
Mazda 3 Models:
Mazda 3 Problems
Rattle From Rear Suspension Due to Loose Stabilizer Bar Links
A Loose rear stabilizer bar link can cause a rattling noise from the rear suspension while driving on rough roads. Our technicians tell us if the rear stabilizer bar and links are not found to be loose, there are updated sway bar bushings available which should correct this problem.
Vibration Felt at 55 mph
A vibration felt at 55 mph may not be a tire problem. Mazda has revised motor mounts available which may help remedy this problem.
Check Engine Light/Trouble Code Due to Stuck Open Thermostat
Some vehicles may experience Check Engine Light illumination with a trouble code indicating the thermostat is stuck open. The thermostat will need to be replaced with a modified one and there is a software update for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Rear Brakes Squeaking
The rear brakes can squeak because the rear brake pad may be contacting the brake rotor. A burr on the backing plate of the brake pad can prevent the pad from seating in the bracket properly causing the contact with the rotor. The backing plate and the pad support hardware can be deburred in the contact areas. Mazda has also released revised brake pads.
Steering effort heavy due to power steering fluid leak
If the steering effort feels heavy, this can be caused by a power steering fluid leak. Some models may have burrs on the return port of the power steering reservoir that create a gap between the hose and the port. Sanding the burrs off the port and replacing the power steering return hose is the repair for this concern.
Mazda 3 Recalls (Recent)
Mazda 3 Recall 04V559000
Summary: 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.
Learn more »Windshield Wipers May Not Function
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been bent during vehicle assembly. Due to the bent terminal, over time, the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase to the point that the windshield wipers may stop working. Loss of wiper function in adverse weather could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin by July 15, 2011. The Mazda recall number is 6411F.
Learn more »The Engine May Stall and Not Restart
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The engine wiring harness may be routed too close to the starter, resulting in damage to the harness caused by normal engine vibration. If the harness is damaged, engine control and/or transmission shift malfunctions may occur. In some cases, the main fuse could blow, causing the engine to stall and not restart, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and repair the harness. In addition, a protector clip will be installed to prevent future damage. This recall is expected to begin by May 6, 2009. The Mazda recall number is 5409D.
Learn more »Improper Operation of the Electronic Stability Control
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Due to a fault with the electronic information related to the yaw rate sensor, the electronic stability control may not function as expected. Dealers will replace the affected unit to correct this problem. This recall is expected to begin by July 14, 2009. The Mazda recall number is 5509E.
Learn more »Mazda Recalls 2007–2009 Vehicles Due to Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Mazda is recalling 2007–2009 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 vehicles due to a sudden loss of power steering assist that can occur at any time. A sudden loss of power steering assist adversely affects the driver's ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Starting in September 2010, Mazda will mail notification letters to owners with information about the recall.
Learn more »Mazda 3 Questions and Answers
The front wipers recently stopped working, checked the fuse it was fine any other suggestions
My Mazda 3 have a a rattle (metal noise) from the front in any minor or major bump. any idea what may be?
The "AT" light comes on when starting the car and sometimes the car "jumps" when the gear shifts while driving. Yesterday at the stop light it started in 4th gear.
What causes my ac to cool and then turn off, then after a couple of minutes the ac comes back on?
as I go on the freeway or go above bout 45mph my rear passenger susspension makes nosies and it also makes my streeing wheel vibrate. As for my steering wheel it makes noises while im making any tu...
Mazda 3 Stories
Bought 2007 Mazda3 S GT in CA. I've loved everything about the car for the first 4.5 years. I upgraded the map/dome lights in the car with LED bulbs. Now the light over the license plate and the right, rear LED tail light do not work. When I press the brake the it lights up. I had to buy the entire lamp assembly because the LEDs aren't sold separately. But it keeps doing the same thing. Because it's the same LED and it works when I press the brakes, what could it be? All my fuses under the hood are good.
I have had my 2005 mazda 3s 5 door for less then a year it only has about 88,000 miles and its been nothing but problems. To start in the winter time ice builds up and causes it to shake really bad. Had to crawl underneath and brake the chunks of ice away several times. Then at our routine oil change they told us we were 2 quarts low. We have no oil leaks or anything top end or bottem end. My mechanic said its burning oil which is caused by the piston not sealing. Then the tires started going flat. they have good tred no cracks in the rubber nails or anything to cause this they just go flat for no reason. the most major problem we have now is the knock. had my mechanic look and 2 bearings are spun. so we have to replace the motor which is 3 grand. The only good thing about this car was the 6 disc cd changer.... would not ever buy a mazda ever again.
Hi, I purchased the Mazda 2010 over a year ago. Recently, my dog went "crazy" over a sound she heard in the garage for over a day. She was a frantic, distressed and panting, clinging, unhappy little dog. I tried to resolve the problem and found that the sound was related to the trunk being partially open. That was taken care of but the trunk icon is still flashing on the screen, How do I turn it off? Thanks. akn
Will never own another Mazda ever again! Bought our 2005 Mazda 3s new. At 67000 miles it spun a rod bearing needed a new motor, cost me $3,000 this was putting the motor in myself not at a shop, which I could not believe how expensive these motors are all about the same price used, rebuilt, or new. This is my wifes car too so it is not driven hard or mistreated at all very well maintained. The rims are cheap combine them with the low profile tires a pothole bends the rim very easily. Seems to use tires very quickly too have had 3 sets going on 4 in 5 years which I know it has negative camber built into the suspension but wow they wear out so fast and they aren't cheap. Recently the a/c compressor has went out, so no a/c in the middle of summer. For being a small FWD car it has to be the worst car to drive in the snow, I feel more comfortable driving my mustang or trans am in the winter then this little car. Last winter for some reason the parking brake locked up and would not release? It was never engaged either, ice build up maybe? I don't know but it released when my wife picked it up the next day. I have never had a car do that luckily it didn't happen when she was driving down the highway. Sad that this car has so many problems because I do like the looks of the car, and it does handle very well and is pretty peppy for a little 4 cylinder. But after owning this problem riddled car I won't be buying another one. Actually looking to trade it in soon before another major fix pop's up out of the blue
I bought a 2010 Mazda3 Hatch a few months ago; 6,700 miles on it. I used to drive a mini-van & absolutely love this Mazda, goofy grin and all! It easily handles city & highway driving and is blast to drive. Although, I would agree that the moonroof would be better if the controls were had some lighting. Cargo space is fabulous for a small car! I was able to pack a recliner chair in the Hatch w/the rear seats folded down!