VehicleVerdict

2008 Mazda Mazda5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 86 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Mazda5 year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 11 Mazda5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 43% of all reports (37 of 86), far ahead of tires & wheels at 11.

86

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Mazda5 years?

Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted103 complaints2006: 103 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 72 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 47 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints
Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mazda Mazda5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3743%
Tires & Wheels1113%
Suspension1012%
Body & Structure56%
Electrical System45%
Transmission45%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Engine33%
Speed Control22%
Other22%
Airbags22%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%
Brakes11%

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V374000SteeringAugust 12, 2010 · 215,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

09E011000OtherApril 2, 2009 · 2,323 units

Defect

THULE, 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.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FIRST INCIDENT, POWER STEERING WAS LOST WHILE MAKING A U-TURN. WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REGAINED POWER AFTER HALF AN HOUR. SECOND INCIDENT, ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A SWERVING CAR, BUT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. ENDED UP SPINNING OUT AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 15, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN A TIRE SUDDENLY BECAME FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FLAT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 28, 2011

“2008 MAZDA 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS AND THE OIL ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE WHEEL RIMS CORRODED INTERNALLY, ALLOWING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND TRANSMISSION FAILED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 1, 2017

“REAR SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT CLOSE IN COLDER TEMPERATURES THEY OPEN FINE AND THEN WILL NOT CLOSE, MEANING THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AND CAN COME OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT LOCK OR ALLOW SETTING THE ALARM FUNCTION WHEN PARKING. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE COLD,HAVING TWO KIDS THAT RIDE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 9, 2017

“2008 MAZDA 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS AND THE OIL ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE WHEEL RIMS CORRODED INTERNALLY, ALLOWING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND TRANSMISSION FAILED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2017

2008 Mazda Mazda5 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 11 Mazda5 years. It is one of the Mazda5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Mazda5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (37 complaints), tires & wheels (11 complaints), suspension (10 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Mazda Mazda5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Mazda Mazda5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda Mazda5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda5 years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among Mazda5 years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.