VehicleVerdict

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Mazdaspeed3 year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 56% of all reports (23 of 41), far ahead of engine at 6.

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Mazdaspeed3 years?

Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted48 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 41 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 3 complaints
Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2356%
Engine615%
Electrical System25%
Other25%
Suspension25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Body & Structure12%
Fuel System12%
Seat Belts12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V329000Visibility & WipersJune 15, 2011 · 103,300 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR MY SHIFT STALK FELL OFF IN MY HANDS. I HAD TO TURN MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS ON AND PULL OVER WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. I WAS ABLE TO REACH BELOW THE SHIFT BOOT AND FEEL THE SHIFTING BASE MECHANISM TO MOVE THE CAR BACK IN TO GEAR ONCE OFF OF THE ROAD. I AM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 17, 2012

“VEHICLE MOTOR FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING FIRE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER MAZDA SPEED3 AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED ONE TIME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR THE APPROACHES ITS TOTAL LOSS VALUE. A MAZDA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 14, 2009 · fire

“WAS DRIVING MY 08 MAZDA SPEED 3 HOME FROM BEING OUT AND WHEN I GOT HOME SMELT SOMETHING BURNING SO I LOOKED AROUND THE INSIDE TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T DROP A CIGARETTE AND WHEN I DIDN'T SEE ANY I GOT OUT AND POPPED OPENED THE HOOD AND WHEN I DID THE MOTOR BURST INTO FLAMES GIVING ME FIRST DEGREE BURNS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 29, 2008 · fire

“2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER STATES PERSISTENT CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION AND TWO OF ENGINE MOUNTS ARE COMING LOOSE *TGW THE DEALER DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR SHOCKS AND REPLACED THEM. THE NOISE, HOWEVER PERSISTED. THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 1, 2008

“WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE EXCESSIVE WHEEL CAMBER MADE THE TIRE HEAT UP AND WEAR THROUGH ON THE INSIDE EDGE, AND BLOW OUT. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 16, 2011

2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 — common questions

Is the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years. It is one of the Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Mazdaspeed3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), engine (6 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Mazda Mazdaspeed3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazdaspeed3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid are 2007, 2010, 2008. The cleanest record among Mazdaspeed3 years belongs to 2013.

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.