2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

20072009
Complaints
41
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
3
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#121 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:57,778 mi
#23 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Fires:1
#32 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Considering a 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

Transmission / Drivetrain
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
57,778
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Constant Velocity Joint
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Manual Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~103,300 vehicles.

11V329000Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
~103,300 affected

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.

Other Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Years

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has 41 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 21 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (21 complaints, avg 57,778 mi); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (3 complaints); Engine & Cooling (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 57,778 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 include 1 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 103,300 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99