MazdaMazda32006Overview/mazda/mazda3/2006/base/

2006 Mazda Mazda3

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 Mazda3.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2006 Mazda Mazda3 is a passenger car that, according to owner data, generated 166 total complaints, with air‑bag issues leading the list and two recalls issued for the year. Placed within the model’s broader complaint history from 2004 to 2024, the 2006 figure sits well below the peak of 686 complaints seen in 2010 and above the recent low of just 10 complaints recorded in 2024. This positioning suggests that, while the 2006 Mazda3 experienced a moderate number of issues relative to its siblings, the Mazda3 line has shown a clear trend of improving reliability over the subsequent years.

Model year202020192018201720162015201420132006

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter LF8J14302. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP195-65R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterLF8J14302 alt LF0114312
Engine air filterLF5013Z40A9U
Battery0000800035WB alt 000080026RWB
Front wiper bladesBN8G67330 alt BN8F67330
Serpentine beltLF5015908B alt LF5115908B
ThermostatLF0315165A alt LF7015170
Cabin air filterBP4K61J6X

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.3 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase103.5 in
Curb weight2712 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 59.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Mazda3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.3–8.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.30 sec — 2007 s Touring Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2005s 5-door Hatchback 2.3L I-48.10 sec16.10 sec160 hpFWD
2005s Sedan 2.3L I-48.60 sec16.40 sec160 hpFWD
2007s Touring Sedan 2.3L I-47.30 sec15.80 sec156 hpFWD
2004s 5-door Hatchback 2.3L I-47.40 sec16.00 sec160 hpFWD
2004s 5-door Hatchback 2.3L I-47.70 sec16.10 sec160 hpFWD
2004s 5-door Hatchback 2.3L I-48.00 sec16.30 sec160 hpFWD
2008s Grand Touring Sedan 2.3L I-48.50 sec16.60 sec156 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque the oil drain plug to 26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.6
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity6
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) BearingsSOHC: 30-36 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 80-86 ft-lbs,; MT: 71-76 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsSOHC: 14-22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts40 ft-lbs
Main BearingsSOHC: 75-85 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Front Wheel Hub175-202 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Ignition TimingTurbo: 10, Non-Turbo: 8 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.05-1.16 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeGU10
Oil Capacity5.24 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176-183 °F
Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-193 °F
Injector Primary Resistance11.4
Engine Compression142-203 PSI. 28.5 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket19-22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle43-56 ft-lbs / 75-87 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.94 in / 0.39 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.91 in / 0.354 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
144-71 inch lbs., Step 2: 10-1344–71 in
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
171-77 ft. lbs., step 2: 87-9371–77 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep DOHC

171-88 inch lbs. in crisscross pattern.71–88 in
215-18

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 75,000 mi; coolant at 120,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 120,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 25,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 37,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 45,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEmission Control System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2006 Mazda3 recorded 166 federal complaints, 2 recalls and 189 total service‑bulletins, placing its complaint volume between the 103 complaints of 2005 and the 222 complaints of 2007. Its recall count of two is comparable to the three recalls seen in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008, indicating no unusual recall intensity for that model year. The 2006 complaints were dominated by Air Bags (20), Steering (18), Power Train (15) and Tires (12), with 21 crash‑related complaints and 3 fire‑related complaints reported. Compared with the sharp rise to 303 complaints in 2008 and the later peak of 686 complaints in 2010, the 2006 figures sit at the lower‑mid end of the generation’s complaint trajectory. Consequently, while the year is not defined by a high recall burden, the presence of fire and crash complaints suggests a cautious approach, making the 2006 Mazda3 a moderate‑risk choice for a used purchase.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
189
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
166
Owner complaints
21 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 166 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags20
Steering18
Power Train15
Tires12
Suspension8
Electrical System8
Engine & Engine Cooling8
Engine7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V494000Air Bags:FrontalReported 01/07/2021

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… 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…

09E011000EquipmentReported 02/04/2009

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 189 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SA-029-262026-04-21Power TrainThis Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are…
07-004-25a2025-12-10Unknown Or OtherA musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system…
SA-039/252025-08-21StructureSome vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.)…
SA-036-252025-08-14Unknown Or OtherWhen replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM…
SA-032-252025-06-18Unknown Or OtherSome customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Mazda3. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2006 Mazda3 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.