The Mazda 3 was equipped with the 4F27E or FN4A-EL transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda 3 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda 3 Transmission Models
Mazda 3: 4F27E Transmission
Mazda 3: FN4A-EL Transmission
Mazda 3 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Mazda 3 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4F27E | 1856 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda 3 transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Mazda 3 Recalls
2010 Mazda3 – 09V126000 / 5409d
Summary
Mazda recalled 25,400 copies of the 2010 Mazda3, equipped with the automatic transmission. It seems that the clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor may be insufficient. Because of this, the covering of the harness may be damaged through vibration during vehicle operation, possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing. A short-circuit can result in engine control malfunction and/or poor transmission shift quality.
Consequence
The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
This recall began on May 6, 2009, and dealers were instructed to inspect the engine harness and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired as well. Owners can contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, referring to Mazda recall number: 5409d. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236
Mazda 3 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
2004-2008 Mazda3 – TSB 05-12/08
Problem:
On some vehicles, the shift position lamp in the instrument cluster does not come on in the “P” position, and the engine does not start. However, the engine can be started in the “N” position. This is due to rust on the connect- ing point of the shift cable and lock cable lever causing the select lever not to move to the location where it is recognized as “P” range. There is no issue about the transmission reaching Park. This is only an issue about the confirming “P” indicator in the instrument cluster. A slit on the mud guard has been removed to prevent salt water from getting to the location where rust would occur.
Solution:
If rust is present on the connecting point of the shift cable and lock cable lever, then the lock cable lever will have to be replaced with modified one (part # B2YE-46-310). Also, it’s strongly recommended to replace the nut and washer as well.
2004-2005 Mazda3 – TSB 05-010/05
Problem:
Some automatic equipped versions of the Mazda may exhibit intermittent shift shock during 1-2 upshift. This issue is caused by improper PCM calibration.
Solution:
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will have to be reprogrammed with the updated calibrations.
Common Problems with the Mazda 3 Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Mazda 3 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Mazda 3 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda 3 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Mazda 3 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Mazda 3 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda 3 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Mazda 3 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda 3 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Mazda 3 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Mazda 3 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda 3 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda 3 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Mazda 3 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Mazda 3 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Mazda 3 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I have shift solenoid a
slamintoreverse
Just got tramission rebuild now after a month the hold light is coming on. Check on the diagnostic and it is not showing what is wrong
I bought a Mazda 3 2005 Hatchback in the August of 2018 and 7 months later I have transmission problems. My vehicle has over 174,000 miles and transmission is Slipping. When I purchased my car, it had already 170,000 miles on it. Now, problem after problem. This car turned out to be a Lemon. I’m very disappointed in Mazda.
My problem with mazda3 is leaking transmission fluid between motor and trasmission why
I have a 2008 mazda3 hatchback and it has started to give me trouble getting it out of park. Once out the car runs fine. 117314 miles
2010 Mazda 3 automatic. Hard shift from 3rd to 4th when cold. Long delay between 4th and 5th when warm.108,000. Changing fluid and filter. No codes.?
I purchased a 2010 Mazda3 s 2.5l about 4 months ago. Car studders around 40 mph @? 1500rpm and holding speed. Also, in low rpm 25 mph coast and holding speed. Only happens in automatic not sport shift or cruise control
What ended up happening here ? I’m having the same issues and they want to replace tranny
We just found out that our 2011 Mazda 3 needs to have the automatic transmission replaced at only 49,000 miles. An $8 seal leaked–apparently only when driving, so no drips or leaks on the driveway–causing enough damage that it blew up 2 days after the repair and transmission fluid flush. Powertrain warranty is only 5yr/60k…which is pretty weak by industry standards. Dealership is at least offering credit on what we spent for the earlier repair, but the warranty on the rebuilt is only 12k. This is the last Mazda we will ever buy!
My girlfriends 2012 Mazda 3 has the same issue as the previous person. Grinding while driving, worse on deceleration. Shifts fine. Took to 2 mechanics. Found a bad bearing in the trans. They said the entire trans has to be rebuilt at a cost of 4,000 dollars US. The car only has 56,000 miles. It’s disgraceful that Mazda isn’t fixing this issue as it seems that others are having the same problem. Just over the warranty time frame too, but under on mileage.
14 Mazda 3 87070 miles. Grinding on deceleration, tranny shifts perfect no problems. Brought to dealer after diagnosis, bad bearing in transmission dealer wants to replace transmission at a cost of 4581.00 dollars. I don’t know if I’m more stunned at the price or the fact that the tranny only lasted 87 thousand miles of which 70k are all highway and the car has been well taken care of. Needles to say, as much as I love the car its the last Mazda I will ever buy. My sons Corolla has 268 thousand miles on it with the original transmission in it! Driving that to work until I locate and install a used one and quickly dump this Mazda for a older more reliable Toyota.
2007 Mazda 3 sp23 156 000km, Auto.
Engine light came on, AT light came on, limped it to the mechanic, getting to 3rd gear than nothing. New transmission needed. It seems that Mechanics are told there is no need to service the transmission due to it being a “sealed unit” Not the case.
When opened it was full of burnt oil and broken bits.
Advised that once it has been replaced and modified, so that the issue does not happen again, that the trans will need a service once every 20-30k kms to keep it happy.
Dalton you may need someone to look at the TCM (transmission control module) apparently this can keep showing the AT lights and cause a few issues.
I have an automatic 2004 Mazda 3. The AT light and the Check Engine lights are both on. The shifting very hard into reverse only. It had a new transmission and two new turbine sensors. And the lights are still on. Is there a fix to this problem? No one, even the Mazda dealership can figure out the problem.
I have the same exact issue with my 2010 Mazda 3 I think it’s the TCM have you found out the issue?
do i need to change atf filter after changing atf?
is it ok to drive my mazda 3 which is only enganging from 1 to 2?
that is if the waste came up how much do you think it can cost to have it replaced?
is the gear box repairable?
is there need to change gear box?
what is your opinion on the mazda 3(axella) transmission problems
My name is Andrew Longa live in Zambia and have 2004 Mazda 3(Axella) 161k miles.Transmission can only go 1 up to 2 then labours to change AT yellow light goes on. Changed a t f and replaced with elfmatic(dextron iii) and still the problem is still there. spoke to mechanic then thought it was over filled. drained a bit of atf and this time both engine and AT Lights have gone on .
what could have gone wrong?
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BAD GROUND OR SHORTED TO GROUND CHECK HARNESS AND INSPECT WIRING CLOSELY AROUND STARTER
2007 Mazda3s, 152k miles, transmission failed. Took it to the dealer in “limp mode,” transmission replacement needed. Standard Mazda dealer new transmission cost, parts and labor. Relevant codes: P0739, P0766, P0841. Damage found inside transmission. More than 2/3 of the miles on the vehicle are in-city driving, the remainder split between numerous three-hour drives each way, and about a dozen seven-hour each way trips. While it’s been a great car, I was disappointed the transmission only lasted 150,000 miles. It’s about to be handed down, so I’m hoping for another 150,000.
I live in Papua New Guinea, and have a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan with automatic transmission(4 gears). The transmission only shifts to 1 and 2 gears, but can not shift to 3rd, 4th and reverse gears. The AT and engine light still on when driving. The mechanic changed the transmission oil and the filter but the problem remains. He tried to check with the diagnosis box but there was no fault signal. What is your opinion?
Looking forward for your comments
I live in Cyprus and I have a mazda 323 BH 1.5L 1995 with automatic transmission (4 gears). The car has 380 000 Km. After driving for 10-15 minutes the hold lamp is flashing and the transmission shifts until 3 gear normaly but not to 4 gear. The mechanic changed the transmission oil and the filter but the problem remains. He tried to check with the diagnosis box but there was no fault signal. What is your opinion?
Looking forward for your comments