2008 Mazda MAZDA5

● Typical for this model
2008 Mazda MAZDA5
RENDERED 2026-09-16T08:45:35.540Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 MAZDA5 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2006: 78 complaints 2006 2007: 61 complaints 2008: 67 complaints 2008 2009: 64 complaints 2010: 57 complaints 2010 2011: 1 complaints 2012: 37 complaints 2012 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 12 complaints 2014 2015: 9 complaints 2016: 2 complaints 2016
2008: 67 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200678
200761
200867
200964
201057
20111
201237
201324
201412
20159
20162

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 55%

55% of complaints: steering — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240430

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN

I BOUGHT 4 KUMHO TIRES SIZED 205 50R17 FOR THIS CAR IN SEPTEMBER OF 2015. IN AUGUST OF 2017, AT ABOUT 25000 MILES ON THE TIRES, ONE OF THEM DEVELOPED WHAT WE LATER LEARNED WAS A BELT SEPARATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180621

Also filed under SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180511

SUSPENSION 15%

15% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

TIRES 12%

12% of complaints: tires — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing valve and tread/belt.

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A BANG SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150529

Also filed under ENGINE

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Mazda MAZDA5 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (37 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10V374000 (steering) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2012 ● 2010 ● 2007

WORST YEARS

● 2006 ● 2009 ● 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.