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.
While driving, the shift assembly rod - which connects the shift knob to the rest of the transmission - BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. It sheared where it attaches to the shifter assembly in the center console. Mazda goodwilled it - it was a $300 repair job.
A little bit of Googling reveals I'm not the only Speed3 owner to suffer this.
If I cared about the car, I'd get a short-shift kit, which replaces the garbage factory assembly (plastic + potmetal) with one made of aluminum and stainless steel.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
While driving, the shift assembly rod - which connects the shift knob to the rest of the transmission - BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. It sheared where it attaches to the shifter assembly in the center console. Mazda goodwilled it - it was a $300 repair job.
A little bit of Googling reveals I'm not the only Speed3 owner to suffer this.
If I cared about the car, I'd get a short-shift kit, which replaces the garbage factory assembly (plastic + potmetal) with one made of aluminum and stainless steel.
- zappb, Huntsville, AL, US