How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda 3 have?

The 2008 Mazda 3 has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2008 Mazda 3 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2008 Mazda 3?

Of 387 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is steering.

2008 Mazda 3 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2008 Mazda 3 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 318,300 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 387 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

VISIBILITY 11V329000 2011-06-15 103,300 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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 10V374000 2010-08-12 215,000 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

STEERING

109

WHEELS

TIRES

AIR BAGS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

POWER TRAIN

SERVICE BRAKES

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Total complaints387

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

STEERING · reported 2024-06-22

“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…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2024-03-02

“Transmission control module.”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2023-11-10

“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…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2022-07-22

“2008 mazda 3. Consumer writes in regards to defective fuel pump.”

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · reported 2022-01-28

“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist while driving at various speed and making turn. The power steering failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The parking brake and power steering assist warning…”

STEERING · reported 2020-08-05

“My mazda3 dies while I am driving without any indication of what is going on (no check engine light). When it does, I wait for a while and it will start back up again! My shop and I have tried everything we can, but we can't figure out why it is doing that! I called the manufacture and they said…”

ENGINE · reported 2020-07-15

“My mazda3 dies while I am driving without any indication of what is going on (no check engine light). When it does, I wait for a while and it will start back up again! My shop and I have tried everything we can, but we can't figure out why it is doing that! I called the manufacture and they said…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2020-07-15