2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
70% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
70% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and constant velocity joint.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a city road doing 35-40MPH in 4TH gear. I let off the gas while in 4TH and coasted to about 20MPH then shifted to n and stopped at a red light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-13
I went to shift into first gear from a stop (At a red light,) and my shifter fell off in my hand. Upon disassembling the center console at the light, I found that the cast-aluminum shifter arm had broken at the insertion point for the retention pin.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-12
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
When driving at highway speed for an extended period of time, something in the turbo exploded causing the engine to fail and a loss of power in highway traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-21
Wheels
6% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When driving at highway speed for an extended period of time, the excessive wheel camber made the tire heat up and wear through on the inside edge, and blow out. This happened again the next day.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-21
Suspension
6% · 2 reportsElectrical system
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show complaint excerpts
Was driving my 08 Mazda speed 3 home from being out and when I got home smelt something burning so I looked around the inside to make sure I didn't drop a cigarette and when I didn't see any I got out and popped opened the hood and when I did the...
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-01
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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 MAZDASPEED3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V329000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.