2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Mazdaspeed3 has a complaint index of 100, the worst of the 7 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 33 complaints, 70% tied to Transmission & Powertrain, plus 1 recall for a windshield wiper motor ground issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 33
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
Top 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (70%)
- Engine6 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (12%)
- Electrical System2 (6%)
- Other2 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Gear shift levers and shifter arms have broken off while driving, leaving the vehicle unable to change gears.
- Owners report smoke entering the cabin at stop lights, tied to a documented Mazda technical bulletin.
- The engine has failed catastrophically and caught fire without warning at highway speed.
- A motor mount broke shortly after purchase, damaging the transmission, wiring harness, and axle.
- Front axles and rear shocks have needed replacement after persistent suspension clunking noises.
- Excessive wheel camber has caused inside tire edges to wear through and blow out at highway speed.
2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2008 compared with other Mazdaspeed3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 ranks worst among the 7 model years with data, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What problems does the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 have?
- NHTSA lists 33 complaints, with 70% concerning Transmission & Powertrain issues like shifter failures, followed by engine problems at 18% including a reported fire, and suspension issues at 12%.
- Does the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (11V329000) covers a windshield wiper motor ground terminal that may have been bent during assembly on 2008-2009 mazda3 vehicles.
- What mileage do 2008 Mazdaspeed3 problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across complaints is 47,802 miles, with transmission problems showing a median of 49,600 miles.
- Which Mazdaspeed3 years are better than 2008?
- The 2011 model year earns a Best verdict with a complaint index of 0, and 2012 earns a Good verdict with an index of 33, both far below the 2008 model's index of 100.