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.
Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2012
HEADLIGHTS CONTINUALLY GO OUT ABOUT TWO-THREE MONTHS AFTER BEING REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2012
REAR TAIL LIGHTS ARE FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY BULBS AND DEVELOPED MELTED HOLES ON THE REAR LENSES. *TR
Steering, Tires, Wheels, Aug 30, 2012
AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES AN HOUR THE IN-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM'S RIM ATTACHING NUT CORRODED OFF OF THE VALVE STEM ON THE TIRE. TIRE PRESSURE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY AND HAD TO STOP AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE VALVE STEM FELL INTO THE TIRE ONCE PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED. ALL 4 TIRES ALL CORRODED EVENLY AND NEED TO HAVE THE STEMS AND NUTS REPLACED. I'VE OPTED FOR A RUBBER VALVE STEM WHILST SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS. I STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE 3 OTHER TIRES FIXED. REPLACEMENT NON-ALUMINUM TPMS ARE 35-50 A PIECE + INSTALLATION. 1. CHEAP NUTS THAT CRACK AND FALL OFF TIRE STEMS. 2. ALUMINUM STEMS THAT CORRODE COMPLETELY REMOVING THE THREADS. 3. HIGH SPEED CRASH HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 15, 2012
WHILE DRIVING APPROX 75 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MY BRAKES FAILED (FELT LIKE THEY LOCKED UP, AS THEY BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PUSH PEDAL). I HAD TO SHIFT SUDDENLY IN TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REDUCE MY SPEED AND PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER. THIS SAME INCIDENT ALSO OCCURRED ON 8/10/2012. *TR
Tires, Jul 27, 2012
LARGE BUBBLE FORMED ON OUTSIDE SIDEWALL OF TWO TIRES. TIRES HAVE APPROX. 20,000 MILES ON THEM. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 25, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE AND NECK AREA. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE ACCELERATION ALSO OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Wheels, Jun 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH WHEN THE TIRE SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE VALVE STEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,750 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,795.
Wheels, May 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3 GRAND TOURING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT. THE DRIVER THEN REPLACED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,109.
Steering, May 3, 2012
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT MODERATE SPEED. UPON SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING THE CAR PULLED HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY HIT A LARGE TREE ON THIS VERY NARROW ROAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2012
PASSENGER SIDE TOP MOTOR MOUNT DEFECTIVE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE MAD ABOUT THIS THEY REPLACE IT GOES BAD 1 TO 2 LATER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE. THERE WAS NO REPORT FILED. THE INSURANCE PROVIDER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 9, 2012
I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING OUT. AS THE CAR BEGAN TO MOVE THE STEERING FELT SLUGGISH LIKE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONDITION LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN CLEARED UP. THAT HAPPENED TWICE MORE AS I WAS BACKING OUT. WHENEVER THE STEERING BECAME SLUGGISH SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON (LOW TIRE, ABS, BRAKE, OIL, ETC). THEY TURNED OFF WHENEVER THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONDITION SEEMED TO CLEAR ITSELF SO I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND WENT A FEW HUNDRED FEET. THE SLUGGISH STEERING AND FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN AGAIN. I STOPPED THE CAR, LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING AND CHECKED THE TIRES, POWER STEERING BELT, AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL. ALL WERE OK. AT THIS POINT I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES OSCILLATED WILDLY FROM END TO END FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO ON. AFTER WAITING FOR THE INSTRUMENTATION TO SETTLE TO THE NORMAL OFF STATE, I INSERTED THE KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER WHATEVER, LIKE THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REMOVED. I REMOVED THE KEY WAITED 15 SECONDS AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THAT TIME THE CAR STARTED AS EXPECTED. I DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THERE WAS NO RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SINCE THEN WITH NO RECURRENCE OF THE STEERING ISSUE OR FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS.
Tires, Wheels, Mar 23, 2012
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT WENT OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON AT ALL. I HAD ASSUMED THAT IS WAS JUST SOME KIND OF ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A BIT UNTIL I NOTICED THE TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A FLAT TIRE. THE WAS ODD SINCE I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED NEW TIRES WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THEN AND THE WAS NO DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY THAT WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THE RAPID DEFLATION. WHEN I PULLED OVER THE TIRE VALVE AND WAS GONE AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE TIRE PLACE HE PULLED THE TIRE OFF TO TRY TO FIND THE SENSOR TO NO AVAIL. HE SAID IN HIS 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. ON CLOSER INSPECTION WE NOTICED A CRACK IN ANOTHER ONE OF THE VALVE STEMS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND NOT DUE TO COMPONENT MANUFACTURING, BUT IT SEEMS ODD THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN TO MULTIPLE VALVES LIKES THAT. AS AN ADDENDUM, THE ONLY OTHER TIME I HAVE TO CALL ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE WAS WHEN I RANDOM GOT A FLAT TIRE AND WHEN I TRIED TO REFILL THE TIRE THE VALVE PUSHED IN. I TOOK IT TOO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY PROMPTLY REPLACED THE VALVE AND SENSOR WITHOUT CHARGE. I AM GLAD I HAD NEW TIRES WITH RUN FLAT TECHNOLOGY. IT THIS HAD HAPPENED WITH THE OLD TIRES I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW MUCH WORSE THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN. *TR
Visibility, Mar 8, 2012
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW APPEARS TO BE OFF TRACK, WHEN ROLLED DOWN I CAN MOVE IT BACK AND FORTH BY PUSHING IT. WHEN YOU ROLL IT UP YOU HAVE TO FIRST PUSH IT BACK INTO PLACE OR IT MAKES A CRACKING NOISE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW GETS STUCK AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T ROLL DOWN. ON MAZDA FORUMS MANY, MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR
Tires, Dec 19, 2011
TPMS FAILURE. THE LIGHT CONSTANTLY KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. ONE OF MY TIRES WAS VERY LOW OVERNIGHT. I WENT TO A GAS STATION TO GET AIR, AND THE VALVE WAS MISSING. COMPLETELY OFF. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SAME MAKE AND YEAR. 2008 MAZDA 3. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2011
EACH OF MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 3 TIMES WITHIN 25,000 MILES AND 1 1/2 YEARS OF DRIVING IT. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Nov 16, 2011
TIRE SENSOR CAME ON DURING DRIVE INTO WORK. MADE TO CALL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BY LUNCH TIME THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT AND THE STEM OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR HAD COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF. WHEN I GOT THE CAR TO A DEALER THEY STATE 3 OF THE 4 MONITORS HAD CORRODED TO THE POINT THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. THIS ADDED NEARLY $400 DOLLARS TO GETTING THE TIRES ON THE CAR REPLACED. HOW IS IT A TIRE SENSOR CAN'T LAST AS LONG AS THE TIRES ON A BRAND NEW CAR? IF A TIRE SENSOR IS ADDED TO A CAR TO MAKE IT SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT MAYBE IT SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 3 YEARS AND NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO BECOME UNSAFE. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Nov 14, 2011
FACTORY TIRES (GOODYEAR RSA) WORE OUT IN <15K, EXCESSIVE INSIDE WEAR. REPLACED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA GRID G019 205/50/R17. STARTED SHOWING INSIDE WEAR AROUND 45K, AND EXTREMELY LOUD ROAD NOISE AT 50K. ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED AS PER WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS. ALIGNMENT IS FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. CAR HAS NEVER TOUCHED A TRACK AND IS USED AS A COMMUTER VEHICLE. ONLINE REPORTS HAVE BLAMED THE CAMBER WHICH IS NOT ADJUSTABLE ON THE MAZDA 3. SO THIS ISSUE WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. SERIOUS DEFECT AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Tires, Nov 5, 2011
TIRE VALVE SPLIT AND ENTERED TIRE WELL CAUSING IT TO GO FLAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY. NOT ONLY DID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE VALVE 115.00 $ BUT I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE SINCE THE LITTLE WAYS THAT I DROVE ON IT TO PULL OVER SHREDDED THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE!!! THIS IS NOW THE SECOND VALVE THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED, LUCKILY THE FIRST WAS DISCOVERED BY THE MECHANIC WHILE REPLACING MY TIRES. THE OTHER TWO SEEM TO BE ON THERE WAY OUT AS WELL. *TR
Tires, Oct 31, 2011
2008 MAZDA 3 4-DOOR - TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR VALVE IS CORRODED AND SPLIT. A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WILL CHECK IF WARRANTY COVERS REPLACEMENT TPM, BUT FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, PROBABLY NOT! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY NOW. THE WARNING LIGHT GOES ON BECAUSE IT APPEARS AIR IS LEAKING FROM THE VALVE STEM. MAZDA SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE POOR QUALITY TPM'S. *TR
Visibility, Oct 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE GROUND HARNESS WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 01/13/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A WIRE WAS FOUND NOT PROPERLY SECURED. UPDATED 01/19/12
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2011
ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED. NOTICED VIBRATION IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. THERE WAS NO NOTICED VIBRATION WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLING. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS IN DRIVE, WITH THE HOOD POPPED, THE ENGINE WAS NOTICEABLY PITCHING FORWARD AND RETURNING TO IT'S DEFAULT POSITION WHEN THE GAS WAS RELEASED. I CHECKED RECALLS AND THERE WERE NONE SHOWN, BUT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. LOCAL MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN. *TR
Steering, Sep 21, 2011
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN LEFT LANE ON INTERSTATE AND SUDDENLY TURNED INTO CONCRETE DIVIDER. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST AND AS A RESULT, CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM), WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE TECHNICIAN AGREED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BUT WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS FOR THE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL DUE TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE WAITING ON THE NECESSARY PARTS TO ARRIVE BEFORE PERFORMING THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL BEING INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.