CarComplaints.com Notes: Except for a minor issue with cracked motor mounts, the 2008 MAZDA3 is a fantastic vehicle with a great reputation.

If you need to replace the motor mounts, first ask your dealer if they'll cover it -- the motor mounts were dealt with in a TSB & were recalled for some model years. Otherwise buy aftermarket motor mounts -- owners report this solves the problem. If you use the same OEM parts, they may just crack again.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,699 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner Comments

problem #10

Dec 202017

MAZDA3

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Margate, FL, USA

problem #9

Nov 022017

MAZDA3

  • 137,750 miles
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.

- Winter Haven, FL, USA

problem #8

Jul 082015

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles
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

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #7

Apr 062015

MAZDA3

  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Ownsborro , KY, USA

problem #6

Dec 142014

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 87,637 miles
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.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #5

Sep 012009

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
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.

- Seven Springs, NC, USA

problem #4

Jul 242012

MAZDA3

  • 13,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #3

Mar 202011

MAZDA3

  • 25,000 miles
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.

- Smyrna, DE, USA

problem #2

Jul 162010

MAZDA3

  • 41,600 miles
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.

- Myrtle Creek, OR, USA

problem #1

Apr 152010

MAZDA3

  • miles
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.

- Waltham, MA, USA

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