2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 problems
Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3. Drivetrain & axles is the most reported problem area, at 54% of complaints. Next are engine (15%) and electrical system (5%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 41 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Drivetrain & axles 54% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 43,000 miles 36 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 6 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 15 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 7 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 36 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 43,000 miles. For drivetrain & axles specifically, the median reported mileage is about 50,000 miles (20 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire; 3 injuries reported.
It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Was driving my 08 mazda speed 3 home from being out and when I got home smelt something burning so I looked around the inside to make sure I didn't drop a cigarette and when I didn't see any I got out and popped opened the hood and when I did the motor burst into flames giving me first degree burns across my face and left arm. Nothing has been by mazda or anyone to find the source of why it happened.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 mazda speed 3. While driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle was struck on the rear driver's side door. The contact lost control of the vehicle and rear ended the preceding vehicle. He then immediately crashed into the road barrier. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt webbing would not adjust securely. Also, the seat belt buckle would not release when activated. The contact sustained severe injuries.
Driving normally - my vehicle is stock, never raced or abused, and only dealer-serviced. With no warning whatsoever, while driving normally in traffic, the gear shift lever broke off! I was unable to change gears at all afterwards. Only through skill and luck was I able to get the vehicle off the road without incident. The manufacturer and dealer are replacing the affected parts. However, they are using the exact same parts as before (design, part #s are identical).
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.