2004 Mazda Mazda3 s
JM1BK143241132044
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3 s (VIN JM1BK143241132044). Silver, hatchback/liftback/notchback, 2.3L 144 hp. 115,965 mi reported. Registered in Pr. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report engine and engine cooling trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $2,676 (typical range $1,000–$4,100). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JM1BK143241132044, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Mazda Mazda3 data →
📋 All factory specifications on file6 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2004 Mazda Mazda3 worth?
What comparable 2004 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Mazda3 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 249
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 249.
Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
Bulletin SA-055-26 · Aug 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio…
Bulletin 09-022-26 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Jul 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.…
Bulletin SA-029-26 · Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine · Apr 2026A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensati…
Bulletin 07-004-25a · Dec 2025Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focu…
Bulletin SA-039/25 · Structure · Aug 2025Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leav…
Bulletin SA-032-25 · Jun 2025A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensati…
Bulletin 07-004-25 · Apr 2025Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
Bulletin SA-058-24 · Structure · Aug 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, S…
Bulletin 09-038-24 · Electrical System · Aug 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perform…
Bulletin SA-011-24b · Jul 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MAZDA3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic logo on the steering wheel airbag cover could become brittle over time. If this happens, the logo could shatter and could become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash. Safety Risk: Loose parts that are projected toward the occupants when an airbag inflates could increase the risk of an injury. Corrective Actions: Mazda will not…
Transport Canada #2021412 · Jul 2021Airbag
On certain vehicles, a crack in the housing of the airbag crash zone sensor may allow water to enter the sensor and cause a short circuit. This will illuminate the airbag warning light. Until the problem is remedied, the airbag will not deploy as required in a frontal crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary,…
Transport Canada #2004360 · Sep 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a compact car manufactured by Mazda since 2003 over four generations. The body styles have been a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan across all generations. It was sold as the Mazda Axela in Japan until 2019. From 2013 until 2019, it was called the Mazda 3 Axela in China.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.
NHTSA Campaign #21V494000 · manufacturer #4921G · 01/07/2021EQUIPMENT
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE…
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
NHTSA Campaign #09E011000 · 02/04/2009AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CRACK IN THE AIR BAG CRASH ZONE SENSOR HOUSING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SENSOR, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND ILLUMINATING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRASH ZONE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
NHTSA Campaign #04V468000 · manufacturer #2304J · 24/09/2004These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 24 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 19 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 170
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Mazda Mazda3.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This model car has a fuse box under the glove box known as a "passenger junction box" that has a faulty or defective relay soldered onto the circuit board. The relay is tied to lighting that includes the interior lights, exterior front parking lights, exterior rear tail lights, and the license plate light and is controlled by the left turn signal stalk (rot…
NHTSA ODI #11609269TIRES
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Ventus S1 Noble2, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a loud explosion was heard. The contact's wife alerted him that the rear driver's side tire had blown out. The contact's vehicle was then rear-ended by another vehicle…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11561370SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of Les Schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not ma…
NHTSA ODI #11538237AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
NHTSA ODI #11438521ENGINE
THE CAR RAN GREAT FOR THE END OF 2019. I BOUGHT IT USED AT 145,000 MILES. THEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. NOW ITS STUCK IN LIMP MODE.
NHTSA ODI #11318945EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE TAIL LIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER JUNCTION BOX (FUSE BOX). TAPPING THE BOX WITH A SCREWDRIVER HANDLE WILL BRING THE TAIL LIGHTS BACK ON FOR A WHILE. THIS HAS BEEN A MAZDA 3 ISSUE OVER THE YEARS. THE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11279063AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAIN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…
NHTSA ODI #11206320STEERING
THE LOCK RELEASE LEVER ON THE STEERING WHEEL GET LOOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND DOES NOT LOCKED IN PLACE. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND SERIOUS INJURIES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO GET THIS REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #11054858+ 162 more complaints on record.
