2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MAZDASPEED3 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
33 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
I was driving on a city road doing 35-40mph in 4TH gear. I let off the gas while in 4TH and coasted to about 20mph then shifted to n and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I tried to shift to 1ST an the shifter went half way in between r and 1ST, so I shifted back to n and tried 1ST again. Then the whole shifter broke off and was just laying there. Now my car IS stuck in 3RD gear.
- Unknown or other
I was on the highway in motion when all of a sudden my shifter broke off and I wasn't able to move. I had to call I tow
- Unknown or other
I began to accelerate my mazdaspeed 3 shifting from 1ST gear to second gear. I shifted into third where my shift broke and remained in my hand. My car stalled out in 3RD because I could not shift out. I took off the plastics covering the shifter and pulled the plate back into neautral so I could push my car to the local gas station. My shifter rod snapped and the spring came out.
- Power train
Manual shift lever came detached while driving in rush hour traffic. Car stuck in 4TH gear. I was up shifting when it happened.
- Power train
While shifting from 2ND to 3RD gear at low speed, the shifter for my manual transmission broke off in my hand. After coasting to the side of the road and removing the console, I discovered it snapped in half at the location of the retention pin.
- Power train
As I was slowing down to make a right turn I placed the car in neutral. After making the turn and going to put the car back in gear the shifter breaks at the point where the pin goes in above the ball. I do not track my car nor shift hard ever. *tr
- Power train
The shift lever complete broke off and no longer had any affect on engaging any of the gears. I was stopped at a light and it broke when I tried to engage 1ST gear out of neutral. Luckily I was able to feel for the shift cable mechanism through the leather shifter boot and engage 3RD gear. Limped home in 3RD. *tr
- Power train
I have a 2008 mazdaspeed 3 with a manual transmission. While I was driving to work on 9/9/2014, the steel rod that the shifter knob IS attached to sheared off suddenly while I was shifting from first to second. This left the transmission in neutral and I had no power since I couldn't shift into…
I have a 2008 mazdaspeed 3 with a manual transmission. While I was driving to work on 9/9/2014, the steel rod that the shifter knob IS attached to sheared off suddenly while I was shifting from first to second. This left the transmission in neutral and I had no power since I couldn't shift into gear. This was a very dangerous situation since I was traveling through an intersection in heavy traffic. Luckily, I avoided an accident and coasted to a stop. The car had to be towed home. the steel shaft separated completely in two without any warning. The break occurred right where the shaft has a hole drilled through it for the metal pin that locks it into the lower part of the shifter assembly. I have saved the broken part and I also took photos of it at the time of the incident. I'm very concerned that this part, which IS critical to the safe operation of the vehicle failed without warning while I was driving. This appears to be a serious design or manufacturing defect. There are other reports of similar shifter failures for this year/model car on internet forums. I reported this problem to a mazda customer service representative via mazda's customer experience hotline on 9/9. I emailed them a description of the problem and sent photos of the part. I also showed the part to my local mazda dealership, lee johnson mazda in kirkland, wa and they confirmed that the part should not have failed in this fashion. I have made repeated follow up calls to the mazda customer experience hotline and on 9/26 they have informed me that mazda will not investigate the issue and IS not interested in examining the failed part. The case file number they gave me IS [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Power train
While shifting from 2ND gear to 3RD gear, shifter lever sheared, and detached, at the retaining pin. *tr
- Power train
Stopped at a stoplight, I attempted to shift in to first gear. While shifting, the transmission select lever sheered at the insertion point to the transmission at the retention pin. I was left with a stick shift that was completely removed from the car and immobile. *tr
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Defective engine/transmission mount. Driving home at 45mph I suddenly felt a huge thunk and then metal pounding against metal as the car rolled. I was in the left lane of a 2 lane road and when I pressed the gas pedal to pull to the side safely all I could hear was a terrible thumping noise and the…
Defective engine/transmission mount. Driving home at 45mph I suddenly felt a huge thunk and then metal pounding against metal as the car rolled. I was in the left lane of a 2 lane road and when I pressed the gas pedal to pull to the side safely all I could hear was a terrible thumping noise and the car wouldn't move. I had to stop in the left hand turn lane blocking a busy intersection. After having the car towed home I could finally pop the hood to look at the damage. The #4 (driver side) engine and transmission mount had completely failed, breaking the rear engine mount (#1) and severely damaging the #3 (passenger side) engine mount. The only thing keeping the engine from falling to the ground was the severely damaged #3 mount and the rest of the engine had landed on the chassis! Picture of broken engine/transmission mount - http://i.imgur.com/mwtnubd.jpg explanation of repairs at my local mazda dealership: "customer states motor mount IS broken, engine has shifted. Check and advise. Tow in. Verified customer concern, found transmission mount has failed causing engine to drop and break left axle. Also caused damage to engine mounts #3 and #1. Replaced left front axle. Transmission motor mount #3, and #1. Test drove vehicle, repair verified" mazda has a recall for this exact issue for all mazdaspeed3s manufactured june 2006 through may 2007. My car was manufactured in september of 2007, 4 months after the recall expired... Nhtsa campaign number: 07v295000. Mazda recall number: 4607f. $1500 and 2 weeks later I have my car back. I called mazda USA and filed a complaint and was told they would do nothing to help. Mazda knows that they have defective engine mounts in mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured after their recall expired. There are many additional complaints all over the web and in the nhtsa database yet mazda has done nothing. Mazda complaint number: 149448083. *tr
- Power train
Shifted from 1ST to second gear, shifter snapped in half. told be dealer that replacement shifter IS on "galactic back order." *tr
- Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda speed 3. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the TPMS sensor light illuminated and the front driver side tire blew out. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the TPMS…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda speed 3. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the TPMS sensor light illuminated and the front driver side tire blew out. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the TPMS sensor had fractured and caused the blow out. The dealer also stated the remaining TPMS sensors were also fractured. the contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 42,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda, mazdaspeed3. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the gear lever became fractured. The vehicle was coasted to a safe location where a temporary repair was performed by the contact. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda, mazdaspeed3. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the gear lever became fractured. The vehicle was coasted to a safe location where a temporary repair was performed by the contact. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the gear shift assembly would need to be replaced. The part was ordered for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Power train
Was stopped at a stoplight. when the light changed, I went to put the car in first gear and the stick shift lever broke in half. disassembling the shifter console for examination, it appears that the shaft has broken cleanly in half at the point where it IS drilled for the reverse lockout pin. *tr
- Power train
As I was driving on the freeway, I heard a loud pop and then a flopping noise. I pulled over to the shoulder and noticed there was oil leaking from the undercarriage and white smoke. After having the vehicle towed to the dealer, it was determined that the transmission was destroyed. After the…
As I was driving on the freeway, I heard a loud pop and then a flopping noise. I pulled over to the shoulder and noticed there was oil leaking from the undercarriage and white smoke. After having the vehicle towed to the dealer, it was determined that the transmission was destroyed. After the transmission was removed, the repair technician showed me the transmission, which was literally breaking in pieces. He said that I would also need a new clutch assembly and flywheel. I don't understand how this could have happened. I do not abuse the car and maintain it well. I wasn't even shifting gears at the time of the incident. Just driving along in 6TH gear. Unfortunately, this happened less than a month after the warranty expired (of course) and mazda would not help cover any costs for the repairs. *tr
- Power train
Coming up towards a stop sign on put the car in neutral like always hit brakes stop at the stop sigh then attempt to shift to 1ST and the shifter just falls out. Lucky for me I was 2 stop signs from my house so I was able to put take the shift boot out and get the car into 2ND and make it home. *tr
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
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 currently unable to drive the car as the shift control will not stay in place. *tr
- Power train
The shift lever broke off during a shift while driving, making it impossible to shift gears after this occurred. the fault seems to lie in the design. There IS a hole in the lever to accommodate a pin which prevents accidental shifting in reverse. However the hole in the lever IS a weak point…
The shift lever broke off during a shift while driving, making it impossible to shift gears after this occurred. the fault seems to lie in the design. There IS a hole in the lever to accommodate a pin which prevents accidental shifting in reverse. However the hole in the lever IS a weak point and it IS easy to see how the lever sheared off at that point. This problem has been reported by other drivers via online message boards. Currently there IS no recall. this failure IS extremely dangerous and I was lucky enough to be able to pull off the road. However, this could have easily resulted in a collision. *tr
- Power train
I got into my car and went to put it into reverse and it stuck alittle. Usually, I can move it slightly and it will go into gear but this time it just snapped and fell over into my lap. *tr
- Power train
Broken shift lever. Coming off of freeway, downshift to third and it snapped. Shift lever broke at a known stress point in the design. Right at the bottom of the lever where the reverse lockout pin IS located. The manufacturer IS claiming this IS not covered under powertrain warranty. While I did…
Broken shift lever. Coming off of freeway, downshift to third and it snapped. Shift lever broke at a known stress point in the design. Right at the bottom of the lever where the reverse lockout pin IS located. The manufacturer IS claiming this IS not covered under powertrain warranty. While I did have it replaced under the bumper to bumper warranty, others who are out of the standard warranty are being denied replacements even though they are still covered under the powertrain warranty. this IS unacceptable as this IS a known flaw and could lead to accidents in the future. Having a manual transmission gear shifter break off in your hand while driving IS extremely dangerous and demands immediate attention. now, seeing that you can't operate the vehicle without the shift lever, that should automatically qualify it as powertrain. Let's be logical here. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
When driving at highway speed for an extended period of time, something in the turbo exploded causing the engine to fail and a loss of power in highway traffic. *js
- Wheels
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
- Power train
I went to shift into first gear from a stop (at a red light,) and my shifter fell off in my hand. Upon disassembling the center console at the light, I found that the cast-aluminum shifter arm had broken at the insertion point for the retention pin. not only am I not the only one with this issue…
I went to shift into first gear from a stop (at a red light,) and my shifter fell off in my hand. Upon disassembling the center console at the light, I found that the cast-aluminum shifter arm had broken at the insertion point for the retention pin. not only am I not the only one with this issue, but it happened to another person today (whom I'm forwarding to this site.) mazda said it's not under the powertrain warranty and because I have an aftermarket transmission mount and a cold-air intake, they won't make a goodwill adjustment (in spite of the fact that neither of those things would break it....) they have no concern over the clear safety issue, refuse to discuss other incidents and spoke to me as if this IS the first car I've owned and my time would be better spent coloring on the bus. *tr
- Electrical system › Horn
Most cars have two horn tones, a "low" and a "high." for the us market, the mazda3/speed3 deletes the "low" tone. The remaining "high" tone IS too weak to be heard by surrounding motorists. I have added an aftermarket low tone and have lost count of how many times this upgrade has prevented a crash. Which makes me wonder how the nhtsa allowed mazda to sell cars in the us with such worthless horns? *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213430Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion
- 10213427HandsFree bluetooth module and/or text messaging troubleshooting procedure
- 10213330PreMixed long life "FL22" Engine Coolant
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10186701A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.
- 10186693Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10179228New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
- 10177847When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10170661In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10154879In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
- 10129576Some vehicles may have a MIL illumination with DTC's P0441, P0442, P0455, or P0456 stored in memory. To determine the location of the evaporative system leak, follow the repair procedure below. P0441 - Evaporative emission control system incorrect purge flow P0442 - EVAP system leak detected (small leak) P0455 - EVAP system leak detected (gross leak) P0456 - EVAP system leak detected (very small leak) NOTE: P0441 is a DTC for purge flow, however, it can be stored when evaporative emissions are leaking from the fuel filler cap. Evaporative emissions leak from the fuel filler cap when the cap is not closed properly after refueling. When diagnosing an evaporative emissions leak from the fuel filler cap, DO NOT TOUCH the fuel filler cap.
- 10111036In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is 2017 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A. allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
- 10098003Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This IS a normal operating noise of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs.
- 10097754The multi information display (mid) and navigation system support for diagnostics, parts authorization, and parts exchange require contacting the proper source. Please contact the appropriate source by referring to the following tables.
- 10044209Mazda: variable timing (vvt) noise and/or timing chain noise. The repair procedure flowchart, repair procedure and warranty information have been revised. Also included model mazdaspeed3 model year 2010
- 10043875Mazda: see document search button for owner letter. Due to wear on lock pin hole in vvt rotor or breakage of vvt case, loud ticking noise (knocking/rattle) IS heard, from timing cover and/or valve (cylinder head) cover, when engine IS started after cold condition.
- 10043874Mazda: see document search button for owner letter. Due to insufficient crank case ventilation, heavy white smoke appears from exhaust pipes, after long idle periods, resulting in oil leakage past exhaust turgine shaft seal. Updated 5/14/12. Updated 12/18/12.
- 10043662Mazda: TPMS warning light illumindated. This may be caused by damage to the valve nut and/or valve stem of the wheel.
- 10041267Mazda: fuel pump or pressure line pipe installation/removal information.
- 10039251Mazda: there IS a rattle noise from the engine due to a stretched timing chain. Updated 4/18/2012.
- 10039250Mazda: while driving at low speeds or having a long idle there IS white/blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. This could be caused by oil problems.
- 10039110Mazda: 2006-2007 mazda speed6. During long periods of slow speed or idling there may be white/blue smoke coming from the tailpipe. There could be problem with the turbocharger.
- 10034005Mazda: determining evaporative system leak location for dtcs p0441, p0442, p0455, p0455. Some vehicles may have a mil illumination with dtcs stored in memory. Updated 4/18/11.
- 10028524Mazda: vehicles may exhibit a concern of unstable idling or, in some rare cases, stalling, just after the vehicle stops with no dtcs detected. Problem IS due to the accumulation of carbon deposits inside the throttle body causing air flow to decrease.
- 10024864Rough idle, lack of power, and/or mil on with dtc p2177/p2187 (fuel system lean).
- 10024621Rough idle, lack of power, and/or mil on with dtc p2177/p2187 (fuel system lean).
- 10024602Squeak and rattle from seat belt buckle. Vehicles with vin's lower than JM1 bk**** **823850 (produced before sept. 11, 2007).
- 10023313Front crankshaft bolt service warning.
Every Mazda MAZDASPEED3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.