Worst 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Wheel Issues
Tire Defects
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 109 | 9 | — | 43,433 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 33 | 1 | — | 58,789 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 27 | 1 | — | 50,942 mi | |
| Airbags | 19 | 9 | — | 73,158 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | — | — | 76,509 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | 1 | — | 76,576 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 16 | — | — | 80,397 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | 86,859 mi | |
| Brakes | 13 | 1 | — | 115,980 mi | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 12 | — | — | 50,534 mi | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | 44,062 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | 79,623 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | 53,103 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 6 | — | 1 | 40,800 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 25,090 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 5 | 1 | — | 16,750 mi | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 5 | 1 | — | 26,100 mi | |
| Suspension:Rear | 5 | — | — | 18,425 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tires:Valve | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Mazda Mazda3
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~318,300 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Mazda Mazda3 Years
2008 Mazda Mazda3 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
How safe is the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Mazda3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 Mazda Mazda3
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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