2008 Mazda MAZDA3
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.
- Complaints
- 303
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 303 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
39% · 117 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and pump.
Show complaint excerpts
The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-01
Tires
14% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems and valve.
Wheels
11% · 33 reportsAir bags
7% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-24
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, 2012-07-25
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
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, 2008-08-13
Also filed under Seat belts
Service brakes
7% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008Complaint volume 303 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2009-04-17Equipment09E011000 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…
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…
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I
2010-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-11-29 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
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R
2010-09-15Steering10V374000 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…
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…
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R
2011-07-06Visibility11V329000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 117 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 33 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E011000 · Equipment
- Recall 10V374000 · Steering
- Recall 11V329000 · Visibility
Other years of this model
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 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.