2008 MAZDA Mazda3 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
303
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
STEERING
102 complaints
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 power steering is not working.
Apr 01, 2025
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 LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES IN TWO DAYS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AN UNKNOWN RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE POWER STEERING, HOWEVER THE REPAIR HAD NOT CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND IT WAS A ONE-TIME FREE FIX AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Aug 07, 2020
POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT WHILE DRIVING
Dec 30, 2019
LOSS OF STEERING, IMMEDIATELY FIXED ITSELF BUT WITH STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ON DASH. VEHICLE IN MOTION. LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Nov 07, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Sep 20, 2018
+ 97 more complaints for this component
TIRES
20 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF CONTROL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE VALVE STEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BECOME DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Feb 29, 2016
TPMS VALVE STEM BROKE WHILE WE WERE SERVICING A VEHICLE. ..UPDATED 10/02/15*BF UPDATED 12/28/2015*JS
Jun 26, 2015
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR MODULES HAVE BEEN FAILING REPEATEDLY. NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES, BUT THESE THINGS ARE MADE OF CERAMIC (APPARENTLY), GET FULL OF SALT AND/OR OTHER ROAD DETRITUS, AND THEN FALL APART, CAUSING A FLAT TIRE PLUS ADDITIONAL EXPENSE TO REPLACE THE FANCY THINGS. INSTEAD OF REPORTING A PROBLEM, WHICH IS SUPPOSEDLY WHAT THEY ARE FOR, THEY ARE THE PROBLEM. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THREE SO FAR; I'VE TAKEN TO BUYING THEM ONLINE IN MULTIPLES; GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE ME FOR ONE PLUS THE INSTALLATION. THIS IS GOING TO BE THE RUINATION OF MY VERY NICE TIRES, AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN ONE IS GOING TO FAIL AGAIN, BUT IT'S A LEAD PIPE CERTAINTY THAT THIS IS GOING TO CONTINUE. I'M CONSIDERING SIMPLY REPLACING THEM AS THEY FAIL WITH ORDINARY VALVE STEMS, AND COVERING THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WITH A BIT OF ELECTRICIANS' TAPE. NOT QUITE THE INTENDED OUTCOME, I'M THINKING..... *TR
Sep 02, 2014
LARGE BUBBLE FORMED ON OUTSIDE SIDEWALL OF TWO TIRES. TIRES HAVE APPROX. 20,000 MILES ON THEM. *TR
Jul 27, 2012
TPMS FAILURE. THE LIGHT CONSTANTLY KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. ONE OF MY TIRES WAS VERY LOW OVERNIGHT. I WENT TO A GAS STATION TO GET AIR, AND THE VALVE WAS MISSING. COMPLETELY OFF. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SAME MAKE AND YEAR. 2008 MAZDA 3. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Dec 19, 2011
+ 15 more complaints for this component
TIRES,WHEELS
19 complaints
THE TIRE VALVE STEM CRACKED WHILE CHECKING AIR PRESSURE ON ONE OF THE TIRES. AFTER THAT THE OTHER STEMS LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE READY TO FAIL. HAD THEM ALL REPLACED. *TR
Nov 25, 2014
THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I STOPPED TO FILL MY TIRES, THE FORCE OF THE AIR HOSE BLEW THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR INTO MY TIRE. I HAD TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OTHER 3 SENSORS WERE CLOSE TO WEARING THROUGH AS WELL. *TR
Oct 22, 2014
FEBRUARY 2014 1ST VALVE STEM AND SENSOR BROKE. THIS WEEK 2ND AND 3RD VALVE STEM AND SENSORS BROKE. $90-100 EACH TO FIX. RUINED ONE TIRE AND CAUSED SUDDEN FLAT WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. *TR
Sep 28, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN MY TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE GOING COMPLETELY FLAT. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOBODY TOO CLOSE TO ME, SO THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT WHEN I SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I CHANGED MY TIRE AND MADE IT TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS MY TPMS AND VALVE STEM ASSEMBLY THAT HAD CORRODED AND FAILED, CAUSING MY TIRE TO IMMEDIATELY GO FLAT. NOT ONLY DID I HAVE TO PAY TO INSTALL A NEW TIRE ($300) I HAD TO REPLACE THE DESTROYED TPMS SENSOR AND REPLACE ANOTHER ONE THAT WAS ALSO CORRODING. ($100 EA). THE ENTIRE INCIDENT COST ME ABOUT $500 DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW FROM MAZDA THAT I HAVE NO POWER TO AVOID. THE ISSUE IS THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO REMOVE OR NOT HAVE THE SENSORS RE-INSTALLED, AS THEY ARE A SAFETY FEATURE. THE IRONY IS THAT I HAVE TO PAY $100 EACH TO INSTALL A COMPONENT THAT CAUSES ONE OF MY TIRES TO IMMEDIATELY DEFLATE RANDOMLY IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS, DEPENDING ON WHEN IT CORRODES AGAIN. IT IS INFURIATING THAT I HAVE TO INSTALL A "SAFETY FEATURE" THAT WILL RANDOMLY CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL OVER MY CAR IN THE NEAR FUTURE. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, I WILL BE FORCED TO DRIVE WITH A COMPONENT THAT, OVER TIME, WILL CORRODE AND FAIL, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR, THEN RE-INSTALL THE EXACT FAULTY COMPONENT. THE SENSOR / VALVE ASSEMBLY SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN MADE OF A MATERIAL THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION IN THE FIRST PLACE. I WAS LUCKY THIS TIME THAT THIS DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, BUT IF THE SITUATION WERE DIFFERENT I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED OR HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. BOTH MAZDA AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME NOW. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN SOMEONE DOES DIE FROM THIS, AND IT COMES OUT THAT THE ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS, BUT NOBODY DID ANYTHING? *TR
Aug 28, 2014
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES FOR MY MAZDA 3. SIX MONTHS LATER I WENT IN FOR MY ROUTINE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION. THEY SAID MY TWO REAR TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO SHOWING THE WIRING AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A BLOW OUT. THEY REFUSED TO PUT THE TIRES BACK ON FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. I HAD TO PURCHASE TWO USED TIRES THAT HAD ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE MY OTHER TIRES HAD ON THEM. AGAIN 5-6 MONTHS LATER I GO INTO LES SCHWAB FOR MY TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT AND AGAIN THEY TELL ME MY TWO REAR TIRES ARE SHOWING EXCESSIVE WEAR. WHEN COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING TO GET TIRES SO SOON THEY STATED THAT MAZDA DESIGNED THE CAR THIS WAY TO HAVE A TOE IN ALIGNMENT. BASICALLY THIS WILL BE A RECURRING ISSUE UNLESS I PUT A $500 CAMBER KIT ON THE BACK. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THAT THEY SAID IT MAY CHANGE THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES AND HAVE LOUDER ROAD NOISE. NONE OF THIS WAS MENTIONED BY MAZDA WHEN I PURCHASED THAT CAR BACK IN 2008. NOT ONLY IS THIS ISSUE CAUSING ME TO SPEND MONEY EVERY 5-6 MONTHS BUT IF I WERE TO GO TO LONG WITHOUT CHECKING MY TIRES I COULD HAVE A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. I SEE THIS AS BEING A VERY BIG ISSUE WITH THE MAZDA AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MAZDA HAVE TO RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 08, 2014
+ 14 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
13 complaints
THE CAR HIT A BANK THEN WENT AIRBORNE AND CAME TO TO A TREE AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE CAR ALSO HIT A ROAD SIGN AND IT WAS BEING DRIVING DOWN ROAD
Feb 24, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON FOR NO REASON
Nov 07, 2017
TAKATA RECALL 1 VEHICLE CRASH WHERE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON INTERSTATE CRASHING INTO RETAINING WALL WITH FRONT END DAMAGE AND NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
May 24, 2017
THE AIR BAG WORNING LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. TRUNING, GOING OVER A BUMP ETC. I WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON...
Sep 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Jul 07, 2016
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
13 complaints
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW APPEARS TO BE OFF TRACK, WHEN ROLLED DOWN I CAN MOVE IT BACK AND FORTH BY PUSHING IT. WHEN YOU ROLL IT UP YOU HAVE TO FIRST PUSH IT BACK INTO PLACE OR IT MAKES A CRACKING NOISE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW GETS STUCK AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T ROLL DOWN. ON MAZDA FORUMS MANY, MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR
Mar 08, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE GROUND HARNESS WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 01/13/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A WIRE WAS FOUND NOT PROPERLY SECURED. UPDATED 01/19/12
Oct 24, 2011
I OWN A 2008 MAZDA 3 AND LIKE OTHERS, I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE WIPERS NOT WORKING WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD!! DURING A SNOW STORM AFTER TRAVELING SOME DISTANCE, THE WIPERS DECIDED NOT TO WORK. THEY JUST STOPPED. THEY WOULDN'T STAY RUNNING, SO I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT AND HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE TO PICK ME UP AN HOUR AWAY. HAD IT CHECKED AT MAZDA AND OF COURSE THEY WORKED THAT DAY. THEY HAVE SINCE STARTED TO ACT UP AGAIN, AGAIN ON A LONGER TRIP AND DURING A THUNDERSTORM. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THIS 5 LANE HIGHWAY BEFORE GETTING KILLED!! I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING DURING THE RAIN. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I HAVE YET TO CALL MAZDA I AM UNDER WARRANTY AND HOPEFULLY THEN THIS WILL BE COVERED AND THEY WON'T HAVE SOME EXCUSE WHY IT ISN'T COVERED! *TR
May 31, 2011
WIPER MOTOR FAILURE, 2008 MAZDA 3 GRAND TOURING. WIPERS WORKING FINE AND IN A HEAVY STORM THEY DECIDED TO QUIT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PART AND CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS AN RECURRING PROBLEM FOR MAZDA. THIS NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR LOSES THEIR LIFE OVER SOMETHING THAT CAN BE CORRECTED. *TR
May 26, 2011
2008 MAZDA 3 S GRAND TOURING - FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS HAPPENED DURING A RAINSTORM. I CHECKED THE FUSES AND ALL LOOKED GOOD. AFTER SPENDING MUCH TIME ONLINE, IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR
May 17, 2011
+ 8 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
11 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AROUND A TURN GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHEN I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE TIRE SUDDENLY LOST AIR PRESSURE AND RAN ME OFF THE ROAD. I WAS LEFT IN THE CREEK WITH MY TWO AND THREE YEAR OLD. TWO GUYS HELPED ME GET THE KIDS AND MYSELF OUT THE CAR SAFELY. MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. TIRE SIZE WAS 205 55 16. THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE HOLES ON THE TIRE SO NO REAASON FOR THE SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR.
Aug 14, 2017
2 TPMS SENSOR VALVE STEMS WERE CORRODED, WHILE FILLING THE TIRES WITH AIR THE STEMS BROKE OFF CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT. THE REMAINING 2 DID NOT LOOK ANY BETTER. HAD TIRE DEALER REPLACE ALL 4 AT $280 DOLLARS
Jun 10, 2016
IN THE SUMMER OF 2014, I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH. MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND, WITHIN JUST A FEW MILES, MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GUIDE MY CAR TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT. UPON EXITING MY CAR AND LOOKING AT MY TIRE, I NOTICED THE AREA AROUND MY VALVE STEM WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. HOW I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT IS AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE. ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015, MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. KNOWING I WOULD BE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 150 ON THAT SATURDAY, I CHECKED MY TIRE PRESSURE TO SEE MY FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WAS DOWN APPROXIMATELY 5 PSI FROM THE RECOMMENDED 32 PSI. I PUT AIR IN MY TIRE FRIDAY NIGHT AND WENT AWAY ON SATURDAY. ON MY MORE THAN 1 HOUR DRIVE, MY TIRE SENSOR CAME BACK ON. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO FIND MY TIRE PSI WAS IN THE TEENS. I FELT ALL AROUND MY TIRE BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I FILLED MY TIRE BACK UP TO 32 PSI AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. SHORTLY AFTER, MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON YET AGAIN. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE NEXT GAS STATION TO PUT MORE AIR IN IT, I NOTICED THE AREA AROUND MY VALVE STEM WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. IT WAS SO CORRODED I COULD MOVE THE VALVE STEM AND ALLOW LARGE AMOUNTS OF AIR TO COME OUT. I ULTIMATELY WAS ABLE TO PUT ON MY SPARE TIRE BUT AM NOW LOOKING AT A MORE THAN $200 VALVE STEM/SENSOR REPLACEMENT PER A PHONE QUOTE FROM MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP. AS I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS, THEY ALL SEEM TO BE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SO IT'S A BIT FRIGHTENING THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL.
Jul 28, 2015
THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE TPMS SENSORS BREAK OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE TIRE TO RUN FLAT INSTANTLY POSING A SAFETY THREAT. EACH TIME I TAKE THE TIRE TO THE SHOP AND NOBODY CAN FIND ANYTHING IN THE TIRE AND THE CONCLUSION IS THAT THE TPMS WAS BRITTLE AND BROKE OFF. I AM NOW UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY MAZDA 3 BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN MY TIRE IS GOING TO BLOW -- NOT TO MENTION I'VE HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE PERFECTLY GOOD TIRES EVERY TIME ONE OF THE TPMS GO BAD. *JS
Dec 03, 2014
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VALVE STEMS THAT CONTAINED THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) SENSORS BECAME CORRODED AND FELL APART. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WENT TO FILL TIRES WITH AIR BECAUSE THEY APPEARED TO HAVE LOW AIR PRESSURE. EACH TIME, AS SOON AS I APPLIED SLIGHT PRESSURE FROM THE AIR HOSE TO THE VALVE STEM, THE VALVE STEM DISINTEGRATED AND WAS PUSHED INSIDE THE TIRE. IT TOOK VERY LITTLE PRESSURE TO PUSH THE STEM INSIDE THE TIRE. THE TIRE THEN IMMEDIATELY DEFLATED BECAUSE AIR ESCAPED THROUGH THE OPEN HOLE. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS STATIONARY (BECAUSE I WAS FILLING THE TIRE WITH AIR). BUT, JUDGING FROM THE FACT THAT ONLY A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS NEEDED TO PUSH THE VALVE STEM INTO THE TIRE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED VERY EASILY WHILE IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED. I FEEL THAT IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT I WAS NOT WARNED ABOUT AT ANY POINT AND, AFTER TELLING THE COMPANY ABOUT IT, I FEEL THAT MY CONCERNS WERE NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY. *JS
Dec 01, 2014
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
10 complaints
Drivers side lower control arm failed at the lower ball joint mounting hole, allowing the ball joint to separate from the arm. All vehicle steering and control was lost due to the failure. This failure: 1. Has extreme danger for traffic fatalities. 2. Suggests substandard materials, design, or manufacturing. Control arm manufacturer: DLZ Sold by: partsgoing Vendor: Amazon.com
Jul 23, 2022
VIBRATION AT 55-63 MPH. TIRES WEARING ON INSIDE IN DIAGONAL PATTERN ON FRONT. WORN COMPLETELY TO THE CORE. THIRD SET OF TIRES. *TR
Oct 07, 2014
LIKE OTHER MAZDA 3 OWNERS, MY COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE REAR TIRE CAMBER. I NOTICED THIS CONDITION AFTER THE 2ND SET OF TIRES. I DIDN'T THINK THAT MUCH OF IT DURING THE FIRST SET OF TIRES AS THE TIRES LASTED FOR APPRX 50K MILES. BUT THE 2ND SET STARTED TO VIBRATE AND RUMBLE LOUDLY AFTER ABOUT 12K MILES. I HAD THEM ALIGNED AND ROTATED BUT THE NOISE AND WEAR BECAME WORSE. I PURCHASED A 3RD SET AND AGAIN HAD THE WHEELS ALIGNED AND THE SET LASTED FOR ABOUT 30K MILES. BUT I MUST STATE THAT THE VIBRATION AND NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE, AT THIS POINT. I FINALLY FOUND A MECHANIC THAT UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM. THE REAR CONTROL ARMS WERE FIXED (DID NOT HAVE AN ADJUSTMENT). THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS (WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SET). THE CAR NOW RIDES SMOOTH AND QUIET. MY QUESTION AND COMPLAINT...MAZDA MUST HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM, OTHERWISE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WOULD PROBABLY BE THE SAME AS THE ORIGINAL, NONADJUSTABLE. SO WHY, DIDN'T MAZDA OFFER ASSISTANCE? THE REPAIR COST ME OVER $625, NOT INCLUDING THE PREMATURELY WORN TIRES. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE CAR UNTIL THIS OCCURRED. NOW I QUESTION MAZDA'S INTEGRITY AND MAY NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. *TR
Dec 18, 2012
REAR CAMBER ON LEFT WHEEL IS OFF -2.7. LOCAL SHOP SAYS THAT THIS IS TOO MUCH AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTABLE ARM SINCE THE STOCK PARTS HAVE NO ADJUSTMENT. LOCAL SHOP SAYS THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF ANY IMPACT SUCH AS A HARD HIT ON SOMETHING OR CURB STRIKE. MAZDA DEALERSHIPS SAY 99.9 PERCENT OF THE TIME THIS IS BECAUSE OF A CURB STRIKE AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I BECAME FRUSTRATED AND SUSPICIOUS AFTER READING MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE STOCK TIRES AFTER 19K MILES DESPITE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE, ROTATING THEM, ETC. I THOUGHT THEN MAYBE IT WAS DUE TO POOR QUALITY TIRES BUT NOW SUSPECT IT IS MAZDA'S NEGATIVE CAMBER ISSUE. *LN
Feb 01, 2011
I OWN A MAZDA 3 5 DOOR HATCHBACK. I LOVE THE CAR. I DO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR CAMBER OF THE CAR. I HAD TO PUT A NEW SET OF TIRES ON THE CAR AFTER 24,000 MILES. I ROTATED MY TIRES EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE AND THE ROAD NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE BECAUSE THE REAR CAMBER IS TOO EXTREME AND WEARS THE INNER TREADS TOO FAST.SO WHEN YOU ROTATE THE REAR TIRES TO THE FRONT THEY MAKE VERY LOUD NOISE. I PUT A NEW SET OF TIRES ON AT 24,000 MILES AT THE DEALER AND WHEN I ROTATED THEM AT 27,000 MILES I HAVE EXTREME ROAD NOISE AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE REAR CAMBER ISSUE IS TO PURCHASE A CAMBER KIT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A FACTORY DEFECT. I'VE READ ON THE FORUMS AND MOST OTHER MAZDA 3 OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH REAR TIRES WEARING DOWN TOO FAST. PLEASE FIX MY PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL, BEING THAT THE TIRES WEAR DOWN VERY FAST. *TR
Jan 11, 2011
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10 complaints
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS. DISCOVERED THAT THE SOCKET TO THE HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS MELTED WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB. AFTER REPLACING THE SOCKET THE LIGHT WORKED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. THERE SEEMED TO BE A POOR CONNECTION AND I WOULD HAVE TO ADJUST THE WIRING LEADING TO THE BULB UNTIL I GOT A GOOD CONNECTION. THIS CONNECTION WAS EASILY LOST HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. TRIED ANOTHER REPLACEMENT SOCKET AND THIS ONE WORKS MUCH BETTER. ALSO DISCOVERED A MELTED SOCKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT ALONG WITH A MELTED LIGHT HOUSING. DESPITE THE LIGHT NOT WORKING IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN I WENT TO REMOVE IT. WHILE THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT IS CURRENTLY WORKING, IT TOO SEEMS TO BE OVER HEATING. THE SOCKET IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AND THE LIGHT HOUSING IS ALSO MELTED.
Jul 25, 2018
THE TAILLIGHTS INTERNAL RED HOUSING IS MELTING ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES AND MAKING A SAFETY ISSUE FOR VISIBILITY. THIS INTERNAL RED HOUSING OR FIXTURE SURROUNDS THE BRAKE/LIGHT BULB. THIS IS A HATCHBACK AND I HAVE SEEN OTHER MAZDA 3 HATCHES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ALSO EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS ISSUE EVEN OTHER MAZDAS IN THIS YEAR RANGE THAT I HAVE SEEN/READ ONLINE
Jun 27, 2018
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RED FILM MELTED DUE TO THE LIGHT DUE TO THE LIGHT BULB HEAT. THAT MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS
Mar 16, 2018
TAIL-LIGHTS OVERHEAT CAUSING THE TAILLIGHTS TO GO OUT AND MELTING SOCKETS AND RED LENSES. REPLACED SOCKET ASSEMBLIES (OEM) AND BULBS (OEM), THEN HAD TO REPLACE LENS ASSEMBLIES BECAUSE WHITE LIGHT COMES OUT INSTEAD OF RED. ABOUT 3-YEAR LATER THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING (TAILLIGHT OUT INTERMITTENTLY, SOCKET MELTED, AND SENSE STARTING TO MELT.)
May 07, 2016
ON MY MAZDA3 I HAVE NOTICED THAT DRIVING AT NIGHT HAS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT DUE THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE NOT SHINING BRIGHT ENOUGH. I NOTICED NOW DURING THE DAY TIME THAT THE HEAD LIGHT CLEAR COVERS ARE CORRODED. IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS CONDENSATION INSIDE THE HEAD LIGHT COVER HOUSING AND IT HAS CORRODED THE LIGHT COVERS. IT REDUCES VISIBILITY THAT CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AT NIGHT. I;M AFRAID I COULD HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE NOT BEING ABLE TO FULLY SEE THEM.
May 04, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
9 complaints
Transmission control module.
Nov 10, 2023
AT AND YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WAS IN LIMP MODE FIRST THING IN MORNING AFTER HAVING NO ISSUES WITH MY MAZDA PREVIOUSLY. CODES CAME BACK WITH SOLENOIDS A, B, C, D, E ALL HAVE ELECTRICAL FAILURE, AND ISSUES WITH THE OXYGEN SENSOR. MY CAR HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE ON IT. NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE BEFOREHAND. HAPPENED INSTANTLY OVERNIGHT. TCM IS NOT IN STOCK ANYWHERE AND I SUSPECT THAT IS THE CULPRIT DUE TO OTHER MAZDA OWNERS SIMILAR SITUATIONS. 95K MILES.
Jul 14, 2020
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKS, PULLS, STOPS AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES RUNNING TIME. TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. HE SAID THIS MODEL IS NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING THEM FAIL. THEY ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH MAZDA WITH NO LEAD TIME, WHICH ALSO SAYS SOMETHING. THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. MECHANIC SAID THE ORIGINAL DESIGN HAS BAD PLACEMENT WHICH CAUSES THEM TO HEAT UP AND FAIL.
Feb 13, 2020
THE CAR WE PURCHASED FOR MY 20 YEAR OLD SON IN JANUARY 2016 HAS HAD SEVERAL REPEATED TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND A DEFECTIVE SUN ROOF. AFTER THREE WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR'S AT CODE APPEARED AND THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON TWO OCCASIONS AND WAS TOWED TO RUSS TRANSMISSION IN TOUGHKENNAMON, PA. AS A RESULT AND TO OUR SHOCK AND DISMAY, IN FEBRUARY, THE CAR HAD A $2800 REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. CONVERSELY, AFTER SIX RETURN VISITS TO THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC, HE HAS REPLACED THE CELLENOIDS, THE COMPUTER AND ASSOCIATED WIRES. HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUES TO CODE "AT" WITHIN 3 DAYS OF EACH OF THE 6 RETURN VISITS TO THE MECHANIC.! LIKE THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC AND MY 21 YEAR OLD SON, WE ARE BOTH FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY WITH MAZDA AND THE VEHICLE! PLEASE PROVIDE A SOLUTION OR ASSIST US WITH THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MAZDA. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. THANK YOU [XXX] [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB
Feb 05, 2017
THE CAR WILL NOT GO ABOVE THIRD GEAR AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHILE ON HIGHWAY AND SECONDARY ROADS.
Feb 17, 2016
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaints
BRAKES BECAME SPONGY AFTER HARD BRAKING AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH. AFTERWARD, SPORADICALLY, BRAKES WOULD REQUIRE SEVERAL PUMPS OF THE PEDAL TO BUILD ENOUGH HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I'M REPORTING THIS INCIDENT NOW AFTER LEARNING ABOUT FORD RECALL 19S54, NHTSA IDENTIFIER 19V904. BRAKE PARTS ON THIS CAR WERE MADE BY FOMOCO. ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT, P/N BVSN-43-7AZD, WAS REPLACED BY MAZDA DEALER TO CORRECT PROBLEM AT A COST OF $1200.
Apr 26, 2020
THE BRAKES NORMALLY FUNCTION CORRECTLY EXCEPT FOR WHEN, AND FOR SOME TIME AFTER THE ABS ACTIVATES. AFTER THE ABS ACTIVATES YOU MUST PUSH THE BRAKE PETAL NEARLY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGE. USUALLY, THE BRAKES SEEM TO "RESET" AFTER 3 OR 4 HARD BRAKING ATTEMPTS.
Feb 28, 2019
THE VEHICLE WHEN IN MOTION ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE HAS SOFT BRAKES THAT WHEN ENGAGED, THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVES TO APROX. 1 INCH FROM THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES ONLY SLIGHTLY ENGAGE, HOWEVER, IF NEEDED THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE BRAKING ABILITY IS HINDERED WHEN HARD STOPPING. THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED, AND THE BRAKE LINES BLED HOPING TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. YET, FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS SHOW THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IS FAULTY.
Dec 28, 2018
THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TOO FAR BEFORE ENGAGING. I'VE HAD THE BRAKE FLUID REPLACED AND AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURED AGAIN. THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE SHOWS THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS ACTUATOR. THERE'S APPEARS TO BE A FAULT THAT ALLOWS PRESSURE TO BLEED PAST THE VALVES IN THE ACTUATOR. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS STOPPING DISTANCE IS AFFECTED. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.
Jul 04, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON A 30 MPH ROAD NEAR MY APARTMENT AND WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE WHILE MOVING, THE BRAKES FAILED ON MY MAZDA 3. I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR CONTINUED ROLLING. LUCKILY THE CAR WAS NOT GOING FAST AND WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO A STOP WITH JUST THE HAND BRAKE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 104,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THERE WERE NO LIT UP INDICATORS ON THE DASHBOARD AND NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. BASED ON MY TRIP TO TWO MECHANICS AND THE DEALERSHIP, THE ABS UNIT FAILED AND ALLOWED AIR INTO THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY FLAW THAT I BELIEVE MAZDA SHOULD PAY IN FULL TO REMEDY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM IN MAZDA CARS FROM ABOUT 2004 TO 2016 BASED ON MY RESEARCH. I FOUND MULTIPLE OTHER SOURCES THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
Jul 03, 2018
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
PASSENGER SIDE TOP MOTOR MOUNT DEFECTIVE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE MAD ABOUT THIS THEY REPLACE IT GOES BAD 1 TO 2 LATER. *TR
Apr 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE FIRE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE. THERE WAS NO REPORT FILED. THE INSURANCE PROVIDER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Apr 24, 2012
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE BLEW *TGW THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT OIL IN THE VEHICLE. *JB
Sep 20, 2010
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILURE ON 2008 MAZDA 3. *TR
Aug 17, 2010
PRODUCT INVOLVED = 2008 MAZDA 3 PRODUCT BRAND NAME/MANUFACTURER = BUTCH OUSTALET MAZDA MANUFACTURER STREET ADDRESS = AIRPORT RD PLACE WHERE MANUFACTURED (CITY AND STATE OR COUNTRY) = GULFPORT, MS - FROM JAPAN PRODUCT MODEL, SERIAL #, DATE OF MANUFACTURER OR DATE CODEWHEN PRODUCT PURCHASED = 11/30/2007 DO YOU STILL HAVE THE PRODUCT? = YES USE YOUR NAME WITH THIS REPORT? = RELEASE NAME TO THE MANUFACTURER AND PUBLIC INCIDENT OR HAZARD DESCRIPTION = I BOUGHT A 2008 MAZDA 3, 4 MONTHS AGO. THE CAR BEGAN MAKING ME SICK - BAD HEADACHES AND LOSS OF CONCENTRATION. MY WIFE FOR 2 MONTHS AND GAVE CAR BACK TO ME IN MARCH. I SENT FOR A FORMALDEHYDE TESTING KIT FROM A LAB AND TESTED THE CAR AFTER DRIVING AND GETTING REALLY SICK. THE RESULTS CAME BACK POSITIVE WITH A .075PPM (ALMOST EXACT FEMA TRAILER LITIGATION AVERAGE). THIS TESTING WAS DONE ON A 60 - 65 DEGREE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DAY. THE FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS SEEM TO GET WORSE THE WARMER IT GETS. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER, DEALER INSPECTED, WROTE IT UP AS AN AIR LEAK - COULD NOT DUPLICATE. I FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH MAZDA. I SOUGHT HELP FROM THE BBB. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOOK THE CAR AND DID NOTHING. THE DEALER WOULD NOT EVEN GIVE ME ANY PAPERWORK PROVING I HAD THE CAR THERE. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEED TO CONTACT MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY FOR REPAIR. I DID AND THEY STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR BAD PRODUCT. THE DEALER GAVE ME ERRONEOUS INFORMATION, WILL NOT EVEN DOCUMENT THAT A RETURNED THE CAR THE SECOND TIME AND REFUSED ME A LOANER - NOT EVEN A VOC MASK. I GET SICK EVERYTIME IN THE TOXIC MAZDA - THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED - I HAVE BEEN SOLD A TOXIC MAZDA AND THE DEALER OR MAZDA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *TR
Apr 17, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
A FEW YEARS AGO UPON WASHING MY CAR I NOTICED MY TAIL LIGHTS LOOKED A BIT ODD SO I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AND REALIZED THEY HAD MELTED TO THE POINT THEY WERE DEFORMED AND AS A RESULT THE LIGHT EMITTED IS FAR LESS THAN WHEN IN TACT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS A FLUKE ISSUE AND THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL LAST WEEKEND I GO TO PLACE GROCERIES IN MY TRUNK AND SAW THEY LOOKED MELTED AGAIN. AFTER A CLOSER LOOK THEY HAD INDEED MELTED AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME EVEN WORSE THAT BEFORE AND THEY EMIT EVEN LESS LIGHT THAN THE FIRST TIME AROUND. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH IT'S BECOME APPARENT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE FOR A MULTITUDE OF MAZDA MODELS. ONLINE FORUMS ARE FULL OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE BOTH ON THE MAZDA 3 AND A WIDE ARRAY OF DIFFERENT MAZDA MODELS. THE MAZDA, 5 AND EVEN THE CX9 ALL HAVE THIS VERY ISSUE AND ALMOST EVERYONE STATED THE LIGHT OUTPUT WAS VERY SUBDUED AND IN A FEW CASES NO LIGHT AT ALL OR THE HOUSING MELTED SO BADLY IT BROKE THE LIGHT COMPLETELY AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO CHANGE OUT THE BULB, AND RATHER, HAD TO PURCHASE BRAND NEW TAILLIGHTS. I JUST CALLED MAZDA USA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS SO FAR OUT OF WARRANTY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, SO I EXPLAINED IT'S NOT A COSMETIC OR AESTHETIC ISSUE, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AND THOUGH THE REP AGREED IT WAS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE, EVEN AMONG CURRENT MODELS BEING SOLD, HE INSISTED THAT SINCE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM!!! HOW CAN SO MANY UNITS FROM SO MANY MODELS HAVE THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE AND IT NOT HAVE BEEN RECALLED???!?!?!?!? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL END IN CATASTROPHE AND HOPEFULLY IT'S NOT WITH ME! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF NECESSARY. I'D BE GLAD TO HELP. MAZDA SERVICE IS PRETTY TERRIBLE AS IT IS BUT THIS IS INSANE!
Sep 09, 2016
MY LEFT REAR TAIL RED TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT. I TRIED TO CHANGE IT BUT IT HAS MELTED TO THE WIRES AND THE LIGHT HOUSING. I AM UNABLE TO CHANGE IT. I AM AFRAID THIS MELTING IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE BECAUSE IT'S A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. OTHERS EVEN HAVE BOTH SIDES MELTING THE REAR LIGHTS. I CANNOT EVEN CHANGE THE BULB NOW. THIS CAN BE A DANGER BECAUSE I CANNOT USE MY LEFT TAIL LIGHT OR LEFT REAR SIGNAL. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO CRASH INTO ME NOT KNOWING I AM SLOWING DOWN FOR A LEFT TURN.
May 04, 2016
TAIL/BRAKE LIGHT LENSES MELTED. ORIGINAL PARTS,REPLACED THE WHOLE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS IN JUNE 2014 AND I NOTICED IN AUGUST 2014 THE TAIL LIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS OUT. THE LENSES MELTED AGAIN, THE BULBS WERE 7443 .RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS PROBLEM ON NUMEROUS POSTS MAINLY WITH THE MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE. CALLED THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. SOUNDS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS? *TR
Sep 05, 2014
THE RED PLASTIC ON MY TAIL LIGHT HAS MELTED. I ASSUME THAT THIS COULD HAVE AT SOME POINT CREATED A FIRE OR SOME OTHER SAFETY HAZARD. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR AND THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY MAZDA EVEN IF THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND MOVE TO ACTION AGAINST MAZDA FOR THIS FLAW IN THEIR MANUFACTURING. WE ARE NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THIS PART AND IT WILL COST ABOUT $600.00. *TR
Feb 28, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN FORT LAUDERDAE, FL BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS FAILED. I WAS IN TOTAL DARKNESS AND THANK GOD I REMEMBERED MY DAD SAYING THAT YOUR HIGH BEAMS ARE A BACKUP SYSTEM. THIS WORKED. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR LAMP FAILURES ON HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS AT NO COST? NOW BOTH FAILED AT ONCE, THE INTERNET IS FLOODED WITH WITH COMPLAINTS. IS MY CARE SAFE? I DO NOT TRUST THE DEALERS, THEY NEVER CHARGE ME FOR LAMP REPAIRS, ARE THEY HIDING SOMETHING? *TR
Jan 18, 2013
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
TAKATA INFLATORS AIR CONDITION NEVER WORKED WELL. REPLACED ALL PARTS OF AIR, EACH YEAR AIR STOPS BLOWING COOL OR COLD AIR. SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
May 28, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE TOLLWAY TO WORK YESTERDAY MORNING, 3/24/2017, I LIGHTLY TAPPED MY BREAKS, AND MY MAZDA 3 JUMPED, HARD BREAKING SENSATION, AND MADE ME SWERVE DUE TO THE CAR MALFUNCTIONING. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WENT OFF. YESTERDAY EVENING, I STARTED MY MAZDA 3 TO REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LIGHT IMMEDIATELY ILLUMINATED AND NEVER WENT OFF. THE GEAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE ON MY PANEL. MY MAZDA 3 WOULD REVERSE, BUT IT TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO GET THE CAR TO GO INTO DRIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC FIRST THING THIS MORNING, 3/25/2017, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WITH NO WARNING AND NO PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION ARE GONE AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. ADDITIONALLY, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3/14/2017, AND NO ONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID MY TRANSMISSION WAS IN BAD SHAPE OR ABOUT TO COMPLETELY FAIL. I AM NOT THE ONLY MAZDA OWNER WITH THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON THEME WITH MAZDAS. MY CAR HAS 88,578 MILES ON IT.
Mar 25, 2017
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH GONE BAD AND RUSTY AND MAZDA REFUSES TO HELP. DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OVER 500 CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE!
Feb 09, 2017
A COLLISION ACCIDENT
Apr 09, 2016
AT 71,XXX MILES 2 OUT OF 4 THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SENSOR VALVE STEMS HAVE FAILED. THE VALVE STEM CAPS WERE OEM GRAY PLASTIC CAPS. ALL PARTS OF THIS SYSTEM ON THIS CAR ARE OEM. THE VALVE STEMS CORRODE BELOW WHERE THE SCHRADER VALVE SEAL SO THE TIRES GOES FLAT IN JUST A FEW SECONDS.
Jun 15, 2011
ENGINE
5 complaints
JULY 11, 2011. 34443 MILES. CONSTANT RUNNING OF ELECTRIC RADIATOR FAN WHEN VEHICLE IS RUNNING CAUSED BY COMPLETE FAILURE OF OEM WATER PUMP. UNIT REPLACED BY ANOTHER OEM WATER PUMP. NOVEMBER 01, 2017. 97841 MILES. COMPLETE FAILURE OF SECOND OEM WATER PUMP. UNIT REPLACED BY A THIRD OEM WATER PUMP.
Nov 02, 2017
10 MINUTES AFTER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON MY CAR LOST POWER TO ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS THIS STARTED AND BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY MY CAR DIED AT THE TOP OF THE OFF RAMP. AT THIS POINT IT BEGAN BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, OUT THE TAILPIPE, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOT BLUE NOR DID IT HAVE AN OIL SMELL. I WAS ORIGINALLY TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN I STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND IN THE MINUTE OR TWO IT TOOK ME TO GET TO THE OFF RAMP AND AT THE TIME THE CAR DIED I WAS GOING LESS THAN 5MPH. WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP THEY SAID THAT 3 OF THE 4 CYLINDERS HAD 0 REMAINING POWER AND THE FOURTH ONLY HAD AROUND 1/8TH OF THE POWER THAT IT SHOULD HAVE HAD. THEY SAID THAT OIL AND COOLANT REMAINED IN THE CAR AT PROPER LEVELS. MY CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND, AGAIN, THE FLUID LEVELS WERE APPROPRIATE. I HAD BETWEEN 10 AND 15 MINUTES BETWEEN WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FIRST WENT ON AND CATASTROPHIC, IRREPARABLE ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR ITSELF HAD ONLY 85,000 MILES ON IT. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE MANY OTHERS, NOT JUST ONE OR TWO HUT HUNDREDS, WHO HAVE HAD NEARLY IDENTICAL EXPERIENCES WITH THIS EXACT MAKE, MODEL, AND ENGINE SIZE. YET MAZDA, WHEN CALLED, STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND HE HADN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT IT, THOUGH OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED THAT THEY, TOO, CONTACTED MAZDA AFTER THIS TYPE OF COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. MAZDA'S RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WAS OUT OF THE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO DO.
Mar 22, 2017
COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE ON WELL MAINTAINED MAZDA 3I AT 75000 MILES. TRAVELING ON FREEWAY IN SLOWEST LANE OF TRAFFIC, FIRST HEARD A CLICKING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. CAR SEEMED TO BE LOSING POWER. CALLED AAA ROADSIDE HELP, WHO CHECKED THE CAR AND DETERMINED IT WAS OK AND COULD BE DRIVEN HOME, ABOUT 10 MILES AWAY. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME, 5 MILES INTO TRIP BEGAN LOSING POWER, CLICKING NOISE RETURNED SO I PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER AS CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER, ENGINE OVERHEATED. PROGNOSIS: TIMING CHAIN BROKE, ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THIS CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. FINDING NOW THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE WITH MAZDA ENGINES. THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD, AND PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER AS THE RESULT. NEVER AGAIN WILL I HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MAZDA CARS. *TR
Aug 05, 2014
OVERFLOW BOTTLE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE COSTING MORE THAN 1500 WORTH OF DAMAGES. THE MECHANIC ENCOURAGE THAT I REPORT BECAUSE HE SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND THAT MAZDA IS KNOWN FOR HAVING THIS DEFECT. IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
Oct 29, 2013
PASSENGER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT INOP AFTER ONLY 67,000 MILES. *TR
Nov 11, 2012
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE UPPER CROSS MEMBER WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Sep 16, 2015
NO ACCIDENT - - THE CAMBER SETTING ON THE REAR WHEELS OF THE MAZDA 3 CAUSES EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. MAZDA DEALERS ACT LIKE THEY ARE UNAWARE AND BLAME POOR TIRE ROTATION. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETECT AS THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE LOOKS FINE, BUT THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WHERE THE CONTACT IS ACTUALLY BEING MADE IS SLICK AND MAY ACTUALLY LEAD TO A BLOW-OUT, THUS AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Jun 23, 2009
I HAVE A FAULTY PAINT JOB. THERE IS MULTIPLE SPOTS THAT ARE FLAKING INCLUDING ON THE TRUNK. THERE ISN'T A SINGLE DENT IN THE CAR. I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THEY SENT IT OFF TO MAZDA BUT NO ONE ELSE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SO TOUGH LUCK. *TR
Apr 13, 2009
PAINT OF INFERIOR QUALITY. VEHICLE PAINT FINISH APPEARS NORMAL IN MEDIUM TO DIM LIGHTING. HOWEVER, UNDER BRIGHT LIGHTING, MICROSCRATCHES ARE APPARENT OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. NEW CAR STOCK AT THE DEALER I PURCHASED FROM AS WELL AS ANOTHER DEALER IN THE STATE SHOWS THE SAME DEFECTS. *TR
Apr 16, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 complaints
BRAKE ROTORS WARP EARLY ON 2008 MAZDA 3 CAUSING EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING OVER 45 MPH AND CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE. *TR
Jun 23, 2011
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 25,900 MILES; BRAKE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON CONSOLE DASH. DEALER IDENTIFIED A FAILURE OF THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) MODULE WHICH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. DEALER REPLACED ABS MODULE UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND OCCURRENCE AT 37,600 MILES; BRAKE, ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON DASH. DEALER IDENTIFIED FAILURE OF THE ABS MODULE WHICH HAD STOPPED COMMUNICATING WITH THE PCM. AS A RESULT OF THIS SECOND FAILURE, THE ABS AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY A ROOT CAUSE FOR THE CONSECUTIVE FAILURES OF THE ABS MODULE. COST TO REPLACE THE ABS MODULE WAS QUOTED BY DEALER AT APPROXIMATELY $1,600.00 (PART + LABOR). UPDATED PORTABLE 02/24/11
Jan 24, 2011
WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON AN EXTREMELY COLD DAY (BELOW -10 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT) DRIVER DEPRESSES BRAKES ON AN ICY SURFACE. ANT-ILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS AND VEHICLE BEGINS TO HANDLE UNEXPECTEDLY. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATE. AFTER ~2 MILES OF DRIVING, SYSTEM STILL INACTIVE. DRIVER PULLS OVER AND SHUTS OFF VEHICLE FOR 30 SECONDS. WHEN VEHICLE IS RESTARTED, ONLY THE ABS WARNING LIGHT STILL ACTIVE. AFTER BRAKING IN SAFE LOCATION, ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES, AND WARNING LIGHT GOES OFF. DEALER INVESTIGATION STATES THAT THE MALFUNCTION IS LIKELY CAUSED BY EXTREME LOW TEMPERATURES. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN. *TR
Jul 06, 2010
AFTER DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROAD, ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND ABS IS NON-OPERATIONAL. THE ABS WOULD RESUME FUNCTION AFTER AT LEAST 30-45 MIN OF DRIVING. DEALER STATED THAT SNOW BECAME TRAPPED IN ABS SENSOR BUT PROBLEM CANNOT BE RESOLVED. ABS FAILURE OCCURRED 3-4 TIMES OVER THE PAST WINTER WHEN ABS WAS ESSENTIAL. *TR
Sep 30, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
4 complaints
ONE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER AN APPROXIMATE 3 MONTH PERIOD THE GAS CAP COULD NOT BE UNSCREWED AND REMAINED AFFIXED TO THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE POTENTIAL TO BE UNABLE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE AND RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING OR IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. BOTH TIMES I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAVE HAD "MANY" MAZDA 3 OWNERS BRING THEIR CARS IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
Jan 24, 2011
AFTER MY FIRST GAS FUEL FILL-UP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE FUEL CAP BUT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE FUEL CAP. AFTER TRYING FOR 15 MINUTES, IT FINALLY CAME OFF. AFTER PUTTING THE CAP BACK ON AND DRIVING A WHILE, THE LIGHT WENT OFF. THE CAR ONLY HAD 500 MILES. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE CAP AND SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WE WERE ABLE TO PLACE AND REMOVE THE CAP WITH NO PROBLEM. ON MY NEXT 2 FILL-UPS THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I BOUGHT A STAND REPLACEMENT CAP AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AFTER 6,200 MILES. I BELIEVE THE OEM CAP HAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE REPLACEMENT'S LATCHING TABS HAVE A DIFFERENT SHAPE AND IT WORKS. *TR
May 25, 2009
I OWN A 2008 MAZDA3 THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE CAR STARTED LURCHING & BUCKING AS SHE APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT FINALLY QUIT RUNNING & SHE HAD TO LEAVE IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN I ARRIVED I FOUND THAT THE CAR DID THE SAME TO ME. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK & HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED, THINKING IT WOULD BE A WARRANTY ISSUE. WHEN I WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE CAR HAD BEEN OVER FILLED WITH GAS, WHICH ALLOWED GAS TO FLOW INTO THE PURGE SOLENOID & THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THIS WAS POSSIBLE! THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THESE BEING FULL OF GAS WAS THE REASON THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN PROPERLY. I QUESTIONED THEM THAT THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW BY MAZDA & SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! THEY TOLD ME THAT MAZDA WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME BECAUSE IT WAS MY FAULT THAT THE TANK WAS OVER FILLED WITH GAS. TO ME IF YOU HAVE GAS FLOWING INTO COMPONENTS OF THE CAR WITCH AREN'T INTENDED IN HOLDING GAS, THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR NOT TO MENTION A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE CAR IS EVER IN A COLLISION! I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY DAUGHTER & DO NOT WANT HER TRAPPED INSIDE OF A BURNING CAR IF THESE COMPONENTS KEEP FILLING UP WITH GAS & SHE IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. I CALLED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE & THEY ALSO TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO FOR ME BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OVERFILLED WITH GAS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WILL KEEP HAPPENING AS LONG AS I OVER FILL THE TANK & TO NOT MAKE A COMPLETE FILL UP TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS & I DO HAVE THE PARTS THAT WERE REMOVED. I HOPE SOMEONE, WITH YOU, CAN HELP ME SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A COLLISION & A FIRE ERUPTS FROM GAS BEING ABLE TO FLOW INTO PLACES IT SHOULDN'T BE. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Oct 21, 2008
FUEL CAP ON CAR GOT STUCK AND TOOK TEN MINUTES TO REMOVE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED NEXT TIME CAR NEEDED REFUELING. AGAIN, HAD TO TRY FOR AROUND 10 MINUTES BEFORE CAP COULD BE REMOVED AND WE'RE NOT EVEN SURE WHAT WE DID TO MAKE IT COME OFF. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.....THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN THE CAP BREAKS OR WE JUST CAN'T GET IT OFF AND WILL END UP STRANDED WITH NO GAS. OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FAULT. *TR
Sep 29, 2008
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 REPEATED MAJOR SERVICE REPAIR ATTEMPTS RELATED TO THE TCM, PCM AT LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE/TRANSMISSION LIGHT TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE PERMANENTLY. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET WHEN EXPERIENCING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY MAZDA OR BUY BACK THIS VEHICLE. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BE FACED WITH THESE KINDS OF CONCERNS. THESE SYSTEMIC ISSUES HAS NOT BEEN FAVORABLE IN MY VIEW AND WILL HAVING A MAJOR DETERMING EFFECT IN FUTURE CAR PURCHASE. BRAND LOYALTY. [BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...] 4-3-2019 AT 9:27AM
Apr 03, 2019
I PARKED MY CAR ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE IN PARK. IT REQUIRED MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET THE PARK INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH TO REFLECT THAT THE CAR WAS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARK. BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR AT ALL WHEN I RETURNED FROM A BRIEF STOP. THE PROBLEM WITH FAILING TO START HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND I HAD ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE. AFTER JIGGLING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER REPEATEDLY, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL AND APPLYING THE BRAKE VIGOROUSLY, I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO START. I'M NOT SURE WHETHER IT WAS ROCKING OF THE VEHICLE FROM FRUSTRATION OR JIGGLING THE GEAR SELECTOR THAT FINALLY WORKED. THE CAR HAS A NEW BATTERY AND HAS HAD ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS BUT THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE FROM THE IGNITION SYSTEM. *TR
Jan 26, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
SINCE THE COURSE OF ABOUT A YEAR, I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMATIC MOMENTS WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE PERTAINING TO IT'S ELECTRICAL/TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONALITY. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NORMAL SPEEDS (EX. 50MPH) THE MAZDA WOULD BUCKLE, REV ABNORMALLY, ALL WHILE MY GEAR INDICATOR WOULD FLICKER. THIS WOULD HAPPEN AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND CONTINUE ON FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE ABOUT EVERY 20 MINUTE INTERVAL. THIS IS QUITE UNSAFE, AND THE REPAIRS THAT MULTIPLE MECHANICS INCLUDING MAZDA THEMSELVES SUGGESTED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE DID NOT ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING UNFORTUNATELY. REPAIRMEN FLUSHED AND REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, REPLACED MY OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR, CHANGED OUT MY SHIFT SOLENOIDS, GEAR SHIFTER, AND EVEN REPLACED MY ENTIRE PCM. I HAVE NOT ONLY TAKEN PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THESE HORRID INCIDENCES, BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE OTHER INSTANCES OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS IDENTICAL ISSUE WITH THEIR MAZDA'S AS WELL. IF THERE IS A WAY TO SHOW MY VIDEO EXAMPLES FOR STUDY, THEN I WILL GLADLY SEND THEM.
Dec 04, 2018
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE I LOST ALL CONTROL OVER THE ENGINE. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOWN DID NOT CHANGE THE ENGINE SPEED. THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY IDLE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT A BAD CONNECTION OCCURRED BETWEEN THE WIRING AND THE ?PCM? MODULE. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHILE PASSING OR WHILE EXECUTING A LEFT TURN, A SERIOUS OR EVEN FATAL ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. MA 10/22/2015
Jul 09, 2015
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE SPUN AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BY AMBULANCE AND WAS TREATED FOR BRUISING, WHIPLASH, ACUTE NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND LEG TRAUMAS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jun 30, 2014
WHILE DRIVING APPROX 75 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY MY BRAKES FAILED (FELT LIKE THEY LOCKED UP, AS THEY BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PUSH PEDAL). I HAD TO SHIFT SUDDENLY IN TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO REDUCE MY SPEED AND PULL SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER. THIS SAME INCIDENT ALSO OCCURRED ON 8/10/2012. *TR
Aug 15, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
IN THE PAST MONTH THE RADIO, LIGHTS, THE CLUSTER, ALL SHUT DOWN AND RESTART AS DRIVING. LAST NIGHT AS DRIVING ON TELEGRAPH RD, 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING, I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME, AS I WAS SWITCHING IN NEUTRAL, AND BACK IN DRIVE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS ABLE TO TURN RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT. I REMEMBER HAVING THIS ISSUE BACK IN JAN. OF 2011, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IT, THAT I HAVE HAD FIXED. THE PATTERN IS THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2008, 3 YEARS LATER - IN 2011 THE RECALL TOOK CARE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART, AND NOW, 3 YEARS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE SAME ISSUE ARISE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS, AS IS HAPPENS AS DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
Mar 28, 2014
I STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BEGAN BACKING OUT. AS THE CAR BEGAN TO MOVE THE STEERING FELT SLUGGISH LIKE THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONDITION LASTED A FEW SECONDS THEN CLEARED UP. THAT HAPPENED TWICE MORE AS I WAS BACKING OUT. WHENEVER THE STEERING BECAME SLUGGISH SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON (LOW TIRE, ABS, BRAKE, OIL, ETC). THEY TURNED OFF WHENEVER THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONDITION SEEMED TO CLEAR ITSELF SO I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND WENT A FEW HUNDRED FEET. THE SLUGGISH STEERING AND FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN AGAIN. I STOPPED THE CAR, LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING AND CHECKED THE TIRES, POWER STEERING BELT, AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL. ALL WERE OK. AT THIS POINT I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER NEEDLES OSCILLATED WILDLY FROM END TO END FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO ON. AFTER WAITING FOR THE INSTRUMENTATION TO SETTLE TO THE NORMAL OFF STATE, I INSERTED THE KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER WHATEVER, LIKE THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REMOVED. I REMOVED THE KEY WAITED 15 SECONDS AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THAT TIME THE CAR STARTED AS EXPECTED. I DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THERE WAS NO RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SINCE THEN WITH NO RECURRENCE OF THE STEERING ISSUE OR FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS.
Apr 09, 2012
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED. NOTICED VIBRATION IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. THERE WAS NO NOTICED VIBRATION WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLING. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS IN DRIVE, WITH THE HOOD POPPED, THE ENGINE WAS NOTICEABLY PITCHING FORWARD AND RETURNING TO IT'S DEFAULT POSITION WHEN THE GAS WAS RELEASED. I CHECKED RECALLS AND THERE WERE NONE SHOWN, BUT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. LOCAL MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN. *TR
Oct 14, 2011
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING A 2008 MAZDA3 I 2.0L SEDAN, I BEGAN TO FEEL A SHAKE THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND CHASSIS WHILE IDLING/DRIVING. DEALER VERIFIED SHAKE AND PER TSB DUE TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM, REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS. CAR FELT BETTER BUT NOT COMPLETELY FREE OF ENGINE SHAKE AND NOW APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED COLD IT SHAKES THE ENTIRE CAR AND WHEN WARM A SUTTLE BUT NOTICEABLE SHAKE IS STILL FELT THOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND CHASSIS. AFTER READING NUMEROUS POSTS ON MAZDA3 ENTHUSIAST WEBSITES, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON AND ONGOING PROBLEM SPANNING SEVERAL YEARS. *TR
Sep 16, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A WASHBOARD AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS LOOSENED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Nov 29, 2010
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FOUR CAR COLLISION. I WAS THIRD IN LINE, AND WAS HIT REALLY HARD FROM BEHIND AND THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I SLAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND BUSTED MY FOREHEAD OPEN. *TR
Aug 13, 2008
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
PARKING BRAKE FAILED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN SLIGHT DECLINE AND SLAMMED INTO A TRUCK. *TR
Nov 20, 2009
MAZDA 3 2008 PARKING BRAKE FAILED AND THE CAR ROLLED DOWN A SLOPE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR
Jul 14, 2009
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
There is a plastic ring on top of the gas tank that holds down the fuel pump.I filled up my tank and looked under the car afterwards,at this time I noticed gas coming out from the tank until is was flushed with the top and then stopped.I pulled out the back seat,found the inspection plate and for sure this was and did happen,now nothing could be done at the time because the inspection plat hole was smaller than the ring,the tank had to be dropped.It had to be fixed,about $600.00 later and tank filled up it was repaired.I still have the ring and pictures where the ring was cracked around the threads.send me a e-mail address and I can send pictures and a copy of the bill.later on I went on line and discovered that I was not the only one.This happen about 2 years back.
Mar 02, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.
Jan 28, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY MAZDA3 DIES WHILE I AM DRIVING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF WHAT IS GOING ON (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). WHEN IT DOES, I WAIT FOR A WHILE AND IT WILL START BACK UP AGAIN! MY SHOP AND I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING WE CAN, BUT WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT IS DOING THAT! I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAID IT WAS RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND FIXED IN 2010 BUT TO US IT SOUNDS IT IS THAT ISSUE CAUSING IT TO STOP WHILE IN MOTION! THIS CAR IS UNSAFE!! NO CAR SHOULD STOP IN MOTION FROM NOWHERE! THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT!
Aug 06, 2020
STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.....LOST POWER STEERING AT ONLY 110,000 MILES...ABS BREAK SYSTEM NOT WORKING
Jul 29, 2020
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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 DIFFERENT SPEEDS. SOMETIMES THE CAR WOULD INSTANTLY START BACK UP OR I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH THE CAR IN A SAFE AREA (IF POSSIBLE) AND WAIT. I HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD AND 8 YEAR OLD SON HAVING A RELIABLE CAR IS EXTREME PRIORITY FOR US, I'M SO SCARED OF MY CAR. WE DO NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND I TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT WHEN IT SHUT OFF AND THE MECHANIC COULDNT FIND ANYTHING NOTICEABLE. HE SAID I WOULD BASICALLY HAVE TO JUST START REPLACING PARTS AND SEE WHICH PART FIXES THE PROBLEM.
Feb 22, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHEN MY USED 2008 MAZDA 3 CAR IS PARKED OVER A DAY OF MORE WITHOUT BEING PLUGGED TO A CHARGER IT WILL NOT START. NOTHING WILL WORK EVEN THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE DOOR. NOTE THE HUNDREDS OF OWNERS WITH HIS PROBLEM. CHECK THE WEB FOR THIS PROBLEM. I SPENT $870.00 TO HAVE THIS FIXED TO NO AVAIL.
Jan 30, 2020
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE SPEED GOES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF MY 2008 MAZDA 3 SHIFTS DOWN FROM THE 5TH TO THE 3RD GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTROLS TO ILLUMINATE INCLUDING CHECK ENGINE, NO TRACTION AND AT. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE OF THIS, AND HE SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION BY CHANGING THE FILTER AND TRANSMISSION FLUID BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. ONE MECHANIC SAID IT IS THE SPEED SENSOR ANOTHER THE TRANSMISSIONS COMPUTER I HAVE SPEND ABOUT 1,800 AND I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS VERY SCARY FOR MY KIDS AND MYSELF WHILE DRIVING AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET ANOTHER CAR. WHAT IS THE PROBLEMS WITH MAZDA WITH MY CAR? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP?! ALSO ALL THE ELECTRICAL STOP WORKING ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, ANOTHER THING IS THE STEERING WHEELS PROBLEMS WHEN MAKING A TURN IT REALLY TIME FOREVER AND IT IS REALLY SLOW AND HEAVY.
Apr 18, 2019
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
#1 AIR BAG WARNING DASH LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND HAS STAYED ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2+ YEARS. THERE IS NO MAZDA DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA AND I INITIALLY BELIEVED IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE OR REPAIR AT MY EXPENSE DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S AGE. #2 BRAKES: VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED AND COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY INSPECTED ON 6 NOV 2018. I ASKED THE SHOP TO CHECK THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR ABNORMAL PRESSURE. I FELT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT MAINTAINING A FIRM PEDAL PUSH WHILE DRIVING, BUT AT FIRST FELT FIRM THEN SOFTENED ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I RETURNED TO THE AUTO SERVICE TO POINT THIS OUT AND THE REPRESENTATIVE RESPONDED NO EVIDENCE OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING OUT AND EARLIER WHILE THEY DROVE IT AROUND THEIR FACILITY IT FELT FINE, THEREFORE IT WAS OK TO DRIVE LIKE THIS. TODAY IS 3 DECEMBER AND IT IS STILL A MUSHY BRAKE.
Dec 03, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
AT LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY HARD SHIFTS AUTOMATICALLY FROM 5TH GEAR DOWN TO A HARSH 3RD GEAR. CANNOT GET AT LIGHT TO SHUT OFF, REPLACED SOLINOIDS, TCM, PCM AND STILL CANNOT LOCATE THE ISSUE. CAR WILL NOT GO PAST 3RD GEAR. CAR IS STILL UNDER 80K MILES.
Sep 08, 2017
STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AEVERAL RECALLS FOR 2008 MAZDA3..... HOWEVER MY VIN ISNT ASSOSIATED WITH ANY AND I HAVE ALL THE PROBLEMA. POWER STEERINGS UNIT STRIPPED2 OR THE 3 BOLTS HOLES ANS FELL DOWN FROM CRACKED ENGINE MOUNTS SLIGHT RATTLING..... STATIONARY AND MOVING. IDLE IS AT 500-1,000 RPMS VERY ODD FEELING. RANDOM BODY DAMAGE AND ENTIRE OF BOTTOM ENGINE RUSTY.... PAINT RUSTS AS WELL. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR ON FINANCE AND REALLY NEED SOME HELP
Apr 04, 2017
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR ACCIDENT GOING AROUND 60MPH ON A HIGHWAY, HIT GUARDRAIL HEAD ON DUE TO BLACK ICE AND RAIN, SPINNING TWICE HITTING GUARDRAILS AGAIN FRONT AND BACK MULTIPLE TIMES, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THANK GOODNESS FOR THE SEATBELT AS I'M SURE DEATH WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IF THAT FAILED TOO. GOING THROUGH THE INSURANCE PROCESS NOW AND WILL HAVE MORE PICTURES AND POLICE REPORT IN HAND SHORTLY. I THOUGHT MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN A SAFE CAR... I GUESS NOT.
Feb 16, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR WAS VIBRATING A LOT WHEN IN GEAR AND HOLDING BRAKES REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS AND THROTTLE BODY TO FIX ISSUE. ALSO WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND SPEEDING BACK UP THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS WHEN DOWN SHIFTING. FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING AND IS NOT SAFE IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE CITY AND WANT TO SWITCH LANES AND SPEED UP I'M AFRAID ONE DAY I'M GOING TO SWITCH LANES HIT THE GAS AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL. THE CARMAX I GOT THE CAR FROM INSISTS IT IS JUST A TRANSMISSION "SHUTTER" AND IT HAPPENS WITH CERTAIN CARS. I WILL BE GETTING A SECOND OPINION FROM AN ASE CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SHOP. DEALERSHIP MADE ME THINK IT WAS BRAKE PADS AT FIRST I PAID $300 TO HAVE PERFECTLY GOOD PADS REPLACED WITH NEW ONES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM NOT FIXED. I AM EXTREMELY IRRITATED WITH DEALERSHIP TRYING TO GET AROUND FIXING THE CAR. OTHER THAN THOSE 2 PROBLEMS THE CAR IS GREAT.
Feb 11, 2016
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS SEIZED INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING HAD EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT, WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,352.
Jan 27, 2016
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE VALVE STEM COVER THE VALVE STEM CRACKED AND CAME APART. I HAD TO HAVE THE COMPLETE TPMS VALVE REPLACED. I THEN NOTICED THAT THE OTHER VALVE STEMS LOOKED IN THE SAME CONDITION. THE MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS JUST AGING AND THAT THE REST WERE O.K. I AM NOT SURE IF THEY ARE. I SAID THAT THE STEMS SHOULD NOT CRACK JUST BY REMOVING THE COVER.
Jun 06, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ATV AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE JERKED WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING ROD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
May 29, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
EVER SINCE I BROUGHT THIS CAR IM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY HEADLAMPS. I HAD REPLACED HEADLIGHT BULBS ATLEAST 15 TIMES. LAMPS WILL LAST ROUGHLY 3 TO 6 MONTHS AND THEN BURNOUT. I COMPLAINED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO ANSWER TO THE ROOT CAUSE OTHER THAN SIMPLY CHANGING THE BULBS. I SUSPECT THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE IN WIRING. MANY 2008 MAZDA 3 OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING SIMILAR ISSUES ON-LINE AND WEBSITES.
May 26, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON 04/01/2015 WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AT ABOUT 25 MPH THE TRANSMISSION WENT FROM 4 TO 1, AND THE CAR JERKED REALLY HARD. AT LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING THE CAR OFF AND WAITING A COUPLE OF MINUTES, AT LIGHT WENT AWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE SAME HAPPENED IN TWO DAYS, THEN IN 5 DAYS WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY WITH SPEED 65 MPH - THE CAR JERKED AND BUCKED AT FULL SPEED, AT LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, TRANSMISSION WENT FROM 5 TO 1 TO 3, TACHOMETER WENT FROM 2500 RPM TO OVER 4000 RPM - THANKFULLY I DID NOT HIT ANYONE AND I WASN'T HIT BY OTHER CARS WHEN THAT HAPPENED (I WAS VERY SCARED!). I GOT THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND AFTER TWO DAYS OF DIAGNOSTICS THE ANSWER - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) IS BAD. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE - VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH CARS OF THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. DEALER CAN NOT FIX IT BECAUSE TCM IS ON NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER! I HAVE NO CAR FOR A WEEK NOW AND IT COULD BE A MONTH WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. THIS KIND OF PROBLEM WORTH OF A RECALL DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS AND THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT - OVER $1000 INCLUDING DIAGNOSTICS. *TR
Apr 14, 2015
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE RIGHT FONT ENGINE MOUNT HAS BROKE. THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE 2006 MODEL MAZDA 3 BUT IT APPEARS THAT MAZDA HAS CONTINUED TO USE THE RECALLED PAT O LATE MODELS OF VARIOUS MODELS. *TR
Feb 13, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 12/13/14, CAR WOULDN'T START 12/14/14, HAD TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP 12/15/14 AND WAS TOLD ENGINE WAS FLOODED BECAUSE THE CAR COULDN'T METER AIR CORRECTLY AND OVER FUELED THE CAR. SPARK PLUGS, AIR FILTER AND THROTTLE BODY WERE ALL GUMMED UP AND DIRTY DUE TO THIS. REPAIR SHOP CHECKED THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELATING TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A A KNOWN ISSUE. THEY HAD TO MODIFY A BRACKET AND SPLICE IN NEW WIRE WHERE IT WAS RUBBED THROUGH BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. IF THIS IS TRULY A COMMON DEFECT MAZDA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON IT AND REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR
Dec 16, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY BOYFRIEND WAS IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAG SENSORS WERE COMPLETELY RIPPED OFF ALONG WITH THE BUMPER AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK UP UNTIL HE CAME TO A STOP. *TR
Aug 27, 2014
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP RECALL ISSUE. THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE BY THE DEALER. I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A BIGGER ISSUE REGARDING "DESIGN NEGLIGENCE" BY MAZDA AS IT RELATES TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON THIS 2008-3. YOU SEE, THE PUMP (AN ITEGRAL PART OF THE STEERING AND VEHICLE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM) IS MOUNTED OUTSIDE THE CAR'S FRAME, JUST FORWARD OF THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. IT IS BASICALLY JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT/BUMPER/QUARTER PANEL ASSEMBLY. THIS LOCATION MAKES IT VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE IN EVEN MINOR ACCIDENTS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNSAFE IN THE VERY INSTANT WHERE CONTROL AND MANEUVERABILITY MAY KEEP OTHERS FROM BEING INJURED OR KILLED. WHAT BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION WAS WHEN A DEER RECENTLY RAN INTO THIS VERY LOCATION AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE AND THEREFORE UNDRIVABLE. MY DAUGHTER (WHO SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION) WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME AND WAS VERY SHOCKED AND SURPRISED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TECHNICALLY DRIVABLE (MINUS QUARTER PANEL, LEADLIGHT/FOGLIGHT AND PART OF THE BUMPER COVER) SHE COULD NOT PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE OFFICER WRITING UP THE ACCIDENT REPORT TRIED TO MANEUVER THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD TO A SAFER LOCATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT A HIGHER SPEED AND ON A BUSIER ROADWAY OR HIGHWAY. THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED. CAR MANUFACTURERS NEED TO BE MADE TO LOCATE CRITICAL SAFETY, HANDLING, AND MANUEVERABILITY COMPONENTS/EQUIPMENT IN PLACES AFFORDED SOME REASONABLE MEASURE OF PROTECTION AND SURVIVABILITY IN MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS. *TR
Nov 18, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. AFTER A VISIT TO THE SHOP, I LEARNED THAT MY MICRO COMPUTER WAS NOT WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR COST $729. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA 3S MADE AROUND 2008. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE, I BELIEVE THAT A DEFECTIVE PART CAUSED THE PROBLEM AND THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE EVALUATED FOR RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT. THANK YOU. *TR
May 23, 2013
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
1 complaint
SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY VEHICLE I HAVE TO GET THE ALIGNMENT DONE AS OFTEN AS I GET THE OIL CHANGE DONE. WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING A 4 X 4. THERE IS ALSO A HORRIBLE ROARING ONCE YOU GET TO 45 MPH. THE ROARING AND SHAKING GOES AWAY RIGHT AFTER I HAVE MY CAR ALIGNED, BUT, AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS IT STARTS COMING BACK. I HAVE CHANGED THE TYPE OF TIRES THAT I PUT ON MY CAR THINKING IT MAY HELP, BUT, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY DIFFERENT WITH THE DIFFERENT TYPE OF TIRES I HAVE PUT ON MY CAR. *TR
Oct 09, 2012
STEERING,TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES AN HOUR THE IN-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM'S RIM ATTACHING NUT CORRODED OFF OF THE VALVE STEM ON THE TIRE. TIRE PRESSURE DROPPED IMMEDIATELY AND HAD TO STOP AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE VALVE STEM FELL INTO THE TIRE ONCE PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED. ALL 4 TIRES ALL CORRODED EVENLY AND NEED TO HAVE THE STEMS AND NUTS REPLACED. I'VE OPTED FOR A RUBBER VALVE STEM WHILST SUBMITTING COMPLAINTS. I STILL HAVE NOT HAD THE 3 OTHER TIRES FIXED. REPLACEMENT NON-ALUMINUM TPMS ARE 35-50 A PIECE + INSTALLATION. 1. CHEAP NUTS THAT CRACK AND FALL OFF TIRE STEMS. 2. ALUMINUM STEMS THAT CORRODE COMPLETELY REMOVING THE THREADS. 3. HIGH SPEED CRASH HAZARD. *TR
Aug 30, 2012
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE AND NECK AREA. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE ACCELERATION ALSO OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jul 25, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION WHEN VEHICLE IS STANDING STILL (STOP SIGN, TRAFFIC SIGNAL) HAVE FOUND IT NECESSARY TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL ENGINE REVS DOWN TO NORMAL RPMS, AND THEN PROCEED. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (TOYOTA PRIUS). HAVE ELIMINATED "FLOOR MATS" OR FOOT SLIPPING ONTO GAS PEDAL. *TR
Mar 23, 2011
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 32 MPH WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID AN ANIMAL. THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE LEFT BUT THE VEHICLE INSTEAD VIOLENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONCE CRASHING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Jan 03, 2011
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
POWER STEERING FAILED ON 2008 MAZDA 3 CAUSING A CRASH. MAZDA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM ON THE VEHICLE IN IT'S LETTER TO MAZDA 3 OWNERS BUT STATED IT HAD NO PARTS TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. WHILE STILL WAITING FOR AN OFFICIAL RECALL NOTICE FROM MAZDA, THE POWER STEERING ON OUR CAR FAILED ON A BUSY CITY STREET CAUSING THE DRIVER LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. *TR
Oct 25, 2010
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
SITTING IN PARKING LOT, ENGINE AND A/C ON, THEN TRIED TO PULL OUT, POWER STEERING FAILED; HAD TO WAIT ONE HOUR FOR CAR TO COOL BEFORE THE STEERING CAME BACK ON. *TR THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED, COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MAZDA 3'S APPARENTLY. AT LEAST IT DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE ROAD.
Jul 26, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IT ACCELERATED WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE BUT IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND MOVE FORWARD. WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE DID NOT REALIZE IT SINCE IT MADE SUCH A MINIMAL IMPACT. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES TO SEE IF THE FAILURE WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND IT DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,600.
Jul 23, 2010
VISIBILITY,TIRES
1 complaint
ON 14JUL10 WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN AND TRAFFIC AT HIGH WAY SPEED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SLOWED NOTICEABLY THEN STOPPED. VISUAL SIGHT OF TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WAS IMPOSSIBLE. AFTER MANAGING TO PULL OVER INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE WITH OUT A COLLISION I PROCEEDED TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. THE FUSE FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WAS NOT BLOWN NOR COULD I FIND ANY OTHER PROBLEM THAT WOULD HAVE ACCOUNTED TO THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THE RAIN LET UP I PROCEEDED TO CONTINUE MY COMMUTE HOME HAVING TO PULL OVER AND STOP NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN THE RAIN STARTED AGAIN. THIS WAS A NERVE RACKING EXPERIENCE! THE NEXT DAY I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT TO BE CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE WIND SHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS BURNED OUT AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT $330.00 TO REPAIR IT AND THEY WOULD OVERNIGHT EXPRESS A NEW ONE AS THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IN STOCK. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETE ON16JUL10 AND I PICKED THE VEHICLE AT APP 3PM, TOTAL COST $337.00. MILEAGE WAS APP. 42900 SO IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I CONSIDER WIND SHIELD WIPERS IMPORTANT SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND BELIEVE THAT THEY SHOULD BE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2008 THAT I BOUGHT NEW! WIPER MOTORS BURNING OUT IN TWO YEARS??? I HAVE A 1994 FORD RANGER WITH 213000+ MILES ON IT WITH THE ORIGINAL WIPER MOTOR STILL IN IT!!! I BELIEVE MAZDA SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THIS TYPE OF PREMATURE FAILURE ON SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I ALL SO HAVE EXCESSIVE TIRE WARE ON THE INSIDE EDGES OF MY TIRES, WORN DOWN SMOOTH AND SCALLOPING BUT DUE TO ROTATING OFTEN I HAVE MANAGED TO GET BETTER LIFE OUT OF THEM AND WILL REPLACE THEM SOON. I HAVE A NOISE THAT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE A WHEEL BEARING OR OTHER ROTATING PART WEARING OUT AND SHIMMY/VIBRATION THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL THAT THE DEALER CLAIMS IS RELATED TO THE WORN/SCALLOPED TIRES. I WILL SOON SEE IF THIS GOES AWAY WHEN I REPLACE THE TIRES. *TR
Jul 18, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 MAZDA 3. ON THIS PARTICULAR MODE OF MAZDA THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE LESS THAN 1/4 INCH FROM EACH OTHER. I HAVE BEEN IN NUMEROUS NEAR MISSES WITH SEVERAL CARS, THE MOST RECENT BEING TODAY BECAUSE ALOT OF TIMES WHEN YOU GO TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL YOU GET THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE THEY ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER. *TR
Apr 16, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 75 MPH, TRIED TO AVOID A VEHICLE THAT WAS UNSAFELY CHANGING LANES. PUSHED BRAKES AND VEERED TOWARDS LEFT. THE BRAKES (WHICH ARE NOT ABS) RESPONDED SLOWLY AND I SLAMMED IN THE MIDDLE DIVIDER. A COUPLE MONTH BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE DEALER HAD THE ROTORS RESURFACED SINCE THE CAR WAS SHAKING VIGOROUSLY WHILE BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT. TOOK CAR TO A MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC WAS AMAZED THAT BASED ON THE VISUAL FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Feb 12, 2010
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
IN EARLY AUGUST 2009 AT APPROX. 21K MILES WHEN I PERFORMED MY 7500 MILE TIRE ROTATION I NOTICED THAT ALL THE 4 OE GOOD YEAR RSA TIRES WERE VERY WORN ON THE INSIDE, NOT THE THREAD AREA BUT THE AREA WHERE THE SIDEWALL STARTS. I HAD NOTICED THIS BEFORE BUT HAD NOT THOUGHT MUCH OF IT AS IT WASN'T TOO BAD. I DROVE ON A 500 MILE TRIP SHORTLY AFTER THIS AND BECAME MORE CONCERNED . I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AT THE DESTINATION AND IT WAS WITHIN MFG. SPEC. THE ALIGNMENT PEOPLE SAID THE CAUSE WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE NEGATIVE CAMBER ON THE REAR WHEELS WHICH AT -2.3 AND -1.7 WAS PROBABLY THE REASON FOR THE WEAR AND THAT I SHOULD REPLACE THE TIRES. MAZDA DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR ADJUSTING THE REAR CAMBER. NOT HAVING THE RESOURCES AT THE TIME, THINKING MAYBE IT WAS A OVERZEALOUS SALES EFFORT, AND TO ME THE TIRES STILL LOOKED USABLE I DIDN'T REPLACE THEM. NOW AT 27K MILES I HAVE THE RESOURCES TO REPLACE THEM AND THE AREA ON THE INSIDE CORNER IN MUCH MORE WORN. MAZDA GIVES NO EXPLANATION, ONE SAID SHOULD ROTATE @ 5K MILES, ANOTHER SAYS THEY PUT CRAPPY TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. ON THE INTERNET, PEOPLE WHO REPLACE THE TIRES SAY THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE NEGATIVE CAMBER THAT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT, WITH A SOUR ECONOMY MANY PEOPLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD REPLACEMENT TIRES, MANY PEOPLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OR PAY TO ROTATE TIRES AND MANY PEOPLE MAY NOT CHECK THEM AT ALL. AT THE MINIMUM MAZDA SHOULD PROVIDE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE REAR CAMBER. *TR
Dec 26, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
FGHFGH. *TR
Sep 02, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MY DAUGHTER NOTICED AT WHEN STOPPING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHACK. UPON HAVING THE DEALER LOOK AT THIS ISSUE THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO HI-SPEED STOPPING, AND THAT IT COULD BE CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE ROTORS AND PADS WITH OEM PARTS. I THINK THAT AT JUST 17,000 MILES THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE A ISSUE. I COULD ONLY SPEAK TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND NOT A DISTRICT REP, AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CHECK INTO THIS AND GET BACK TO ME. THIS NEVER HAPPENED. *TR
Aug 10, 2008
STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
DURING PARALLEL PARKING PRACTICE WITH BRAND NEW (LESS THAN 500 MILES ON CAR) MAZDA3 SEDAN (2.3) FOR A DRIVER LICENSE EXAM, ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES, RENDERING STEERING COMPLETELY INOPERABLE (CANNOT EVEN STEER MANUALLY SINCE STEERING RESISTANCE IS EXTREME). NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS INDICATING A PROBLEM. UPON TURNING IGNITION OFF AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RESTARTING CAR, STEERING WOULD RECOVER BUT THEN FAIL AGAIN SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. CAR ALSO DEVELOPED HIGH-PITCHED WHISTLING SOUND, SOURCE UNCLEAR. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED CAR AND CLAIMS STEERING UNIT OK (ALTHOUGH CODE INDICATED POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION) AND IS SAFE TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP HYPOTHESIZES THAT ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST UNIT OVERHEATED AND SUGGESTS NOT TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO EXTREMES FOR MORE THAN 5 SECONDS--HOWEVER, THE STEERING FAILED AT TIMES WHEN STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT TURNED TO EXTREME (WHEELS STRAIGHT), AND IF THIS IS AN "ACCEPTED" OR "EXPECTED" FINDING IN THESE CARS IT SEEMS THE SAFETY MARGIN FOR SUCH A SYSTEM FAILURE IS VERY LOW. DEALERSHIP CANNOT EXPLAIN HIGH-PITCHED WHISTLE NOISE OR FAILURE OF DASHBOARD LIGHT TO INDICATE STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Jul 21, 2008
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
THE WARNING CHIME FOR SEAT BELTS NOT BEING USED IS INAUDIBLE ON THE 2008 MAZDA3 EVEN WITH ALL ACCESSORIES TURNED OFF. THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE CHANGED DUE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS THAT PREVIOUS YEARS WERE TOO LOUD AND PERSISTENT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALER CHECKED IT OUT AND DECLARED "THAT'S THE WAY THEY ARE". *TR
Dec 04, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 MAZDA Mazda3 have?
The 2008 MAZDA Mazda3 currently has 303 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 MAZDA Mazda3?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 MAZDA Mazda3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 MAZDA Mazda3 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 MAZDA Mazda3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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