2006 Mazda 3
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 34 of 166 complaints (20%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 97 in 2005 to 166 in 2006.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | vs. 2006 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–2,700 | 2,300–2,700 | 2,300–2,600 | 2,300–3,700 | 2,300–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 23–27 | 23–27 | 24–27 | 21–27 | 24–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–24 / 26–32 | 21–24 / 26–32 | 22–24 / 28–32 | 18–24 / 26–32 | 22–24 / 29–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 329–386 | 329–386 | 329–370 | 329–423 | 329–370 | |
| Complaints filed | 145 | 97 | 166 | 222 | 303 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 18 | 16 | 21 | 28 | 29 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 14 | 11 | 15 | 28 | 20 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda 3 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2006 Mazda 3?
Engine: 34 of 166 NHTSA complaints (20%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda 3 get?
EPA rates it 24–27 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Mazda 3?
EPA estimates $2,300–$2,600 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 329 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S4) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 342 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 370 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 21 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 28 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 31 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 27 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 15 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 21V494000 · Jul 1, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 09E011000 · Apr 3, 2009
Defect: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.