Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V468000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
I am very concerned about the safety of the car that I have had since 2004 Mazda 3. On Sunday, I was hit by a car at about a 20 to 30 degree angle and the impact hit my passenger door. Neither one of us was going at a speed that should have had a result in the damage that occurred. When he hit us and the car came to rest, the police and towing people discovered that the engine had snapped off its' mounting. My airbags did not deploy either. He told me that both he and the towing agent had ever seen this happen before to a car with as little damage to it. I went to the tow place where they were holding my car to take pictures and look at the car, and both of the people (different people than the original tow driver) said they had never seen anything like that. …
Dt*: the contact stated while stopped in traffic the vehicle was hit from behind pushing the contact into another vehicle. Most of the damage was done to the rear of the vehicle. The white powder from the air bag was released, however the air bags did not deploy. The seat belts were in use at the time. There were injuries sustained and a police report was filed. The crash zone sensor had been replaced by the dealership on 11-12-04, due to a recall letter received; NHTSA campaign id # 04V468000; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module. The contact is awaiting determination from the insurance company as to the extent of the damages done; therefore the dealership has not yet been contacted about a second recall repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda3. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 45 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel seized and the contact lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb, a tree, and the vehicle rolled over. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained minor injuries and the front passenger sustained major injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V468000 (air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 10/8/14 updated 3/25/2015
My 2 boys and a friend were in the car and had ran into the back of a truck hard enough to move the motor back, the air bags did not go off, my children could have been seriously injured. Thank god they had their seat belts on. Why do I pay money for safety features if they are not going to work? I am really upset and disappointed and will make sure all of my friends and family know that our car was defective. I will look into an attorney to make sure you fix this problem.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3. While driving 35 MPH the vehicle slid on black ice and hit the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital and sustained injuries to her back. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The front and rear fender were damaged. The manufacturer was notified. A police report is available. The failure mileage was 77,000. Updated 02/18/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that the front passenger seat main module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted, but could not assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,680.
Involved in a head on collison on April 18 2005 air bags did not deploy have called and emails Mazda about this and they will not help me. The car was in the shop prior to the accident for the air bag lights flashing. I was traving at 25 to 30mph and the other car ( there fault ) was going about 20mph. I sufferd head, back, groin injurys. I very unhappy with the way Mazda is treating me on this!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V468000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
I own a 2004 Mazda 3s, VIN #[redacted]. Previously, in the end of December 2005 I was hot from behind in cambridge. Ma. And incurred about 700 worth of damage. My care was repaired and I picked it up on Friday January 6th, 2006. Unfortunately, I was involved in a hit and run on Friday January 13th, 2006. Exactly a week from the day I picked up my car from the auto body shop. Anyway, I was traveling at a speed of 50 miles per hour when hit from behind, which put me in a spin of about 6 360 degrees. Then, I hit the concrete barrier with the front of my car and then bounced off and did another 5 360degree turns and then the back of my car hit the concrete barrier. Unfortunately, none of my air bags were deployed, however, I did have my seat belt on and have a sore neck and head. I am feeling better, but am concerned with the fact that the air bags did not deploy in this situation. …
Related recalls
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Remedy: 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.
Airbag complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Mazda Mazda3, 17% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Mazda Mazda3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-494 (frontal, Jul 1, 2021); NHTSA recall 04V-468 (sensor/control module-inactive, Sep 24, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Mazda Mazda3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 13 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.