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 2006 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph when the driver-side airbag deployed without warning which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle. The contact was the only injured and sought medical treatment. The contact sustained bruising on the right wrist and chest. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a police lot where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable
My 2006 Mazda was in a serious accident last month and my air bag did not inflate properly along with the warning logo a few days before the accident. My car was picked up and released to Geico yesterday for inspection from their at fault driver totalling my vehicle. It was a head on collision so the air bag is a big factor in a serious wreck. It was confirmed to have an active recall. The warning logo appeared on my dash right before the accident that caused a broken and dislocated hip resulting into two surgeries and a long recovery period.
This vehicle has one unrepaired recall. When I tried to make an appointment with the Mazda dealer to correct it, no recall is found after giving my VIN number. Is there any other way to have them repair it?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. While at a stop, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seat belt restraints failed to retract. The driver, the front passenger, and the rear passenger sustained injuries to the head. The front passenger and rear passenger required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH and crashed into another vehicle towing a trailer, which flipped the vehicle upside down and dragged the vehicle for unknown miles. The contact stated no air bags deployed. The contact stated her son was had his hand outside of the vehicle and lost 4 fingers on his left hand and had a brain bleed. Medical attention was sought for his injuries. A police report was filed. The insurance deemed the vehicle loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Consumer stated vehicle flipped 5 or 6 times, it finally ended up upside down after and airbags did not deployed. Skidding 600 feet, no airbags deployed.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. On March 14, 2007 while completely stopped during rush hour traffic the contact's vehicle was struck from behind by a 2005 Kia optima traveling at 45 MPH. The contact's vehicle was pushed to the left, spun 180 degrees and crashed head on into a 1997 Toyota camry driving 45 MPH. The contact sustained a severe sprain to his right wrist, ankle and knee, and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. Upon impact, the air bag did not deploy. There was a police report. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved due to the air bags not deploying. The current and failure mileage were 22000.
I was in an accident where my vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a vehicle traveling over 30 MPH in a perpendicular direction. The side curtain air bags deployed, however both the front and rear air bags caught on a trim piece at the top of the b-pillar. The air bags did not reach their design intent locations. I have a picture available. The vehicle has been considered a total loss by my insurance company and is no longer available for review through me. No additional injuries occurred due to the lack of proper air bag deployment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of another vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag deflated immediately after deploying. A police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises and chemical burns to the chest, arms, face, and eyes. The contact received medical attention. The condition of the vehicle was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. While idling, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle while driving 40 MPH. The crash caused the contact to crash into the rear of the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver suffered neck, head, and shoulder bruising and contusions. The contact was wearing a seat belt, however, her face struck the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.
Part 1 - 1. Re: complaint filed on 8/21/15 (arfc/NHTSA id no: 10750380) (denise from arfc ref no: 902722). As per instruction, I brought my car to an official, authorized repair Mazda dealer on 8/24/15 (liberty Mazda, wakefield, ma) for a diagnostic report to be done, which was completed. After the diagnostic report was completed, I kept my vehicle there for repair of the power steering completely not working. I faxed and mailed to the NHTSA, the diagnostic report, the total invoice of repair, proof of payment in full, as well as 3-4 more documents provided by liberty Mazda, and I have not yet received any update as of yet. …
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.
Airbag complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, 16% of the model year's 166 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-494 (frontal, Jul 1, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Mazda3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 10 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.