no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2008 Mazda MAZDA3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 303 owner complaints about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 1, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 has problems
303 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
117Steering12 crash/fire/injury
41Tires1 crash/fire/injury
33Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
22Air bags
17Electrical system
17Exterior lighting
16Engine
15Power train
15Suspension
8115 other systems14 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 117 | 12 |
| Tires | 41 | 1 |
| Wheels | 33 | 1 |
| Air bags | 22 | 12 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 0 |
| Engine | 16 | 1 |
| Power train | 15 | 0 |
| Suspension | 15 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 81 | 14 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Steering: electric power assist system
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
34kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 105 steering complaints. 92% were reported before 100,000 miles.
44under 30k miles97under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Wheels
8 owners mentioned a cost$240median
Middle half: $120 – $325
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other MAZDA3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MAZDA3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 safety ratings
2008 Mazda3 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Electric Power Steering AssistLed to recall 10V-374
In owners' words
What MAZDA3 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
TL* 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…
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I COMPLETELY LOST MY POWER STEERING GOING ABOUT 55 MPH, WE LIVE IN A VERY RURAL CURVEY AREA. AT OTHER TIMES I HAVE BEEN GOING IN REVERSE OR DRIVING AND MY CAR WOULD SHAKE AND JUST SHUT OFF! THIS.WOULD HAPPEN WOULD TURNING ONTO.THE ROAD OR GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT HAPPENED AT…
Own a 2008 MAZDA3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.