2008 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2008 Mazda Mazda3 has 2 safety recalls and 303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
303
Crashes / fires
29 / 1
Injuries / deaths
20 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 11V-329: Visibility

Reported Jun 15, 2011 · 103,300 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-374: Steering

Reported Aug 12, 2010 · 215,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: Mazda 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.

Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering117
Tires42
Wheels33
Air Bags22
Electrical System17
Exterior Lighting17
Engine16
Suspension15
Power Train15
Visibility15
Service Brakes13
Unknown or Other11

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 12
  • Suspension › Rear — 5
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 5
  • Tires › Valve — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,092 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Apr 1, 2025
The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out. I took it to a mechanic shop who diagnosed the power steering pump is creating pressure that is getting to the rack and pinion and the fluid is just bouncing off of the rack and pinion and the computer system does not know how to function, so the power steering is not working.
Suspension · reported Jul 23, 2022
Drivers side lower control arm failed at the lower ball joint mounting hole, allowing the ball joint to separate from the arm. All vehicle steering and control was lost due to the failure. This failure: 1. Has extreme danger for traffic fatalities. 2. Suggests substandard materials, design, or manufacturing. Control arm manufacturer: DLZ Sold by: partsgoing Vendor: Amazon.com
Steering · at 90,000 miles · reported Aug 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist while driving at various speed and making turn. The power steering failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The parking brake and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred five times in two days. The contact mentioned that an unknown recall repair was completed on the vehicle for the power steering, however the repair had not corrected the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent…
Engine · at 176 miles · reported Aug 6, 2020
My mazda3 dies while I AM driving without any indication of what is going on (No check engine light). When it does, I wait for a while and it will start back up again! My shop and I have tried everything we can, but we can't figure out why it is doing that! I called the manufacture and they said it was recalled for power steering assist failure and fixed in 2010 but to us it sounds it is that issue causing it to stop while in motion! This car is unsafe!! No car should stop in motion from nowhere! The manufacture should be responsible for that!
Power Train · at 95,700 miles · reported Jul 14, 2020
At and yellow check engine light came on and car was in limp mode first thing in morning after having no issues with my mazda previously. Codes came back with solenoids a, b, c, d, e all have electrical failure, and issues with the oxygen sensor. My car has had regular maintenance done on it. No signs or symptoms of transmission failure beforehand. Happened instantly overnight. Tcm is not in stock anywhere and I suspect that is the culprit due to other mazda owners similar situations. 95k miles.

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

Compare all Mazda Mazda3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3: 11V-329 (visibility), 10V-374 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report steering problems most often (117 reports), followed by tires (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,092 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.