Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
When I take the key out of the ignition the car doesn't recognize the key is out and won't stop beeping. I can't use the key fob to lock or unlock the car. I have to use the original door key to lock and unlock or the alarm will go off. I have replace the ignition switch cylinder 2 times and it still doesnt work. There is a little bit of "play" that is keeping it from not beeping and beeping. I can take it out slowly and it will work but then it slips again and I get locked out of the car and the alarm goes off again until I use the key to manually unlock the car door.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. In addition, when the vehicle was started, the contact noticed a fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V674000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 130,000.
My car has been like loosing power when in stuck in traffic to the point it gas shut off in the middle of the highway and turns the power steering light. Now when I put gas on it and turn it on it turns off seems to be electrical but my mechanic told me it must be power steering pump gwtting defective. Well now it has no power steering but it dosent show the light on the panel either.
2006 Mazda 3 driver side headlamp short-circuited resulting in electrical fire immediately after minor collision. Fire quickly started to spread damaging radiator support and fuse box. Parts replaced in body shop. Body shop said these cars tend to catch fire when colliding in that specific area.
Part 2 -(cont.) re: complaint filed on 8/21/15 (arfc/NHTSA id no: 10750380) (denise from arfc ref no: 902722). Letters from my vehicle manufacturer providing necessary repair information etc. I am adding these complaints to my existing complaint, as during my initial diagnostic report, dated 8/24/15, I faxed and mailed to you, it states how my vehicle's air bag crash sensor is not working and is in the wrong position, which I had to decline to have fixed, as I am financially unavailable to pay for the repair cost. I feel this issue should also be addressed and covered as soon as possible due to the alarming above-mentioned e-mails I had received and believe that those issues are clearly related. And 3. (part 1) re: unknown/or other: as a result of having my power steering issue repaired (initial complaint), I was told after the repair by a mr. …
While I was driving on 101n, I saw the power steering light illuminating. Steering wheel felt stiff and I have to fight it to keep the car in control while I was making a turn at 45mi/hr. I have experience this issue over 20 time now. On 12/7/12 this issue occurred so many times that I had to park my car at a random shopping center and have a friend pick me up. Unfortunately when I called the dealer, they told me that its not a similar issue as the 07-9 model, so they have to charge me a $150 diagnostics fee. I am currently at 94,385 miles and my extended coverage also expired. Based on my research it will be an expensive repair, somewhere close to 1700-2000. I'm not sure if Mazda going to do anything about this issue, but id like my voice to be heard.
Five times in the last month I have experienced problems when making left turns. The power steering momentarily shuts off, and the radio/electrical system shuts off momentarily as well. On one occasion the engine also shut off momentarily (for about one full second). When this happens, I feel a complete loss of control over the vehicle. Two different independent mechanics told me that they could not fix the problem and the Mazda dealership refuses to diagnose the problem without charging me because the problem is not a recall, and the car is not under warranty. There is a recall for a very similar issue with the 2007 model of Mazda 3s, but the 2006 models are not included in that recall.
I have a 2006 Mazda 3 with approximately 53,000 miles. While I am driving on the road, the radio will suddenly turn off, the power steering light comes up on the dash, and then the power steering completely fails. Sometimes, the power steering light comes on, but then doesn't shut off. It wasn't too frequent at first, but on some days, it will happen everytime I drive somewhere. It usually occurs early in the drive. Once I turn off the engine and restart, it usually resets and my car is fine. I have seen the recalls for the 2007 Mazda 3 models, but I think my car should also belong in this too. Please help. The mechanics have been unable to detect the problem.
I am the owner of a Mazda 3 2006. Bought the car 1 month ago and just two days ago while driving in a very busy intersection, the vehicle simply stop while in gear and would not start again. Vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer. Today I was told that the vehicle's computer simply crashed and a new one needs to be order. When I ask the reason for the computer crash, I was told that the temperature was too hot. Highest temperature reached the day of the incident was 90 degrees. Called the manufacturer to explain concern for my safety and to request a vehicle exchange and was told that the incident needs to occur more than once to be considered a problem.
Car was driving as normal. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Went to go start up the car one morning to go to work, and the car wouldn't start. It was not like a dead battery. I turned the key, nothing happened. No starter motor going, no clicking noise...just got nothing. After getting towed to the dealer, they said they couldn't diagnose anything because the computer they attach to my car was getting no readings - there was the problem. My ECU had completely failed. They had to replace the ECU. Thankfully I had an extended warranty so that saved me $1100+. But I'm afraid this May happen again once the extended warranty expires.
Electrical complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, 13% of the model year's 166 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.