Does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on June 15, 2011 (Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (117 complaints), followed by tires (41).

How many 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

29 of 303 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 303 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3.

recalls

303

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 11V329000 · reported June 15, 2011 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 103,300 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.
The risk: The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 10V374000 · reported August 12, 2010 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 215,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
The risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering117
Tires41
Wheels33
Air bags22
Electrical system17
Exterior lighting17
Engine16
Power train15
Suspension15
Visibility14

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 1, 2025 · Steering
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…

Mar 2, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system
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…

Nov 10, 2023 · Power train
Transmission control module.

Jul 23, 2022 · Suspension
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…

Jan 28, 2022 · Fuel system, diesel
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.

MAZDA3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2005	2	97	16	3
2006	1	166	21	3
2007	2	222	28	3
2008	2	303	29	1
2009	3	115	11	1
2010	3	686	18	5
2011	2	132	12	2

Across all years, the 2010 MAZDA3 has the most complaints (686). All Mazda MAZDA3 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on June 15, 2011 (Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3?: Owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (117 complaints), followed by tires (41).
How many 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 29 of 303 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 1, 2025.