2004 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2004 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2004-2009 Mazda3 FN4A-EL Four-Speed Automatic Shift Solenoid and Valve Body Faults ($400-$2,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SEATS
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED THROUGH VIBRATION DURING OPERATION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT-CIRCUIT BETWEEN CERTAIN HARNESS WIRES AND THE STARTER HOUSING. A SHORT-CIRCUIT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND/OR POOR SHIFT QUALITY.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2004-2009 Mazda3 FN4A-EL Four-Speed Automatic Shift Solenoid and Valve Body Faults, 2004-2009 Mazda3 Rear Wheel Arch and Door-Seam Perforation Rust, 2004-2011 Mazda3 MZR Engine Cold-Start Rattle from Variable Valve Timing Actuator Lock Pin. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2004 Mazda Mazda3 has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2004-2009 Mazda3 FN4A-EL Four-Speed Automatic Shift Solenoid and Valve Body Faults. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Mazda Mazda3 issues range from $150 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2004-2009 Mazda3 FN4A-EL Four-Speed Automatic Shift Solenoid and Valve Body Faults, typically costs $400-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The FN4A-EL (Mazda's version of the Ford 4F27E) four-speed automatic used in the BK Mazda3 suffers sticking shift solenoids and worn valve-body bores. When a solenoid sticks or its driver circuit in the TCM fails, line pressure is no longer properly controlled: the car bangs into… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: high.
The BK Mazda3's rear quarter panel lip has a folded seam with inadequate sealer and drainage. Salt-laden water and grit pack into the fold behind the plastic arch liner and the panel rusts from the inside out, so by the time bubbles appear in the paint above the rear wheel the me… Repairs typically run $400-$2,000. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.
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.
+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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On the MZR family (LF 2.0, L3 2.3, including the Mazdaspeed3 L3-VDT) the intake-side VVT actuator/cam phaser bleeds down when the engine sits. On the next cold start the lock pin does not fully engage - Mazda's own tech tip attributes it to insufficient clearance between the actu… Repairs typically run $400-$1,100. Severity: medium.
The BK Mazda3's door lock actuators are integrated into the latch assembly, and the small DC motor inside wears its brushes and commutator from years of cycling. The driver's door is used most and almost always fails first: the fob and the master switch lock the other three doors… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.
First-generation Mazda3 models develop worn rear shock absorber upper mounts, producing a hollow knocking sound from the rear over bumps and rough roads. The rubber bushing in the upper mount compresses and deteriorates, and the mount bearing can seize. This causes the rear of th… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: low.
Mazda bulletin 01-002/18 provides a diagnosis path for a 2004-2010 Mazda3 with P0441, P0442, P0455, or P0456. The same code family can come from a loose, damaged, rusty, or leaking filler cap or neck; another EVAP-system leak; or a purge solenoid that does not seal or flow correc… Severity: low.
