Mazda 3 2004 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2004 Mazda 3? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2004 Mazda 3 issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2004 Mazda 3 in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Mazda 3 review: 2004-2009
By Graham Smith · 09 Jun 2017
The BK Mazda3 was a conventional front-wheel drive (FWD) small car that came in four-door sedan and five-door hatch styles.
Read the article
Used Mazda3 review: 2004-2013
By Ewan Kennedy · 19 Feb 2014
Mazda3 topped the overall sales race in 2011 and 2012 and already has a huge lead in the early days of 2014. Meaning there is a wide choice in the used-car scene.
Read the article
Used Mazda 3 review: 2004-2015
By Ewan Kennedy · 15 Dec 2015
Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation Mazda 3 from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.
Read the article
Used Mazda 3 review: 2004-2011
By Ewan Kennedy · 09 Apr 2012
Mazda 3’s ongoing success on the new car market has resulted in a surge in interest in the small-medium model as a used car.
Read the article
Mazda 3 2006: Sunroof
Answered by Graham Smith · 07 Dec 2018

I don’t believe it did.

2003 Mazda SP23 over-serviced
Answered by Graham Smith · 21 Apr 2011

It's clearly over-servicing, something some dealers try on from time to time. You did the right thing in questioning the need for it; hopefully you didn't do ahead with it.

Ethanol unsuitable for Mazda SP23
Answered by Graham Smith · 28 Apr 2011

The alternative fuels people have told us that it is not correct. All petrol companies must display notices on pumps when ethanol is present in the fuel.

Mazda 3 2001: Changing transmission fluid
Answered by Graham Smith · 14 Jul 2017

Virtually all of today’s automatic transmissions are ‘sealed for life’. That is, they are filled with fluid at the factory and never need checking or topping up with fluid. But the fluid does get hot and can be contaminated over time, so it’s a good idea to have the fluid changed regularly. Some auto transmission mechanics will say it should be done every 20,000 km or so, or every year, others will say something different. It is more important if a car has been used for towing, because the fluid comes under greater stress in that situation. But in your case, I would suggest you leave well enough alone and not worry about it.

Mazda 3 2004: Fuel pump failure
Answered by Graham Smith · 28 Oct 2016

Fuel pumps are a relatively common failure across many makes and models, but two in a year does seem too much. They shouldn't leak when they fail as they're in the fuel tank. Regularly running low on fuel can cause the pump to overheat and fail, it can also stir up any sediment that's on the bottom of the tank and could cause a blockage. You can try approaching Mazda, but I doubt you will have any success, as your car is 12 years old.

Is 180,000km too much for a secondhand buy?
Answered by Graham Smith · 22 Jan 2016

Thirty or more years ago I would probably have said don't touch it, but 180,000km isn't a lot for a car today. It does to some extent depend on how long you plan to keep it, but if it's in good condition and has been regularly serviced I would expect that you should get 100,000km and out of it, and probably more.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Mazda 3 2004
Complete guide to Mazda 3 2004 CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more