Model year guide

2006 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Mazda Mazda3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 56 on record.

2006 Mazda Mazda3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Mazda Mazda3 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints166
Typical price$3,745

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

2006 Mazda Mazda3 recalls 2

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.

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.

2006 Mazda Mazda3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 166 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.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

What's a 2006 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Low
$1,700
Typical price
$3,745
High
$5,300

From 56 comparable 2006 Mazda Mazda3 listings.

2006 Mazda Mazda3 trims & engines on record

Trims
s · s Touring
Engines
2.3L 160 hp · 2.3L 153 hp · 2.0L 150 hp

2006 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles on record

Other Mazda Mazda3 model years

2006 Mazda Mazda3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Mazda Mazda3?

Based on 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, suspension, service brakes.

How much is a 2006 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Comparable 2006 Mazda Mazda3 listings run roughly $1,700–$5,300, typically around $3,745 (from 56 vehicles).

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