2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls and problems

The 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has 1 safety recall and 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 2

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 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.

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	23
Engine and Engine Cooling	5
Electrical System	2
Suspension	2
Wheels	2
Unknown or Other	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Structure	1
Seat Belts	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint — 1
Electrical System › Horn — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,805 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 Mazdaspeed3 complaints

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

Power Train · at 99,500 miles · reported Apr 13, 2018

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.

Unknown or Other · reported Apr 27, 2017

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.

Power Train · at 43,000 miles · reported Jun 14, 2016

Manual shift lever came detached while driving in rush hour traffic. Car stuck in 4th gear. I was up shifting when it happened.

Power Train · at 86,000 miles · reported Jul 25, 2015

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.

Power Train · at 84,332 miles · reported Oct 26, 2014

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.

Other Mazda Mazdaspeed3 years

2013 2012 2011 2010 200920082007

Compare all Mazda Mazdaspeed3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3: 11V-329 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?

Owners report power train problems most often (23 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,805 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.