Model year guide

2004 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mazda Mazda3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 72 on record.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Mazda Mazda3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints170
Typical price$2,676

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #21V494000 · 01/07/2021

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.

Fix: 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 NHTSA Campaign #09E011000 · 02/04/2009

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 B…

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #04V468000 · 24/09/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SENSOR, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND ILLUMINATING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRASH ZONE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

What's a 2004 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,676
High
$4,100

From 71 comparable 2004 Mazda Mazda3 listings.

2004 Mazda Mazda3 trims & engines on record

Trims
s · i
Engines
2.3L 144 hp · 2.0L 134 hp

2004 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles on record

2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F241154025 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK143841182883 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK143141135971 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK323041100790 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F541173927 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F341107599 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123941125434 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F941105193 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123X41162556 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK323441188663 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F541162068 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123941193474 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK343641187110 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK343741146727 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK323141121762 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK143541150215 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK143141189660 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 iJM1BK12F541129118 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK323441127958 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123541187574 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123241111648 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123041186669 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK143541137111 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2004 Mazda Mazda3 sJM1BK123041109154

Other Mazda Mazda3 model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

2004 Mazda Mazda3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda Mazda3?

Based on 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, exterior lighting, steering.

How much is a 2004 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Comparable 2004 Mazda Mazda3 listings run roughly $1,000–$4,100, typically around $2,676 (from 71 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.