What years of the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2008 and 2010 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 respectively, the two highest in the model lineup.

What is the best year for the Mazda Mazdaspeed3?

The 2011 Mazdaspeed3 is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 5 total complaints, the lowest complaint volume of any year covered.

What problems did the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 have?

Transmission and powertrain issues made up 70% of 2008 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,600, plus engine problems including fire reports at a median of 41,000 miles.

Why is the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 rated Avoid?

Structure and body complaints, mostly fractured or popping driver's seats, make up 72% of 2010 reports, with a median failure mileage of 71,000, and the year carries two related recalls.

How many recalls does the Mazdaspeed3 have in total?

Across all model years covered, 2007-2013, NHTSA lists 5 total recall campaigns for the Mazdaspeed3.

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Best and Worst Years (2007–2013)

Avoid the 2008 and 2010 Mazdaspeed3: 2008 has the highest complaint index (100) with transmission/powertrain failures around 47,802 miles, and 2010 has a complaint index of 83 driven by structural seat and hatch problems near 66,257 miles. The 2011 model year is rated Best with a complaint index of 0.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008 Avoid 2010 Best 2011

Model years: 7; 2007–2013
NHTSA complaints: 121
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

Mazdaspeed3 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2007	Caution	67	38	1	0	2	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2008	Avoid	100	33	1	2	1	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2009	No verdict	17	4	0	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2010	Avoid	83	32	0	0	2	Structure & Body	—	—
2011	Best	0	5	0	0	2	Electrical System	—	—
2012	Good	33	6	1	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2013	No verdict	50	3	1	0	1	Structure & Body	—	—

Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Index 100 · 33 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2008 Mazdaspeed3 has the worst complaint index of any year in this model, at 100. Transmission and powertrain complaints make up 70% of its issues, with owners reporting failures at a median of 49,600 miles, including broken motor mounts and clutch or shifting problems. Engine complaints, including at least one fire, account for 18% of reports at a median of 41,000 miles. NHTSA lists one recall for this year covering a wiper motor ground terminal. With 33 total complaints and two fires reported, 2008 ranks worst overall in the lineup.

2008 transmission & powertrain problems →

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Index 83 · 32 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 carries a complaint index of 83, the second-worst in the lineup. Structure and body complaints dominate, at 72% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 71,000, mostly involving seat frame fractures and popping or rocking driver's seats. Airbag and wiper-related issues each account for 9% of complaints. NHTSA lists two recalls tied to this year, one for seat lifter link reinforcement and one for liftgate support replacement. With 32 total complaints and one reported injury, this year is rated Avoid relative to other Mazdaspeed3 years.

2010 structure & body problems →

Most common Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Transmission & Powertrain46 (38%)
Structure & Body34 (28%)
Engine25 (21%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (13%)
Electrical System8 (7%)
Other7 (6%)
Airbags3 (2%)
Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
Brakes2 (2%)
Fuel System2 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2008 and 2010 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 respectively, the two highest in the model lineup.
What is the best year for the Mazda Mazdaspeed3?: The 2011 Mazdaspeed3 is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 5 total complaints, the lowest complaint volume of any year covered.
What problems did the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 have?: Transmission and powertrain issues made up 70% of 2008 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,600, plus engine problems including fire reports at a median of 41,000 miles.
Why is the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 rated Avoid?: Structure and body complaints, mostly fractured or popping driver's seats, make up 72% of 2010 reports, with a median failure mileage of 71,000, and the year carries two related recalls.
How many recalls does the Mazdaspeed3 have in total?: Across all model years covered, 2007-2013, NHTSA lists 5 total recall campaigns for the Mazdaspeed3.