2008 Mazda Mazda5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Mazda Mazda5 has a Complaint Index of 90 and ranks 2nd-worst of 11 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints dominate, making up 55% of the 67 complaints, tied to a power-steering recall (campaign 10V374000).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #2 of 11 Mazda5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 67
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2008 Mazda Mazda5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering37 (55%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (22%)
- Engine5 (7%)
- Structure & Body5 (7%)
- Electrical System4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
- Other2 (3%)
- Brakes1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power steering suddenly cuts out at various speeds, sometimes with a warning light, then returns after a period ranging from minutes to hours.
- Loss of steering assist has occurred during maneuvers like U-turns or evasive swerves, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Rear suspension bolts loosen at very low mileage, producing popping noises and uneven tire wear.
- Front tires show excessive wear and rear tires develop cupping within the first year of ownership.
- An engine fire was reported after a bang sound near the front end, with flames appearing under the hood.
- Applying the brakes with force has failed to trigger the antilock system in at least one reported crash.
2008 Mazda Mazda5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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 compared with other Mazda5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 Mazda5 a Complaint Index of 90, the second-highest among 11 model years, resulting in an Avoid verdict relative to other Mazda5 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Mazda Mazda5?
- Steering issues dominate, accounting for 37 of 67 complaints (55%), mostly reports of sudden loss of power steering assist at a median mileage of 39,000.
- Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 10V374000) covers 2007-2009 Mazda5 and Mazda3 vehicles for a condition that can cause sudden loss of power steering assist; Mazda replaced the power steering pump and lines.
- How does the 2008 Mazda5 compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's Complaint Index of 90 is worse than 2006 (60), 2007 (50), and 2010 (70), but slightly better than 2009 (100), which is the worst year.
- Were there any suspension problems reported on the 2008 Mazda5?
- Yes, 15 complaints (22%) involve suspension, wheels, and tires, including loose rear suspension bolts reported at a median mileage of 21,224.