YearToAvoid

2008 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

95/100

#2 most-complained of 21 Mazda3 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Mazda Mazda3 has 303 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 95 out of 100 — #2 highest of 21 Mazda3 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is steering (117 complaints, 39% of the total). Complaints report 29 crashes, 1 fire, and 20 injuries.

Complaints
303
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
29 / 1
Injuries / deaths
20 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
25.5
22.5 city / 30 hwy

Top 2008 Mazda Mazda3 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering117 (39%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires67 (22%)
  3. Engine34 (11%)
  4. Electrical System27 (9%)
  5. Brakes24 (8%)
  6. Airbags22 (7%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain15 (5%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers15 (5%)
  9. Other12 (4%)
  10. Fuel System9 (3%)
2008 Mazda Mazda3 complaints: complaints filed per quarter592007 Q42009 Q42011 Q32013 Q22015 Q12016 Q42018 Q32020 Q3
354 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q4 to 2025 Q2; peak 2010 Q3 (59).

2008 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V329000Jun 15, 2011Visibility & Wipers103,300 vehicles

    Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

    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 have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.

    Risk: The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

    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 center at 1-800-222-5500.

  2. NHTSA 10V374000Aug 12, 2010Steering215,000 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    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 power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.

    Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.

    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 center at 1-800-222-5500.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22.5 MPG
Highway
30 MPG
Combined
25.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,550
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other Mazda3 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Caution70166125.5
2007Avoid90222225
2008Avoid95303225.5
2009Avoid75115325
2010Avoid100686326

All Mazda Mazda3 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 ranks #2 of 21 among Mazda3 model years (Complaint Index 95/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 303 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
The most reported problem areas are steering (117 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (67 complaints), and engine (34 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 40,046 miles.
Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3, most recently reported 2011, covering visibility & wipers and steering.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
EPA rates the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 at 25.5 MPG combined (22.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.