2008 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Owners have filed 387 complaints about the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 30.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of tires at 10.9%.
Complaints387
Crashes41
Fires1
Injuries32
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 30.2% · 117
Tires 10.9% · 42
Wheels 8.5% · 33
Air bags 5.7% · 22
Electrical system 4.4% · 17
Exterior lighting 4.4% · 17
Engine 4.1% · 16
Suspension 3.9% · 15
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 32 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Mazda Mazda3 in this data, 2008 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2010 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 45,350 miles.
In owners' own words
My car was included in a Mazda recall of the power steering system. Since the repair was completed my steering has performed in an erratic, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous manner. In three trips to the dealer the car performed normally and because no fault codes were generated, no repairs were performed. However this does not negate the fact that the steering is failing and that my safety is being compromised. Steering · reported at 24,334 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. While driving at approximately 10 to 30 mph, the power steering failed and vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact was able to correct the power steering by making unknown repairs under the hood. The failure recurred within one week. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 37,000. Steering · reported at 37,000 miles
2008 Mazda 3 5 door, approximately 39,000 miles. Driving on interstate in heavy traffic at ~10 mph. Heard a clunk-like noise and the power steering warning light came on. Realized I had lost power steering. Pulled into a service station, checked fluid and belts. Nothing looked to be wrong from the outside. After 20 minutes or so, re-started car and power steering had been restored. No similar problem since. Steering · reported at 39,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…