VehicleVerdict

2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Mazdaspeed3 years?

Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted48 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 41 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 3 complaints
Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels240%
Engine120%
Seats120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2009 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.

“SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OF THE CAR...AFTER AROUND 4, 000 MILES I NEEDED NEW TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE WEARING UNEVENLY. WITH EVERY NEW REPLACEMENT I'VE GOTTEN, THEY DEFINITELY HAVE WORN BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE WORN OUT...TIRE PEOPLE SAY THEY ARE WEARING UNEVENLY AND THEY SEE THIS WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 11, 2010

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE SHUT OFF ABRUPTLY. I CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. OIL TRAILS OUT OF THE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 27, 2015

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE SHUT OFF ABRUPTLY. I CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. OIL TRAILS OUT OF THE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 27, 2015

“THE DRIVER SEAT RAIL HAS BECOME LOOSE WITHIN ITS INTERNAL STRUCTURE CAUSING THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION, BRAKING, SHIFTING, AND CORNERING. THE ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE SEVERE OVER THE PAST TEN THOUSAND MILES, TO THE POINT WHERE ITS MOTION IS NOTICEABLE EVEN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 18, 2012

2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 — common questions

Is the 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 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.