2008 Mazda 3: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationOne of the worst 3 years.
One of the Mazda 3 years to avoid. All 3 years
303 owner complaints, most about steering. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 3?The 2008 Mazda 3 has 303 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and tires. Owners most often flag rust, especially in regions using road salt.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Mazda 3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the 3?
Across the 21 3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2023) to 686 (2010). With 303 complaints, the 2008 3 sits above the model's median of 117.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 3
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Campaign 11V329000MAZDA 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 10V374000MAZDA 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.
equipment
Campaign 09E011000THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
What owners report on the 1st generation 3
Owners generally view the first-generation Mazda 3 as a reliable, fun-to-drive compact that rewards proper maintenance with long service life.
- Very frequentRust, especially in regions using road salt
- Very frequent2.3L engine oil consumption at higher mileage (one quart every 900-1200 miles reported)
- Very frequentMotor mounts wearing out and needing replacement
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission failure or needing replacement (around 90,000-130,000 miles)
- RecurrentThermostat and thermostat housing failure around 100,000 miles
Owner insights for the 1st generation 3. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Other 3 model years
Compare every 3 year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 against its rivals
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