2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (65% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving on a city road doing 35-40mph in 4th gear. I let off the gas while in 4th and coasted to about 20mph then shifted to n and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I tried to shift to 1st an the shifter went half way in between r and 1st, so I shifted back to n and tried 1st again. Then the whole shifter broke off and was just laying there. Now my car is stuck in 3rd gear.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2018
“I began to accelerate my mazdaspeed 3 shifting from 1st gear to second gear. I shifted into third where my shift broke and remained in my hand. My car stalled out in 3rd because I could not shift out. I took off the plastics covering the shifter and pulled the plate back into neautral so I could push my car to the local gas station. My shifter rod snapped and the spring came out.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2017
“Manual shift lever came detached while driving in rush hour traffic. Car stuck in 4th gear. I was up shifting when it happened.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“While shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear at low speed, the shifter for my manual transmission broke off in my hand. After coasting to the side of the road and removing the console, I discovered it snapped in half at the location of the retention pin.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2015
“As I was slowing down to make a right turn I placed the car in neutral. After making the turn and going to put the car back in gear the shifter breaks at the point where the pin goes in above the ball. I do not track my car nor shift hard ever. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2014
“The shift lever complete broke off and no longer had any affect on engaging any of the gears. I was stopped at a light and it broke when I tried to engage 1st gear out of neutral. Luckily I was able to feel for the shift cable mechanism through the leather shifter boot and engage 3rd gear. Limped home in 3rd. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2014
“Stopped at a stoplight, I attempted to shift in to first gear. While shifting, the transmission select lever sheered at the insertion point to the transmission at the retention pin. I was left with a stick shift that was completely removed from the car and immobile. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2014
“Shifted from 1st to second gear, shifter snapped in half. Told be dealer that replacement shifter is on "galactic back order." *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda speed 3. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the tpms sensor light illuminated and the front driver side tire blew out. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the tpms sensor had fractured and caused the blow out. The dealer also stated the remaining tpms sensors were also fractured. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 42,000.”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda, mazdaspeed3. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the gear lever became fractured. The vehicle was coasted to a safe location where a temporary repair was performed by the contact. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the gear shift assembly would need to be replaced. The part was ordered for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact MAZDASPEED3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3. The most complained-about area is power train (65% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,803 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.