2009 Mazda Mazda3 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3.

20082010
Complaints
140
Crashes
13
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2009 Mazda Mazda3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#134 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:41,403 mi
Crash-related:3
#219 complaints

Wheel Issues

Avg mileage:53,736 mi
#313 complaints

Tire Defects

Avg mileage:33,930 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3.

Steering Defects
34
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
41,403
Wheel Issues
19
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
53,736
Tire Defects
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
33,930
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
41,492
Electrical Faults
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
64,750
Headlight/Taillight Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
53,512
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Valve
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Manual Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Rear
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Rear Window Wiper/Washer:Motor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 Mazda Mazda3

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~318,300 vehicles.

11V329000Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
~103,300 affected

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.

10V374000Steering:electric Power Assist System
~215,000 affected

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Other Mazda Mazda3 Years

2009 Mazda Mazda3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 Mazda Mazda3 has 140 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 34 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (34 complaints, avg 41,403 mi); Wheel Issues (19 complaints, avg 53,736 mi); Tire Defects (13 complaints, avg 33,930 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 45,070 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 include 13 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 318,300 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda Mazda3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2009 Mazda Mazda3

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