Model year guide

2008 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Mazda Mazda3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 157 on record.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Mazda Mazda3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints303
Typical price$4,612

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 recalls 3

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #11V329000 · 15/06/2011

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.

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 · 12/08/2010

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.

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.

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #09E011000 · 02/04/2009

THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO B…

Fix: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Mazda3 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2008 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$4,612
High
$6,600

From 155 comparable 2008 Mazda Mazda3 listings.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 trims & engines on record

Trims
i Touring · i Sport · s Sport · s Touring · s Grand Touring · gx
Engines
2.0L 148 hp · 2.0L 144 hp · 2.3L 151 hp · 2.3L 156 hp

2008 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles on record

Other Mazda Mazda3 model years

2008 Mazda Mazda3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?

Based on 303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, power train, air bags.

What is the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2008 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Comparable 2008 Mazda Mazda3 listings run roughly $2,200–$6,600, typically around $4,612 (from 155 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.