2008 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 303 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 29 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorJun 15, 2011
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.
THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 11V329000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemAug 12, 2010
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 10V374000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 2, 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. 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 THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E011000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
303 reports, newest first.
Tires, Wheels, Dec 17, 2013
APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AFTER PURCHASE, I GOT A FLAT TIRE DRIVING ON 1-290 IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE ISSUE, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE TIRE SENSOR VALVE HAD GONE INTO THE TIRE. I REPLACED SAID TIRE, AND SINCE THEN I HAVE THE ISSUE THREE MORE TIMES ON ALL FOUR TIRES TOTAL. THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME WERE TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS APRIL 2013 AND THE FOURTH ONE TODAY 12/17/13. THE SENSORS SEEMED TO BE ROTTING OUT AND THE STEM ENDS UP CORRODING. I HAVE SPENT AT LEAST 1,000 IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF FIXING THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY INFURIATING TO SAY THE LEAST. IT SEEMS THAT LOOKING ONLINE THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH MANY HAVE HAD, YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 4, 2013
THE PLASTIC SURROUNDING THE TAIL LIGHTS HAS MELTED, SO WHEN BRAKING OR DRIVING IN THE DARK, THE TAIL LIGHTS SHOW AS A MIX OF RED AND WHITE. THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, BOTH HAVE GONE OUT AT DIFFERENT TIMES. SOMETIMES THEY START WORKING AGAIN FOR NO REASON, BUT WILL BE OUT AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS. *TR
Steering, Structure, Nov 18, 2013, crash
THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP RECALL ISSUE. THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE BY THE DEALER. I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A BIGGER ISSUE REGARDING "DESIGN NEGLIGENCE" BY MAZDA AS IT RELATES TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON THIS 2008-3. YOU SEE, THE PUMP (AN ITEGRAL PART OF THE STEERING AND VEHICLE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM) IS MOUNTED OUTSIDE THE CAR'S FRAME, JUST FORWARD OF THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. IT IS BASICALLY JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT/BUMPER/QUARTER PANEL ASSEMBLY. THIS LOCATION MAKES IT VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE IN EVEN MINOR ACCIDENTS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNSAFE IN THE VERY INSTANT WHERE CONTROL AND MANEUVERABILITY MAY KEEP OTHERS FROM BEING INJURED OR KILLED. WHAT BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION WAS WHEN A DEER RECENTLY RAN INTO THIS VERY LOCATION AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND THEREFORE UNDRIVABLE. MY DAUGHTER (WHO SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION) WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME AND WAS VERY SHOCKED AND SURPRISED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TECHNICALLY DRIVABLE (MINUS QUARTER PANEL, LEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT AND PART OF THE BUMPER COVER) SHE COULD NOT PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE OFFICER WRITING UP THE ACCIDENT REPORT TRIED TO MANEUVER THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD TO A SAFER LOCATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT A HIGHER SPEED AND ON A BUSIER ROADWAY OR HIGHWAY. THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. CAR MANUFACTURERS NEED TO BE MADE TO LOCATE CRITICAL SAFETY, HANDLING, AND MANUEVERABILITY COMPONENTS/EQUIPMENT IN PLACES AFFORDED SOME REASONABLE MEASURE OF PROTECTION AND SURVIVABILITY IN MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. *TR
Engine, Oct 29, 2013
OVERFLOW BOTTLE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE COSTING MORE THAN 1500 WORTH OF DAMAGES. THE MECHANIC ENCOURAGE THAT I REPORT BECAUSE HE SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND THAT MAZDA IS KNOWN FOR HAVING THIS DEFECT. IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Sep 27, 2013
I GOT A FLAT TIRE YESTERDAY BECAUSE MY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR VALVE HAD FALLEN INSIDE MY TIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2008. THANKFULLY, I WAS STUCK IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND ONLY GOING 20 MPH. I REALIZED MY TIRE WAS FLAT WHEN THE SENOR LIGHT WENT OFF AND MY CAR VEERED TO THE LEFT AND FORTUNATELY IT WAS THE EMERGENCY LANE OR I WOULD HAVE HIT A CAR. TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE SHOP AND THE TPS SENSOR NOW NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAD CORRODED AND DAMAGED THE INSIDE OF MY TIRE AS WELL. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT MY OTHER TIRES AND TPS SENSOR/STEM VALVE WAS CORRODED. THE THIRD TIRE IS FINE FOR NOW BUT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF CORRODING AS WELL. THE 4TH ONE WAS REPLACED A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND APPEARS OK. MAZDA NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM ASAP AND REIMBURSE EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD TO FIX THIS ISSUE. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WAS GOING ANY FASTER THAN 20MPH. ITS SAD THAT SOMEONE HAS TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR DIE FOR A RECALL TO HAPPEN. TO REPLACE BOTH SENSORS AND FIX MY TIRE I GOING TO BE PAYING OVER $300 FOR MAZDA'S ISSUE. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE AND CARE OF MY CAR, I BOUGHT IT NEW; NOTHING ON THAT CARE SHOULD BE CORRODING WHEN IT IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. NOT OUR FAULT AS CONSUMERS THAT THIS IS HAPPENING, FIX THIS NOW MAZDA!! *TR
Air bags, Aug 24, 2013
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSORS ARE PROGRAMMED TO INACTIVATE THE FRONT AND SIDE PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER IF THE FRONT PASSENGER WEIGHS BETWEEN 66 AND 93 LBS. MY WIFE WEIGHS ABOUT 83 LBS. ACCORDING TO MAZDA, THIS IS NOT A DEFECT, BUT A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENT. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE SIDE AIR BAG INACTIVATION, BUT NOT THE FRONT AIR BAG INACTIVATION (YOU CAN PUSH THE SEAT FAR BACK) AND CERTAINLY NOT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER INACTIVATION. THIS RULE IS WRONG AND PUTS LIVES AT RISK. IF YOU GOOGLE "MAZDA FRONT AIR BAG INACTIVATION", YOU WILL SEE THAT LOTS OF MAZDA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT, AND IT EXTENDS TO OWNERS OF OTHER MAKES. THE AIR BAG INACTIVATION LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF AS MY WIFE MOVES IN HER SEAT, AND HAS DONE THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. WE HAVE A 2006 MAZDA3 WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Wheels, Aug 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE SAT IN THE VEHICLE, THE VALVE STEM BECAME FRACTURED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR AND DIAGNOSED AS VALVE STEM CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Tires, Wheels, Aug 8, 2013
I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MAZDA HAS NOT RECALLED THE TPMS ON THE 2008 MAZDA 3'S. ALL OF THE TPMS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, I WILL BE GETTING THE LAST TWO FIXED/REPAIRED COMING THIS MONDAY. ALL OF THEM WERE EITHER CRACKED OR CORRODED. THE FIRST INCIDENT RESULTED IN ONE OF MY TIRES BEING "SHREDDED" ON THE INSIDE. PART OF THE KIT BROKE OFF AND WAS INSIDE THE RIM. I WAS ACCUSED BY A DEALERSHIP THAT I MUST HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON A FLAT TIRE. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY TIMES THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART. MAZDA SHOULD BE RECALLING THIS. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Jul 30, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON JULY 29, 2013 I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2008 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. THE ISSUE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT PULL TO THE LEFT SIDE AND LOST OF AIR/FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE REASON BEHIND THIS FAULT WAS A DEFECTIVE VALVE STEM. AFTER INSPECTING ALL THE OTHER WHEELS, IT TURNS OUT ALL THE VALVE STEMS ARE CRACKED. SOME INITIAL RESEARCH TELLS ME ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THOSE CARS AND MAZDA WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT. AT THIS POINT I HAVE CALLED MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND MAZDA CORPORATE OFFICE AND NONE OF THEM WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WILL BE 4X $120 FOR ALL TPMS SENSORS WITH VALVE STEMS AND 2X $115 FOR BOTH FRONT TIRES. HOPEFULLY THERE IS A RECALL COMING SOON... *TR
Tires, Wheels, Jul 30, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON JULY 29, 2013 I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2008 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. THE ISSUE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT PULL TO THE LEFT SIDE AND LOST OF AIR/FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE REASON BEHIND THIS FAULT WAS A DEFECTIVE VALVE STEM. AFTER INSPECTING ALL THE OTHER WHEELS, IT TURNS OUT ALL THE VALVE STEMS ARE CRACKED. SOME INITIAL RESEARCH TELLS ME ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THOSE CARS AND MAZDA WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT. AT THIS POINT I HAVE CALLED MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND MAZDA CORPORATE OFFICE AND NONE OF THEM WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WILL BE 4X $120 FOR ALL TPMS SENSORS WITH VALVE STEMS AND 2X $115 FOR BOTH FRONT TIRES. HOPEFULLY THERE IS A RECALL COMING SOON... *TR
Tires, Wheels, Jul 6, 2013
TIRE VALVE STEMS FALL OUT OF THE TIRES: MY TIRES HAVE BEEN LEAKING AIR PERIODICALLY FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I NOTICED ONE OF THE TIRE VALVE STEMS WAS MISSING THE OUTER NUT COVER. WHEN I WENT TO ADD AIR TO THE TIRE, AIR CAME OUT AROUND THE VALVE STEM. I CAREFULLY DROVE TO MY GARAGE AND BEFORE I GOT THERE, THE ENTIRE VALVE STEM HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE TIRE. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE THREADS ON THE VALVE STEM WERE ALL OXIDIZED AND THE NUT ROTTED OFF. AFTER INSPECTING THE OTHER TIRES, WE NOTICED ANOTHER ONE WAS MISSING THE OUTER NUT ALSO AND HEAVILY OXIDIZED. I HAD THE MECHANIC PULL OFF ALL 4 TIRES AND INSTALL NEW VALVE STEMS TO ALL TIRES. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH MAZDA AND SEE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. *TR
Steering, Jun 13, 2013
MY STEERING IS TIGHT UNAVAILABLE TO DRIVE. *TR
Tires, Wheels, May 28, 2013
THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE OF AN EXPRESS ROAD. WHILE DRIVING, THE TPMS SENSOR WARNING LIGHT/SOUND CAME ON AND THE TIRE WENT IMMEDIATELY FLATE - TOTAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT AND WHEN WE LOOKED AT THE TIRE, THE TPMS SENSOR HAD FALLEN OUT CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT (IT IS ATTACHED TO THE VALVE STEM) THE TREADS WERE CORRODED AND THE NUT CRACKED CAUSING THE SENSOR FALL OUT AND THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. THIS ONE WAS REPLACED. 8 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT THIS TIME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE NUT CRACKED AND THE SENSOR FELL OUT CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. THANKFULLY THIS TIME IT HAPPENED JUST AFTER I HAD PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY FOR A BATHROOM BREAK AND WAS NOT DRIVING AT SPEED WHEN THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED - ALTHOUGH IF IT HAD HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES PRIOR, I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH IN WET ROAD CONDITIONS. UPON EXAMINATION WE FOUND THAT THE THREAD WERE AGAIN CORRODED, CAUSING THE NUT TO CRACK AND THE SENSOR TO FALL OUT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION - CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A TIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY BY MAZDA. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, May 23, 2013
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. AFTER A VISIT TO THE SHOP, I LEARNED THAT MY MICRO COMPUTER WAS NOT WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST $729. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA 3S MADE AROUND 2008. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE, I BELIEVE THAT A DEFECTIVE PART CAUSED THE PROBLEM AND THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE EVALUATED FOR RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT. THANK YOU. *TR
Wheels, May 12, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT THE FULL SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR BLEW OFF AND THE TIRE IMMEDIATELY WENT FLAT. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING CARS WHILE VEERING ACROSS 3 LANES TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND CALL FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REMAINING 3 TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS WERE CORRODED & PARTIALLY BROKEN, AND WERE IN JEOPARDY OF BLOWING OFF. CALLED MAZDA'S CUSTOMER LINE, ARGUED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MAZDA AGREED TO REPLACE ALL 4 SENSORS AT NO CHARGE, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS PAST WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THEY KNEW THAT THIS WAS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. I WAS DISTURBED THAT NO ALERT HAS BEEN ISSUED TO WARN CONSUMERS AND CAR REPAIR SERVICE TO SPECIFICALLY CHECK FOR WEAR - THIS IS DANGEROUS. I COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR THE SENSOR COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY OR WORSE WHEN BLOWING OFF AT HIGH SPEED. MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THIS DESIGN WAS USED ON MANY MAKES AND MODELS IN 2008 (NOT JUST MAZDA), WHICH IS EVEN MORE DISTURBING. PLEASE CONSIDER ISSUING AN ALERT AT A MINIMUM. *TR
Power train, Apr 2, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED WHEN WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR JERKS SUDDENLY. I WAS EXTREMELY STARTLED AS IT FELT LIKE I HAD BROKEN AN AXLE OR RAN OVER SOMETHING BIG IN THE ROAD. FOR UNAWARE DRIVERS IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THEY SWERVE IN REACTION. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 5 MORE TIMES IN A 1 HR DRIVE AND JUST KEPT ON HAPPENING WHENEVER I DROVE IT FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR LOWER SPEEDS, I THEN NOTICED THAT MY DISPLAY SHOWED THE GEAR TO DROP FROM 5TH SUDDENLY INTO 3RD OR 4TH TO 3RD. IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF MAZDA 3S, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD DO A RECALL AS IT IS NOT SAFE ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Power train, Mar 18, 2013
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO THIRD DEGREE INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE FIFTH GEAR. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, NOT TRACTION, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC WHO THEN INFORMED HIM THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE 87,000. DT
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN FORT LAUDERDAE, FL BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS FAILED. I WAS IN TOTAL DARKNESS AND THANK GOD I REMEMBERED MY DAD SAYING THAT YOUR HIGH BEAMS ARE A BACKUP SYSTEM. THIS WORKED. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR LAMP FAILURES ON HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS AT NO COST? NOW BOTH FAILED AT ONCE, THE INTERNET IS FLOODED WITH WITH COMPLAINTS. IS MY CARE SAFE? I DO NOT TRUST THE DEALERS, THEY NEVER CHARGE ME FOR LAMP REPAIRS, ARE THEY HIDING SOMETHING? *TR
Wheels, Dec 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER MOVING OFF THE ROADWAY AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT TRIED TO ADD AIR TO THE TIRE WHEN THE VALVE STEM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TPMS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER TPMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.
Suspension, Dec 18, 2012
LIKE OTHER MAZDA 3 OWNERS, MY COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE REAR TIRE CAMBER. I NOTICED THIS CONDITION AFTER THE 2ND SET OF TIRES. I DIDN'T THINK THAT MUCH OF IT DURING THE FIRST SET OF TIRES AS THE TIRES LASTED FOR APPRX 50K MILES. BUT THE 2ND SET STARTED TO VIBRATE AND RUMBLE LOUDLY AFTER ABOUT 12K MILES. I HAD THEM ALIGNED AND ROTATED BUT THE NOISE AND WEAR BECAME WORSE. I PURCHASED A 3RD SET AND AGAIN HAD THE WHEELS ALIGNED AND THE SET LASTED FOR ABOUT 30K MILES. BUT I MUST STATE THAT THE VIBRATION AND NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE, AT THIS POINT. I FINALLY FOUND A MECHANIC THAT UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM. THE REAR CONTROL ARMS WERE FIXED (DID NOT HAVE AN ADJUSTMENT). THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS (WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SET). THE CAR NOW RIDES SMOOTH AND QUIET. MY QUESTION AND COMPLAINT...MAZDA MUST HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM, OTHERWISE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WOULD PROBABLY BE THE SAME AS THE ORIGINAL, NONADJUSTABLE. SO WHY, DIDN'T MAZDA OFFER ASSISTANCE? THE REPAIR COST ME OVER $625, NOT INCLUDING THE PREMATURELY WORN TIRES. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE CAR UNTIL THIS OCCURRED. NOW I QUESTION MAZDA'S INTEGRITY AND MAY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Nov 12, 2012
THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS UNRELIABLE. SPECIFIC INCIDENTS: 1. WARNING LIGHT FLASHES OR LIGHTS WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IS WITHIN THE SPECIFICATION LIMITS. THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. 2. ONE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FELL APART ON INSPECTION, AFTER WARNING OF A LEAK. DEALER REPLACED IT AT NO CHARGE. 3. ONE OF THE TIRE VALVES (AND HENCE PRESSURE SENSOR) WAS LEAKING AIR WHEN THE VALVE CAP WAS REMOVED, REPLACING THE VALVE CAP HELD THE AIR IN THE TIRE. DEALER ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AT NO CHARGE. 4. ONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS FAILED. DEALER STATED IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME FOR REPLACEMENT. CAR IS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD. SENSORS SEEMED TO BE MORE IRREGULAR AFTER DRIVING ON ROUGH HIGHWAY ROADS, WHERE A LAYER OF ASPHALT HAD BEEN REMOVED. *TR
Engine, Nov 11, 2012
PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT INOP AFTER ONLY 67,000 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Oct 23, 2012
THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. AFTER TAKING THE CARE TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED OUT WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR IS UNDER THE CUP HOLDER AND THE SENSOR MUST HAVE GOTTEN WET, POSSIBLY FROM CONDENSATION. BECAUSE THE SENSOR WAS DAMAGED THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. IT SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS TO PLACE AN AIRBAG SENSOR, UNDER A CUPHOLDER, THAT CAN BE SO EASILY DAMAGED BY DRINK CONDENSATION. *TR
Steering, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Oct 9, 2012
SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY VEHICLE I HAVE TO GET THE ALIGNMENT DONE AS OFTEN AS I GET THE OIL CHANGE DONE. WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING A 4 X 4. THERE IS ALSO A HORRIBLE ROARING ONCE YOU GET TO 45 MPH. THE ROARING AND SHAKING GOES AWAY RIGHT AFTER I HAVE MY CAR ALIGNED, BUT, AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS IT STARTS COMING BACK. I HAVE CHANGED THE TYPE OF TIRES THAT I PUT ON MY CAR THINKING IT MAY HELP, BUT, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY DIFFERENT WITH THE DIFFERENT TYPE OF TIRES I HAVE PUT ON MY CAR. *TR