The Lemon Index2005 Mazda3.
The 2005 Mazda3 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 29 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 27 mpg combined. The best Mazda3 year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 97 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mazda3 year. 2005 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 39K to 109K miles on the car (77 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 55K–126K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2021
During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.
- equipment 2009
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- airbags 2004
ON TWO PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE SOLDER CONNECTION ATTACHING THE ACCELERATION SENSOR IN THE SAS UNIT MADE CONTACT WITH THE BASE PLATE, DAMAGING THE SOLDER CONNECTION.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda3 told dealers about
Mazda3 sent dealers 211 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine vibration/ knocking noise/ no
- Engine rpm drops/engine stalls
- Engine stalls when driving at low speeds
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2400–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My Mazda3 2005 has had an a/c compressor problem. This expensive part has been replaced 4 times to no avail. It fails again every time, and Mazda insists there is no problem with the part.
2005 Mazda3 owner · NHTSA complaint 10224580
More owner reports
Motor mount broke and leaked in 2005 Mazda 3 5-door. Fixed at dealership at cost of $220.
NHTSA complaint 10251640
I was driving my 2005 Mazda 3 to the dealership to get it serviced, engine noise, and it caught fire less than a block from the dealership.. Mazda stated that they are not at fault even though my car is still under warranty..
NHTSA complaint 10226789
Quick answers
Is the 2005 Mazda3 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda3 year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2005 Mazda3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (28%), airbags (21%) and equipment & accessories (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda3 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mazda3 get?
23 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2005 Mazda3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 39,500 and 109,000 miles. The middle report was at 65,900 miles, from 77 complaints.
Does the 2005 Mazda3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2005 Mazda3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2005 Mazda3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl.
What Mazda3 year is better than the 2005?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works