Why does the new Mazda3 Axela have an odor?

[DelKing]

There is an odor in the new Mazda3 Axela. Sources of the odor: The smell in the car mainly comes from leather, plastic, and adhesives, which definitely contain formaldehyde. Some substances are more harmful than formaldehyde but evaporate quickly, while formaldehyde can take several years or even over a decade to fully dissipate, making it particularly hazardous. Solutions to eliminate the odor: Open all four doors and the trunk, and expose the car to direct sunlight. After a few sessions of sun exposure, the smell will mostly disappear. While driving normally, keep the ventilation on—this method is very effective for removing odors and formaldehyde. Activated charcoal can also help eliminate formaldehyde. Keep plenty of activated charcoal in the new car, and the formaldehyde can be mostly adsorbed.

[VanRyder]

I bought a brand-new Mazda3 last year, and as soon as I got in, I noticed that strong plastic and glue smell, which made me feel a bit dizzy. When new cars leave the factory, the materials used in the seats, adhesives in the carpets, and plastic components still contain residual chemicals that gradually release odors, similar to other new cars. The smell naturally fades a bit after a few days of driving. I roll down the windows for half an hour during my daily commute to ventilate, and the odor has reduced significantly. Some people might mistakenly think this is dangerous, but it’s actually normal for new cars—just ensure proper air circulation. I recommend buying some activated charcoal bags to absorb the smell, but don’t worry about long-term effects. In most cases, the odor mostly dissipates within six months, and my car now smells completely clean. If the smell feels overwhelming right after purchase, using the AC’s external circulation mode can also help.

[Amy]

As a friend who frequently interacts with cars, I believe the main cause of the odor in the Mazda3 Axela is the new materials used in the interior, such as artificial leather and the adhesives and additives in plastic panels that haven't fully volatilized upon leaving the factory. New cars are often transported sealed, allowing odors to accumulate, which naturally makes them more noticeable. This is quite normal and not a defect, but prolonged inhalation might slightly affect comfort. I recommend avoiding keeping the windows tightly closed for extended periods during the first month of owning a new car. When parked, leave a small gap to allow air exchange. You can also try using an in-car air purifier to speed up the purification process or regularly wash the car and clean the interior surfaces. Generally, the odor will diminish over time, so no special treatment is necessary unless the smell is unusually strong or persists without fading.

[VonDaniela]

It's quite common for new cars to have odors. The smell in the Mazda3 (Axela) might be due to solvents in the seat and interior materials releasing chemical fumes, which could cause dizziness for sensitive individuals. From a health perspective, I think it's worth paying attention to. Increasing ventilation can quickly reduce the concentration, so try not to let children or elderly people stay inside for too long. It's recommended to avoid long-distance driving in the first week and keep the car well-ventilated.

[SiennaRose]

When I first got my Mazda3, the smell puzzled me, probably caused by plastic parts or adhesives not fully dried. In daily use, driving with windows open is the most effective method. Avoid parking under high temperatures for too long, as odors can accumulate. My experience shows that cleaning the interior can speed up odor dissipation, such as wiping seats and panels with a damp cloth weekly. Also, pay attention to air quality; if the odor is irritating, check for any foreign objects blocking the ventilation system.

[VanSabrina]

From the manufacturing process perspective, the odor in the new Mazda3 comes from residues of interior materials such as plastics and adhesives, where chemical substances were not fully released before assembly. This is similar to the smell of newly unpacked furniture, which naturally dissipates after some time. It is recommended to park in shaded areas to avoid high temperatures accelerating the release and to develop a habit of opening windows.