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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
64% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
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, 20180413
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, 20120312
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show 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. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120321
6% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
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. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120321
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MAZDASPEED3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V329000 (visibility) has been completed.
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 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.