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.
Very sorry to say that my transmission is going to fail at some point. The car has been maintained well and driven carefully. Several months ago, the trans was fine. It is now on a path of decline and I don't think it will last another year (probably not more than 7,000 miles.)
Whenever I try to accelerate from a stop on a steep incline, the transmission hesitates and grinds while attempting to shift into 2nd gear. Under normal circumstances, I rarely notice the issue, but every time I have to come to a stop on a steep hill I'm painfully reminded of the problem.
So far swapping out the fluid offers only a temporary fix, as the issue will return within weeks of a fluid change. At this point the transmission hasn't actually failed, so it's simply an annoying problem... for now.
I don't think this issue reflects badly on the brand, the car I bought already had noticeable cosmetic body damage, which I suspect might be connected with the transmission problems.
Just make sure to check that the transmission fluid color is still pinkish (This one had fluid that's almost black) if you plan to buy one and that it isn't vibrating noticeably when you test drive it. Otherwise you might have one with a bad transmission.
- M P.,
Pacifica, CA, US
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Very sorry to say that my transmission is going to fail at some point. The car has been maintained well and driven carefully. Several months ago, the trans was fine. It is now on a path of decline and I don't think it will last another year (probably not more than 7,000 miles.)
- mslvc2011, Cleveland, OH, US