MYRModel Year Report

2008 Mazda MAZDA3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 Mazda MAZDA3
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda MAZDA3 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2004: 145 complaints 2004 2005: 97 complaints 2006: 166 complaints 2007: 222 complaints 2007 2008: 303 complaints 2008 2009: 115 complaints 2010: 686 complaints 2010 2011: 131 complaints 2012: 226 complaints 2013: 117 complaints 2013 2014: 137 complaints 2015: 130 complaints 2016: 103 complaints 2016 2017: 83 complaints 2018: 107 complaints 2019: 73 complaints 2019 2020: 32 complaints 2021: 49 complaints 2022: 23 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 7 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaints 2026
2008: 303 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2004145
200597
2006166
2007222
2008303
2009115
2010686
2011131
2012226
2013117
2014137
2015130
2016103
201783
2018107
201973
202032
202149
202223
202312
202410
20257
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 36%

36% of complaints: steering — 109 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250401

WHEELS 11%

11% of complaints: wheels — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
TIRES 9%

9% of complaints: tires — 27 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CAR HIT A BANK THEN WENT AIRBORNE AND CAME TO TO A TREE AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE CAR ALSO HIT A ROAD SIGN AND IT WAS BEING DRIVING DOWN ROAD

NHTSA ODI report, 20200224

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120725

I WAS INVOLVED IN A FOUR CAR COLLISION. I WAS THIRD IN LINE, AND WAS HIT REALLY HARD FROM BEHIND AND THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080813

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 303
R 20090417 — equipment

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, MODEL

Remedy: 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 1-8

Campaign 09E011000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20100628 — PE (closed 20101129)

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

R 20100915 — steering

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 POW

Remedy: 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 CENTE

Campaign 10V374000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20110706 — visibility

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 HAV

Remedy: 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 C

Campaign 11V329000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (109 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V374000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V329000 (visibility) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2020 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ◆ 2012 ◆ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.