2008 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2008

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 repairs by problem area

Engine (30%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (26%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 438 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (44%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 310 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2020
Mar 2012

38000 mi
Failure of passenger side drive axle/inner CV joint 
Jan 2018

66000 mi

US $21
Evap purge valve stuck open..replaced 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Arkansas, United States
May 2007 - Apr 2015
Nov 2007

4317 mi
Accelerator problems, accelerator sticking. Electronics replaced under hood. 
Jul 2008

16634 mi
2nd gear, double cone,clutch hub,clutch sleeve,3 ball bearings,3 synchronizer keys,3 synchronizer springs,shifter fork,nuetral start switch belt tensoiner 
Oct 2008

20948 mi
Clutch master cylinder leaking internally, damaged when trans repaired by CRAIN MAZDA. 
Apr 2009

32000 mi
MIL popped, Random knock sensor, undetermined origin. Cd player stopped reading and ejecting CD's 
Jun 2010

60419 mi

US $1060
Motor mount bolts came loose dropping engine on to pass side CV joint, ripping power steering pump apart, Breaking pass side CV joint. Motor mount bolts came loose dropping engine on to pass side CV joint, ripping power steering pump apart, Breaking pass side CV joint. 
Dec 2011

90000 mi

US $20
I machined a pcv neck down as to pull a tiny bit more of a vacuum. This will keep my turbo from smoking at idle. Mazda has more complicated fix (search for MTOL 5505) but warranty extended only to 7/70. 
Apr 2012

100000 mi

US $110
Slave cylinder blew rendering the clutch inoperable. 4 days down until part arrived at dealership. 30 minutes to install and bleed. 
Jul 2014

135500 mi

US $1000
Dual mass flywheel out of run out tolerance and play tolerance. Clutch slipping at any mph. Replaced clutch, clutch release bearing, pilot bearing and upgraded to single mass light weight flywheel to cut costs. VVt actuator, Timing chain, tensioner, cost $1500 
Nov 2014

140300 mi

US $111
Tie rod end broke.luckily I get a discount on parts for being a ford technician tie rod ends will usually run 40 more dollars total. 
Apr 2015

147000 mi

US $250
Lower control arms and front struts, and strut bushings 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2010 - Sep 2013
Sep 2011

52000 mi

US $617
Rear shock absorbers failed (leaking fluid). Replaced all four shocks and struts with aftermarkets (Koni Sport) 
Nov 2011

54000 mi

US $230
Driver's side front inner CV boot leaking. Bought replacement boot and took to mechanic for install. Mechanic discovered new part not good replacement, did not repair. Driver's side front inner CV boot leaking. Bought OEM replacement boot from dealer and took to independent mechanic for install. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Montana, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2016
Apr 2012

80700 mi

US $10
engine mount loose, repaired by tightening it down 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Indiana, United States
Aug 2011 - Mar 2012
Sep 2011

15000 mi

US $135
Thermostat replaced Causing p106 cel 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2011 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

83000 mi

US $320
Right rear shock blown and leaking. Replaced both rear shocks. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2008 - Sep 2014
Mar 2013

73000 mi

US $650
Multiple misfire code in cylinder #3. Low compression, resulting in hesitation and knocking. Replaced the plugs and added a chemical to the cylinder to restore compression.  
Sep 2014

92000 mi

US $143
Diagnosed burnt valve, low compression. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2013
Dec 2009

7800 mi

US $1550
had cat bac exhust and cold air intake install, all Mazda parts and put on at dealer. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. have not had it dino yet but can not get over the POWER. and oil change, tire rotate, gen service 
Jan 2010

9000 mi
repaired rattle in windshield. much better WARR. 
Feb 2010

9000 mi
front windshield rattle, dealer fix 
Apr 2010

11800 mi
gas cap broke 
Jan 2011

11300 mi
check eng light came on, it was raining hard, was told that my charcoal canister was bad and needed to be changed, part order going back to shop in a few days to be changed, at no cast Shop replaced charcoal canister, have had no trouble since 
Jun 2011

32000 mi
Was told that fault was due to the EGR valve. I trust my shop and did not ask it if was replace or what, they told me that they took care of it. I went ahead and had my reg. service done 
Aug 2011

34300 mi
EGR valve bad. Turned out that last time they had just reset the light. This time shop had one and did repair I waited, replacing the EGR. Took less then 2 hours. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2009 - May 2016
Aug 2010

34000 mi
Occasional oily exhaust fixed by replacing turbocharger 
Jun 2012

66000 mi

US $170
Rear strut leaking. Replaced. 
Jan 2014

39000 mi

US $150
serpentine belt cracked and needed to be replaced bushings need to be replaced lower control arm bushings need to be replaced 
Jul 2015

124000 mi

US $360
Tensioner and idler pulleys noisy and replaced 
Aug 2015

126200 mi

US $1200
Compressor seized. 
May 2016

145000 mi
Significant smoke in the exhaust, turbo and intake valves likely failing. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Washington, United States
Dec 2008 - Jan 2017
Oct 2009

17000 mi
Head unit replacement for volume issue. Head unit replaced due to volume issue 
Dec 2011

45000 mi

US $300
Stick shift lever snapped! Dealer ruled not warrantied under powertrain, replaced by self. 
Mar 2012

46000 mi

US $431
1st (wideband) O2 sensor failed, but was masking failure of purge valve and EGR valve. Took dealer several tries to figure out. I paid 02, Mazda N.A. paid purge & EGR, dealer picked up extra labor. Problems likely all linked. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2008 - Apr 2011
Dec 2008

6820 mi
Rattle left side of dash.... there was a report from factory for this rattle..... bolt on window needed tightening. 
Mar 2009

9300 mi
Rattles in dash.  
Aug 2010

19100 mi
Rear struts started leaking...... put new ones in but there was still a creak when turning. They can't find the creak and I still need to go back again :( Creak that they can't find or get rid of after the struts were replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2009 - Sep 2011
Mar 2010

8700 mi
Broken Stability Control button Stability Control on/off button stopped working, broken switch. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Florida, United States
Oct 2009 - Dec 2015
Oct 2011

60800 mi

US $101
Hose from coolant reservoir to cooling system dislodged and came in contact with radiator fan causing slow coolant leak. Hose was replaced today. A helpful police officer zip-tied the hose away from fan & put water in reservoir/radiator. 
Nov 2013

99000 mi

US $1500
Struts engine mount 
Dec 2013

100000 mi

US $1000
transmission mount sway bar Emission control valve was ordered to be replaced but dealer failed to carry out repair (dropped the ball). Engine light has remained off for a week anyway, so why spend another $700? 
Nov 2014

116000 mi

US $575
MazdaSpeed cold air intake got a hole in it, $575. The turbo needed to be replaced because of intermittent smoke from the tailpipe during long idles (this problem is well documented among other Speed 3 owners). $3,000. 
Jan 2015

74200 mi
Turbo replaced. 
Mar 2015

120000 mi

US $400
Mass air sensor allegedly caused engine light to come on. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Louisiana, United States
Jul 2008 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

75000 mi

US $404
Left shock was completely shot. Had to replace. Right shock was also leaking oil so decided to replace that as well as a pro-active measure before it gave way. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2008 - Dec 2017
Apr 2010

17000 mi
Distinct "clunk" from right-rear when going over bumps. Right-rear shock was blown. Shock fluid had leaked all over the shock. Dealer confirmed blown shock, ordered replacement, and replaced shock. 
Sep 2013

44000 mi

US $500
Blown right-rear shock. This is 2nd RR shock blown, so I went ahead and swapped out to Konis on all four corners. 
Jun 2016

64000 mi

US $1000
Both rear calipers were sticking and non-functional. Replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2008 - Oct 2009
Nov 2008

8000 mi
Dash rattle, fixed with extra insulating foam. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Texas, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2011
Dec 2008

21000 mi

US $10
The windshield cowl cover rattles in low temperature environment - it is very annoying. At home I copied a TSB repair procedure and fixed the noise with some double sided rubber tape I got at the Home Depot. Problem fixed. Cost: around $10. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2007 - Sep 2012
Jun 2008

4960 mi
Rattle when accellerating - heat shield replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2015 - Oct 2015
Oct 2015

90000 mi

US $420
Rear stabilizer was clunking, bushings needed to be replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in California, United States
Jun 2016 - Nov 2020
Aug 2016

143900 mi

US $295
The clutch master cylinder was worn out and leaking. It was replaced. 
Jun 2018

158000 mi

US $130
Insulation on engine heat shield caught fire due to the metal on the heat shield wearing through. and hot metal parts coming in direct contact with the insulation. The heat shield was replaced with an upgraded aftermarket version. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Florida, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

9000 mi
Check Engine Light on. ODB-II scan indicated a misfire code P0300. Could not reproduce. Found update to power control module. Re-flashed with lastest updates and road tested. (Noted fuel economy drop after re-flash) 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Arizona, United States
Jul 2007 - Mar 2011
Dec 2007

4000 mi
Check Engine Light came on, then went off on it's own. Dealer read code: P0300 – Random misfire found. Vehicle is not misfiring, dealer cleared code. 
Sep 2008

10000 mi
Check Engine Light (CEL). Autozone read code: P0300 – “Random misfire found”. Dealer reports no hard fault in computer. Code cleared, no misfiring. Dealer states could have been caused by lower octane fuel. Only 91 octane ever used in vehicle. 
Jan 2009

12000 mi
Driver’s front window makes an audible click when it hits the top of the seal. There is also a slight rubbing sound when rolling up and down. Resolution: Loose bolts that secure glass to regulator were tightened. Problem resolved. Occasionally when turning left or moving straight ahead there is a humming sound that occurs for a second or two. Has occurred 10-12 times. Resolution: Dealer could not duplicate – repair invoice does not indicate effort was made to diagnose problem 
May 2009

14000 mi
Rattle in front dash area. Cause was determined to be the CD rattling in the CD player. New CD player ordered. Rattle near cupholder. Cause was a wire running from the AUX input in the center console to an MP3 player sitting near the ashtray. This wire caused the center console piece to not seat properly and rattle. MP3 player wire was re-routed. Rattle in rear hatch area. Rattle exists 99% of the time except when test driving with a dealer technician. Rattle is still there. Car misfires in 6th gear at 60+mph during acceleration. Has occurred 3-4 times but unable to duplicate during test drive with dealer technician. No repair attempt made. 
Jul 2009

15000 mi
Installed new CD player ordered at 5/11/2009 service appointment. 
Jan 2010

19000 mi
Car misfires. Dealer claims engine is very sensitive to carbon buildup which I may have a little bit of. When accelerating from < 3k rpm the turbo is not spooling yet and the carbon buildup is causing the hesitation. Driver’s side window squeaks when it hits the top of the seal Resolution: Lubed window track. Problem returned the following day. Rattle in rear hatch area. Resolution: Dealer claims they cannot hear this. These people are f'ing DEAF. 
Nov 2010

22000 mi
Ticking noise coming from passenger front wheel. Resolution: Rocks found along wheel and tire. Removed and noise disappeared. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2018
May 2016

156000 mi

US $500
Replaced AC compressor 
Dec 2017

190000 mi

US $6500
Turbo burning oil, need to replace 
Jun 2018

194000 mi

US $8000
Turbo and engine issue. Need to replace both. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Florida, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2013
Dec 2012

91000 mi
EGR Valve was clogged and was replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Florida, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

23000 mi
Transmission slipping. Repaired/ paid in full by original factory warranty. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2013 - Sep 2013
Mar 2013

46000 mi
Three of the TPMS sensors went bad and were replaced. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Virginia, United States
Jul 2014 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014

83000 mi
Control arms 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2007 - Sep 2012
Jun 2008

17980 mi
My rear shocks blew out on a recent trip from Toronto, On to Sydney, NS. 
Jun 2009

37820 mi
Axles were clicking when changing rotational force on the drivetrain, changed entire drive axle but did not fix the problem. 
Aug 2009

40300 mi
The rear bushing in the lower right control arm was ripped and blown out. Mazda replaced my entire control arm. 
Oct 2009

44640 mi
Rear motor mount was broken, the rubber bushing had ripped. They replaced it under warranty. My car makes "clunk" noises from the front end whenever I go over bumps or steer back and forth really quickly. 
Nov 2009

46500 mi
Replaced my steering rack, but problem still persists. They have now ordered me new sway bar end links. 
Jan 2010

68520 mi
They replaced my sway bar end bushings, the problem is solved. 
Aug 2010

63000 mi

C $130
Left rear shock was leaking oil and was blown. I bought and changed it myself. 
Mar 2011

76260 mi
Power steering rubber line had dried out and cracked, which caused it to leak. Condensation in my passenger side headlight. Mazda Canada is currently deciding if they want to cover it on my extended warranty or not. 
Jun 2012

87420 mi
One of my rear shocks blew out again. Leaking oil all over the place. 
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 in Texas, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

52000 mi

US $2000
replaced fuel injectors and egr valve 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2016
Nov 2012

79500 mi

US $50
The trunk supports were no longer stopping the trunk from slamming when shutting. I replaced the supports with new ones. 
Mar 2013

87000 mi

US $50
The car had a problem starting when it wasn't cold out, it would start up but then "choke" and act as if going to die unless gave it a lot of fuel. The problem was the fuel pump. This was replaced. 
May 2013

89600 mi

US $50
The car was idling poorly especially when cold. Power seemed a little lower, rpms were higher. Intake manifold replaced. 
Jul 2014

100500 mi

US $650
The transmission had melted upon itself according to dealer. The dealer/manufacturer paid for the transmission after some haggling. We had to pay for the tranny to be installed. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Georgia, United States
Apr 2015 - May 2020
Aug 2017

120000 mi

US $50
Wire running to compressor had broken. Easy fix. 
Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2010 - Aug 2020
Jul 2011

33300 mi
Left rear coil spring broke 2 days out of warranty. Mazda agreed to cover cost due to potential safety hazard. 
Jul 2016

63200 mi

US $150
Both left & right rear coil springs were broken at the bottom end of the spring. This seems to be an on-going problem for the 2008 Mazda 3. This is the second time the left coil spring was replaced. 
Jul 2017

70000 mi

US $30
Serpentine belt tension pulley bearings making noise. Replaced old tension pulley with new one - problem solved. 
Sep 2017

72000 mi

US $300
The car's CEL and AT lights were on. The transmission would not shift out of 3rd gear and started hesitating. The OBDII code P0753 showed it was a problem with the Shift Solenoid A. The shop drained & flushed the trans fluid, replaced the filter and Shift Solenoid A. After a few miles, the lights came back on. I decided to replaced the TCM unit with Mazda's latest version and the car has not experienced any transmission problems since. While the Mazda 3 was in for the transmission repair, the mechanic noticed that there was oil leaking from one of the front struts. Both struts were replaced and alignment performed. Transmission problem was not resolved by the work performed previously by the repair shop. Transmission problem returned 3 days after transmission solenoid was replaced. I replaced the transmission ECU and reset the the main ECU by letting the car idle for 20 minutes. This successfully resolved the limp mode transmission problem. 
Jun 2018

75000 mi

US $33
Car was running rough at start up. Cleaned MAF sensor and throttle body. Replaced spark plugs with Bosch Iridium type. Now the car is running very smooth when starting. Quick maintenance seemed to cure the problem. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Aug 2013 - Apr 2018
Jun 2015

131000 mi

US $155
Replaced rear shocks, have cupping in back tire have to replace rear wheel bearing hub assy 
Jan 2018

151000 mi

US $125
Developed a code. Replaced oxygen sensor but code came back. Replaced gas tank to engine gas emission solenoid and problem went away. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2009 - Sep 2013
Jun 2009

30000 mi
Multiple times when had the A/C full blast with recirculation, 95+ outside, and shut the car off for a few minutes upon restarting the steering light would come on and the power steering light would not work. Always reset before dealer could see. 
Mar 2011

53000 mi

US $100
Belt tensioner was bad. 
Apr 2013

73000 mi

US $25
I personally replaced front right tie rod end. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2012
Sep 2010

64000 mi

US $140
Alternator dead 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2008 - Jun 2022
May 2009

17360 mi
CEL came on, problem was diagnosed as faulty shutter valve actuator, known issue as per TSB. 
Mar 2011

37200 mi
Power steering pump and associated parts/fluid replaced per recall. Power steering pump had failed once while driving (fail safe mode with unassisted steering). Turning car off and on again reset pump. Told dealer, but no parts in stock at time. 
Feb 2012

47120 mi
Broken passenger side engine mount, replaced under drivetrain warranty. 
Mar 2014

76260 mi

C $270
Transmission pan leaking, replaced pan, gasket, fluid. 
Sep 2014

84940 mi

C $200
Passenger side engine mount, second time it has been replaced (first was under powertrain warranty) 
Jun 2015

95480 mi

C $500
Oxygen sensor replaced, throttle body service/cleaning 
Aug 2015

98280 mi

C $460
Driver's side front lower control arm replaced Driver's side rear sway bar end link replaced 
Oct 2015

102800 mi

C $80
Both front sway bar end links replaced, original parts worn 
Dec 2015

105400 mi

C $80
Replaced driver's side rear damper due to leaking (Koni Sport, part replaced under Koni warranty) 
Sep 2016

114080 mi

C $440
Left and right front wheel bearings replaced due to wear 
Mar 2017

118730 mi

C $925
Replaced front passenger side lower control arm due to wear, replaced both rear lower control arms due to seized toe adjust bolts (could not perform alignment) 
Jun 2017

125860 mi

C $80
Both bushings replaced on aftermarket rear sway bar 
Jul 2017

126666 mi

C $110
Power not reaching AC pump/compressor. Installed aftermarket AC clutch kit. 
Aug 2017

128960 mi

C $250
Partially broken driver side rear shock mount Both front Koni Sport struts leaking, replaced both struts and rear shocks with Bilstein B8 
Dec 2017

133920 mi

C $170
Alternator and AC belts replaced due to squealing Exhaust heat shield re-attached to car, fasteners had corroded and fallen out 
Mar 2018

135780 mi

C $1300
Brake rotors and pads replaced on all four corners Passenger side rear wheel bearing replaced 
Apr 2021

169260 mi

C $800
Replace front rotors, pads, calipers, hoses, parking brake cable Replace exhaust flex pipe 
Mar 2022

177320 mi

C $110
Front passenger side stabilizer bar end link replaced (worn/noisy) 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
May 2014 - Mar 2019
Jun 2014

59800 mi

US $124
#3 engine mount replaced Replaced #3 engine mount - leaking, vibration 
Oct 2014

60000 mi

US $225
6 Disc dash-mounted changer repaired, would not accept discs 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2014 - Feb 2015
Dec 2014

94000 mi

US $250
The rear spring cracked. Had family member do the repair. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Indiana, United States
Jul 2013 - Jul 2017
Feb 2014

89000 mi

US $1100
Needed all new motor mounts Needed new alternator 
Dec 2014

94000 mi

US $408
Passenger side rear shock leaking fluid. Rear shocks replaced 
Jul 2017

103000 mi

US $400
Check engine light. Replaced Oxygen sensor. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ohio, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2020
Mar 2015

91000 mi
Intermittent vibration on steering wheel at highway speeds. Passenger side engine mount replacement 
Jul 2015

95800 mi

US $260
Clunking noise in the rear right on rough roads. Dealer initially misdiagnosed as a rear right shock, but noise persisted and rear right sway bar link was found to be the culprit. 
Oct 2015

100500 mi

US $130
After front strut replacement the steering wheel was shaking violently above 45 mph. Internet search revealed that front rotors may have shifted during strut install and rust got between rotors and hub. Rotors removed, rust cleaned. Solved. 
Mar 2016

105000 mi

US $91
P0134 CEL illuminated in the dash indicating oxygen sensor 1 bank 1 was bad. Ordered the 5-wire NTK 24355 sensor off ebay as well as a sensor socket. The job took 30 minutes and no CEL since. 
May 2016

107000 mi

US $35
The second rear sway bar link went bad and was replaced with OEM link off Ebay. 
Nov 2016

115300 mi

US $56
Air leak from a seized TPMS sensor. Sensor was replaced with a used sensor off Ebay 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2007 - Apr 2013
Aug 2008

13640 mi
Speedometer needle stopped working. Dealership changed the whole cluster under warranty 
Sep 2008

15500 mi
Speedometer stop functioning. Everything else is fine. Dealer never seen this problem before. New part ordered, but not able to make it work. New appointment scheduled. 
Oct 2008

16120 mi
Speedometer working. New installation procedure used. 1 hour work. Everything fine. 
Feb 2009

20460 mi
Passenger Side mud flap unclipped. Dealer changed the part at the same time as my oil change. Warranty service. 
May 2009

24180 mi
Air conditionner Condenser in front of the Radiator. Honeycomb was failing appart, but no refrigerant leaks. 
Apr 2013

59520 mi
Front passenger wheel bearing. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Illinois, United States
May 2011 - May 2014
Aug 2011

45000 mi

US $832
AC Compressor no longer working. had to be replaced. $832 repair 
May 2014

75000 mi

US $800
Evap pump faulty. Check engine light reporting evap system error. Dealer wanted $800+ to replace fuel system evap pump. 
Mazda Mazda3 in South Africa
Dec 2010 - Mar 2014
Apr 2011

28520 mi
Rear light leaking water into boot, dealer siliconed around light. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Indiana, United States
Feb 2008 - Oct 2014
Mar 2009

13000 mi
Loose fuel filler cap. 
Jun 2009

16000 mi
Partial loss of AC coolant. No leak detected. Recharged. Also, "Check Engine" light on again. Same problem as earlier-fuel line pressure indicating loose filler cap, but not possible. Suspect bad cap, dealer reset light, no cap replace until happens again 
Mazda Mazda3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2013 - Jun 2018
Jul 2014

53700 mi

US $1100
replace ac compressor 
Nov 2016

77700 mi

US $160
air pressure sensor in one tire broken, replaced sensor 
Jun 2017

84000 mi

US $1000
new clutch and flywheel 
Nov 2017

87000 mi

US $120
windshield wiper motor not working, at dealer cost $120 to diagnose problem, price of $450 to replace motor, decide not to replace 
Mazda Mazda3 in Texas, United States
Dec 2010 - Jun 2011
Jan 2011

55000 mi

US $3500
engine replaced - car less than 3 years old 
Mazda Mazda3 in Manitoba, Canada
Jul 2014 - Oct 2017
Sep 2015

79360 mi

C $280
Replaced noisy wheel bearing. 
Jun 2017

93620 mi

C $435
Left front bearing 
Mazda Mazda3 in Texas, United States
Nov 2009 - Feb 2013
Apr 2010

49200 mi

US $1000
AC Compressor locked up. It and drier needed replaced. 
Jan 2013

40000 mi

US $900
Compressor locked up. Had to replace compressor and drier, evacuate system. This is the SECOND time for an OEM compressor failure with this car. (First was at 46k) 
Mazda Mazda3 in Georgia, United States
May 2012 - Mar 2019
Jun 2012

87000 mi

US $1300
Compressor went out. Had to replace the whole system except for the hoses. 
Dec 2012

104000 mi

US $80
A/C Compressor was making bad noises and had to be replaced AGAIN. 
Aug 2013

115700 mi

US $180
They thought a noise was the water pump going out, so they replaced it. 
Jul 2015

157500 mi

US $50
O2 Sensor 
Mar 2016

167000 mi

US $45
Left rear shock was shot. 
Jul 2017

196000 mi

US $120
Possible wheel bearing noise from rear, so replaced both sides. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2008 - Jul 2018
Nov 2010

31000 mi
Power steering pump, hoses & associated parts replaced under Mazda recall campaign. The car did experience power steering failure once right about the time the recall was announced but was working at the time of the repair. 
Mar 2014

65000 mi

US $90
Replaced leaking passenger side motor mount. 
Sep 2015

85000 mi

US $22
Installed Mazda fix for TSB 01-037/08 which addresses an intermittent staring issue. Car would not start occasionally and I traced it to this bulletin. Kit provides a new magnet switch terminal and short cord set. 
Mar 2016

93000 mi

US $80
Car exhibited intermittent starting problems. Solved with battery replacement even though battery tested "good". 
May 2016

95000 mi

US $200
Left rear shock absorber was starting to leak fluid and was causing the wheel to hop. Replaced both rear shocks as well as travel bumpers and protective boots. 
Nov 2016

102700 mi

US $1000
A/C stopped working. Determined to be the compressor. Compressor and accumulator replaced and system purged/recharged. 
Aug 2017

112000 mi

US $280
Replaced driver's side axle assembly due to torn and leaking outer CV joint boot. Replaced front strut assemblies due to leakage from piston rod seals. Replaced rear disc brake pads. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Kansas, United States
Jan 2013 - Jan 2018
Oct 2017

258000 mi

US $225
Exhaust leak. New muffler. 
Dec 2017

262000 mi
Clutch replacement, 262,000 miles 
Mazda Mazda3 in Beijing, China
Jul 2013 - Jun 2019
Sep 2017

183520 mi

$120
changed out the battery 
Mazda Mazda3 in North Dakota, United States
May 2012 - Sep 2017
Jun 2012

55000 mi

US $400
Driver's side door lock was sticking and could be unlocked either with unlock button or remote key fob, but not both 
Apr 2013

59000 mi

US $450
Front passenger door lock actuator was malfunctioning and was replaced 
Jun 2013

59000 mi

US $450
Radiator leaked and needed to be replaced. Not what you would expect on a car that is barely out of warranty. 
Nov 2014

63600 mi

US $300
CEL was triggered by faulty oxygen sensor. There was no change in car drivability, but I had the sensor replaced anyway. All is fixed. 
May 2015

65900 mi

US $40
Low beam headlight bulb was out and was replaced 
Oct 2016

72200 mi

US $120
Bottom plastic engine cover (or whatever the proper term is) got dislodged after driving through a puddle and was replaced. 
Jun 2017

75000 mi

US $1100
Front and rear suspension components (shocks and struts) were replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Colorado, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2017
Jun 2012

23000 mi

US $1000
Replaced clutch (son learned to drive manual with this car so it failed early) 
Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2008 - Sep 2010
Oct 2008

7000 mi
CD player often got stuck when ejecting disc. Dealer realigned radio faceplate, as per factory TSB. Still has problem but not as often as before. 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Sedan

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2012 - May 2015
Feb 2013

76000 mi
During oil change, dealer noticed seeping oil pan gasket. Car is CPO and gasket was replaced at no charge under CPO extended powertrain warranty. 
Feb 2014

88200 mi
Valve cover gasket leak identified during routine oil change. Gasket replaced under CPO extended warranty. Loaner provided. 
Jul 2014

94800 mi

US $250
During oil change, car diagnosed with 2 leaking front struts. Complete strut kits purchased online and installed by self. 
Aug 2014

96000 mi

US $30
Car would fail to start intermittently while in park (would start in neutral). Diagnosed as rusty lock cable lever per TSB 05-012-08. Temporary fix was penetrating oil and lubricant to loosen stuck part. Parts replced once received. 
May 2015

104000 mi
Engine coolant temp sensor failed. Car overheated and lost all coolant. Terminal Engine Failure. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Jan 2008 - Feb 2020
May 2013

62000 mi

US $250
Check engine light was on and the engine was overheating. The problem was a faulty thermostat that was stuck closed and won't open. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Iran
Jun 2013 - Jul 2014
Aug 2013

50220 mi

$200
Automatic transmission did not work properly and it remained in gear 1 or 2 and no shift to other gears. The problem occurred because of late transmission oil replacement and some plates in the gearbox were out of order. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Missouri, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2014
Jun 2010

31000 mi
My engine emissions evacuation vacuum pump failed and had to be replaced. 
Sep 2010

34000 mi
Front passenger door speaker went out intermittedly when MP3 player was activated. Mechanic had to replace a faulty wire 
Oct 2010

35000 mi
Steering wheel tilt/telescope feature malfunctioned. The lock and clamp on telescope didn't work, causing the telescope to collapse. Dealer replaced clamp and lock. Works fine now. 
Nov 2010

36100 mi
Engine light stayed on. Dealership had to reset the fuses. Engine Evacuation Emissions Pump malfunctioned again. Not sure why, but they had to replace it a 2nd time. Lighter coil went out. Replaced by dealer as it was under extended warranty. 
Dec 2010

38000 mi
Wire in speaker malfunctioned again. Dealer not sure why. Changed all wires on passenger side door leading up to radio. 
Jan 2011

61000 mi

US $250
Automatic pressure sensor gauge on tire broke. Had to buy a new tire and install a new pressure sensor gauge 
Mar 2011

41000 mi
Power steering light came on and malfunctioned causing the car hard to steer. 2nd time it happened and a part of the recall. Power steering gauge went out and dealer fixed it under my warranty. Then it malfunctioned again and by then there was a recall and it was completely replaced. So far it's working fine.  
Aug 2012

61700 mi
4th time dual tire pressure sensors malfunctioned and had to be replaced. 
Jan 2013

51800 mi

US $250
5th time we had to have a tire sensor replaced and no one can tell us why this keeps happening. We drove the car less this quarter. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Arizona, United States
Jul 2014 - Apr 2018
Sep 2014

104000 mi

US $1100
leaky RF shock; replaced front struts and rear shocks 
Mar 2016

115000 mi

US $350
replaced leaking a/c high pressure line 
Apr 2018

123000 mi

US $900
all coolant hoses replaced as preventive measure 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

4960 mi
Front suspension noise while going over speed bumps in cold (0 C) weather. Swaybar bushings needed lubrication. 
Jan 2008

4960 mi
 
Mazda Mazda3 in Texas, United States
Nov 2016 - Sep 2020
Nov 2017

93000 mi

US $200
Replaced front struts and rear shocks, and both front and read stabilizer links.  Replaced front brake rotors - had stock until now.  Rear suspension creaking, cannot identify the culprit. Taking into account prior warranty repairs (tire rods and something else in front suspension) it looks like suspension is the weakest part of this car. Other than that is is fantastic. 
Dec 2017

93000 mi

US $60
Driver window motor died. Replaced myself. 
Jun 2018

97000 mi

US $400
Replaced CV axle and lower control arm, partially solved front end vibrations 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Feb 2020
Apr 2018

99100 mi

US $850
front strut needed replacement since both had obvious fluid loss; dealer said the expected lifespan of the part was ~70k and mine lasted longer than expected 
Mazda Mazda3 in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2014 - Feb 2022
Aug 2014

94400 mi

US $100
Motor mount which is a common problem that I knew of when I purchase the car 
Nov 2017

149000 mi
Check light came on. No problem detected and it was reset 
Mazda Mazda3 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2014 - Feb 2020
Mar 2015

88000 mi

US $500
Drove from ATL to Birmingham and back. During trip my tire went flat. Valve stem and tire pressure sensor broke off. Went to Firestone and (1) replaced the tire, (2) got new sensor, (3) got an oil change,  (4) back shocks & struts / alignment 
Jul 2015

92000 mi

US $65
Check engine light came on: P0442. Small leak in evap. Did a smoke test & all I needed a new gas cap. Wanted to not get the part but they said I would fail emissions as is & mine is up the next month. Paid the $64 for test & mazda gas cap. 
Feb 2016

102000 mi

US $40
Headlight went out. 
Jun 2016

108000 mi

US $1000
Two trips to shop. Had to get Maryland State inspection: Fixed left headlight alignment (brighter now). Fixed rear bumper damage. Replaced both rear brake calipers, rear rotors, rear pads, brake flush. Oil change. 
Apr 2017

112000 mi

US $500
Second visit - Warped Rotors (Brake Pads, Rotors) and CV Axle. Third - 02 Sensor Replacement. 
Mazda Mazda3 in New Jersey, United States
Apr 2014 - May 2014
May 2014

63000 mi

US $20
Replaced right rear sway end link bushing due to rattle. Rattle got louder. Took to garage and mechanic tightened both nuts and rattle is 90% gone. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2011
May 2009

25000 mi
Engine overheating Front motor mount broken 
Apr 2011

62000 mi
Driver side side power door lock stopped working. Air conditioning compressor broke. Would have cost $1,600 to fix. 
Mazda Mazda3 in New York, United States
Nov 2007 - Nov 2015
Dec 2010

68000 mi
LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT 
Mar 2012

80000 mi
DIY repair; lube shift linkage as car failed to start in park on occasion. 
Dec 2012

87000 mi

US $700
Front right strut leaking. Replaced front struts. 
Aug 2013

94000 mi

US $85
A/C recharged, cooled for a few days. Further diagnosis and repairs will be needed. 
Nov 2015

115000 mi
A/C never fixed. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Arizona, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2017
Jul 2012

47500 mi
Driver's door will not lock with remote. Unlocks ok 
Sep 2012

50000 mi

US $200
replaced both front door lock actuators 
Mar 2013

54000 mi

US $100
replace battery 
Oct 2013

56300 mi

US $15
Check engine light. Code P2404. Replaced fuel cap and all seems to be well. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2007 - Jun 2014
Jan 2010

113300 mi
Shaking at highway speeds. Motor Mount #3 fixed. Mechanic noticed oil under car and discovered broken oil pan. Replaced under extended warranty. 
Sep 2011

93000 mi
Loud rattling coming from rear drivers side. Dealership said it was it was a broken inner support for the fender and it would need body work to fix. I declined and haven't heard the noise since. While in the shop for the rattling, the tech noticed my transmission pan was cracked and leaking badly. They ordered the parts and I returned a week later to have it replaced. Transmission pan replaced. I NEVER noticed liquid in my parking spot at home however. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2011 - Sep 2015
Oct 2011

18600 mi
First Cold weather: No cabin heating. Dealer replaced engine Thermostat, under warranty. Problem fixed. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Jan 2015
Mar 2013

59000 mi
Sticking thermostat replaced 
Mazda Mazda3 in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2022
Jul 2008

4000 mi
Felt vibration through steering wheel at highway speeds. Motor Mounts replaced per TSB and 4 Wheel Road Force Balance performed. Driving home after motor mounts and wheel balance, felt heavy shake through steering wheel. Returned car to dealer the following business day. Dealer found stick-on wheel weights had fallen off right front wheel after balance. 
Aug 2010

33000 mi
Plastic grip part of gas cap broke off of threaded part of gas cap. Dealer gave me a new gas cap under orig warranty. 
Oct 2010

35000 mi
Felt vibration while driving. Found motor mount rubber compressed. Replaced motor mount rubber. 
Nov 2013

75000 mi

US $250
During inspection, tech found water pump pulley not coming in contact with belt correctly. Half side of belt worn. Replaced pulley and belt. 
Dec 2014

88000 mi

US $425
Automatic transmission leaking fluid. Tech found leak at seam. Unable to repair. Replaced transmission with Mazda out of warranty assistance. 
Dec 2015

100000 mi

US $857
Right front strut leaking oil. Replaced both front struts. 
May 2016

105000 mi

US $165
Left rear shock leaking oil. Replaced both rear shocks 
Mar 2018

129000 mi

US $190
Master power window switch and power mirror switch were failing. Replaced both switches 
Jul 2021

166000 mi

US $900
Lower controls arms worn out. Replaced both lower control arms Replaced worn serpentine and a/c belts, replaced belt tensioner 
Jan 2022

175000 mi

US $400
Ball joint clunking sound from front end. Found front lower control arm ball joints worn. Replaced lower left and right lower control arms. Serpentine and ac belts worn, replaced belts and belt tensioner 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2009 - Oct 2017
Apr 2009

25420 mi

C $50
Control arms were squeaking while driving over bumps. Needed to be replaced. 
Jun 2009

28520 mi
Wheel bearings worn out on front driver side. Humming noise is noticeable at speed. 
Aug 2009

32240 mi
Another worn wheel bearing replaced. 
Mar 2010

41540 mi
Squeeking sound from front suspension. Replaced sway bar bushings. 
Aug 2010

47400 mi
Parking brake cable needed replacement. 
Dec 2011

67580 mi

C $400
Trailing arm bushing was worn, needed replacement. 
Mar 2015

111600 mi

C $800
Replaced OEM struts. Was blown and leaking oil. 
Jun 2015

114700 mi

C $75
Worn stabilizer link. Replaced with new. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Puerto Rico
Apr 2008 - Sep 2012
Feb 2011

29000 mi
A/C blower bad. Replaced. Driver's seat belt not reacting completely. System replaced. 
Jan 2012

19000 mi

US $42
Engine started overheating. After some tests, decided it was either a clogged radiator (unlikely) or bad thermostat. Replaced thermostat. In the meantime, drove slow and used the heater as radiator. ;-) 
Jun 2012

41000 mi
Passenger side power lock seems to be slipping (tries to lock and unlock but does not complete travel) 
Mazda Mazda3 in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2011 - May 2014
Sep 2011

32000 mi
The air pressure sensor in one of the tires also needed to be replaced. 
Apr 2014

81000 mi
Terrible noise. Rear shock was broken at top. Repaired free because shock was replaced before and warranty on it. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2010 - Sep 2014
Jul 2011

69420 mi
driver window motor is not responding accurately 
Aug 2012

83700 mi

C $550
Cosmetic Rust is showing on front driver side wheel well. $250.00 was asked to repair and blend the driver side panel. No work done. Window motor for front driver side still operating on and off. Seems to malfunction in colder weather. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Dec 2009 - Mar 2015
Sep 2011

60000 mi
AC intermittently does not function. Dealer could not replicate. 
Jan 2012

67000 mi

US $100
AC Compressor failure due to missing bolt. 
Jun 2013

78000 mi
Left front strut leak, replacement required. 
Sep 2013

80000 mi

US $750
Main bolt securing engine-transmission mount backed out, resulting in the engine nearly falling out and onto the road. Tow was required. Falling engine disconnected from hoses and broke the front axle which required replacement. 
Aug 2014

93000 mi

US $337
CV axle boot torn 
Mazda Mazda3 in Washington, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2014
Aug 2009

10000 mi
Replaced Failed Alternator 
Sep 2012

47000 mi
The internal emergency trunk release handle fell off by itself. The plastic clips holding it worked loose from their sleeve. Removed the rear trunk upholstered cover and reattached the trunk release. 
Nov 2012

49700 mi
The front-right speaker has developed a very obnoxious rattle. I never play my car stereo loudly, and have always taken care not to abuse it. An annoyance I wouldn't expect so soon in this car's life. 
Jun 2014

59000 mi
The speaker rattle was never fixed. It was annoying, but never critical enough to motivate a fix. 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in New York, United States
May 2008 - Aug 2020
Jun 2011

37000 mi
AC would run cold then warm on and off during extreme hot and humid day. Vehicle driveable with no other problem. Dealer spent most of the afternoon diagnosing and replacing the air conditioner thermostat controller, no charge for service. 
Jan 2012

55500 mi
Tire Sensor on tire # 4 and tire # 2 failed. Replaced by Mazda Full Warranty. 
Dec 2012

49000 mi

US $135
Battery suddenly went dead. Replaced small OEM Panasonic battery with a larger Interstate Megatron battery. 
Jun 2015

69000 mi

US $155
Car could be started intermittenly in park and can always start in neutral. Original Neutral, Safety-Starter switch replaced. No trouble codes or info on car's computer. 
Jan 2017

76700 mi
Transmission going out of 5th gear and 4th gear into 3rd gear at 60 MPH. Dash indicator light for transmission gear out. Replaced Neutral Safety Starter Sensor for AT. Transmission back to normal and dash light operational again. Covered under warranty. N/C 
Jun 2017

80000 mi
Neutal starter switch not working perfectly. Part was replaced under warranty.. A/C only blowing slightly cool air. Refrigerant recharge. 
Aug 2017

84000 mi

US $87
Passenger Rear Rotor Warped and Drivers Rear Rotor scored. Both Rear Rotors and Brake Pads replaced. 
Dec 2018

89281 mi

US $35
Original OEM Mazda gas cap broke. OEM Mazda part purchased from dealer and installed $35.40. 
Apr 2019

90971 mi

US $34
Driver side original rear shock was leaking and not functioning. Rear brake pads worn. Replaced with Bosch OEM brake pads 
Jul 2019

94198 mi

US $1617
Cleaned and lubed both front caliper sliding pins with Bosch Full Synthetic brake lube. Replaced front axle wheel bearing, replaced both front lower control arms, replaced both sides stabilized links,  replaced rotten transmission pan and filter, four wheel wheel alignment. 
Oct 2019

94719 mi

US $200
Hard starting. No fuel to fuel injectors. Relay for fuel pump replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2008 - Dec 2011
May 2009

14880 mi
Ticking noise while idling on cold start. Replaced AC compressor. Noise when turning and going over bumps. Replaced steering shaft. Ordered power steering pump. Backordered. 
Aug 2009

19220 mi
Installed new power steering pump. 
Sep 2009

20460 mi
General noise/rattle issues, replaced weather stripping folding on window frame. Mechanic noticed right rear shock leaking, replaced it. 
Dec 2009

24800 mi
Seal on rear hatchback torn, dealer replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Washington, United States
Jul 2008 - Apr 2009
Dec 2008

4000 mi
Front left windshield wiper stopped working; replaced. Transmission fluid leak noticed by mechanic while in for wiper motor; replaced pan under transmission that had filled with fluid and apparently burned or otherwise destroyed the pan. Got a call the next day saying they'd installed the wrong part to fix the transmission leak; took car back in, correct part installed. Rear wiper motor stopped working; replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Sep 2008 - Apr 2011
Oct 2008 At around 300 miles, dash light indicated the "electronic brake distribution..." failed. Manual said this might lockup rear brakes. Took to dealer, they had to order and install part. Dealer never called me once. I always had to call to find status. 
Aug 2010

18200 mi
NHTSA Action Number: PE10021 NHTSA investigating sttering pump issues for some Mazdas. Car lost power steering when hot. Very hard to turn wheel once power steering lost. Dealer knew about issue and fixed. 
Feb 2011

26000 mi
ABS module failed, locking up front left wheel. All other wheels had no brake pressure. Extremely hazardous condition if we had to use brakes that required ABS again (full emergency stop). 
Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2017 - Aug 2018
Oct 2017

79000 mi

US $1107
Had the TCM replaced. Before repair, transmission would shift harsh and only shift from 1st through 3rd gear. Shifting into reverse when TCM would fail would cause jerking and violent shift. Light would come on dash "AT" showing transmission module failed. After TCM was replaced with new one, everything worked perfectly. This repair cost also includes new rear shocks. 
Dec 2017

82000 mi

US $65
Performed alignment after car pulled to the right. Also had tires balanced and rotated. 
Apr 2018

86000 mi

US $3200
Transmission completely failed with only 86,000 miles. This was after routine transmission fluid changes and preventative maintenance. Took to Landis Transmission in Lancaster and they said it was a faulty transmission. Had entire transmission replaced with a used one with 51,000 miles. Mazda wanted over $4000 for a new transmission so opted for a used one with a warranty. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2008 - Jun 2022
Feb 2013

44800 mi

US $700
Upstream oxygen sensor. 
Nov 2016

65000 mi

US $400
Rear upper control arms. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2007 - Jan 2018
Jun 2010

39060 mi
Intermittent no-start condition with transmission lever in Park position, started OK in Neutral. Repaired by cleaning, adjusting and lubricating the selector lever cable at the transmission. 
Jun 2013

79980 mi

C $300
Had the left front wheel bearing replaced, which neccessitated a wheel alignment which is a wear item. 
Aug 2015

106300 mi
Replaced O2 Sensor after diagnosing a CEL for the first emission test. The total expense for the part was $140.00 
Jan 2017

104140 mi

C $700
Rear shock mounts disintegrated and needed replacing. New shocks were installed at the same time ! 
Feb 2017

121520 mi

C $129
AT warning light on /off intermittently. Electronic solenoid sticking in transmission, and transmission needs to be replaced. Replacing with rebuild estimated at $5K or so. Two Transmission related CELs stated on diagnosis report. 
Jun 2017

123380 mi

C $625
Replaced the old TCM (Transmission Control Module) with a newer version. A CEL and AT light were intermittent - The transmission would go into 'safe' mode and would not shift properly, or it was a harsh shift 1st and 3rd gear only. Shutting the engine OFF and a restart would sometimes cure the problem. This is a common problem with this car, and can occur anytime. AT warning light on /off intermittently. The dealer wanted $5k to rebuild the transmission. Studied a lot of Mazda forums on the internet, and determined the problem was the TCM, but a replacement part from the dealer was $750.00 + HST and labour to install it. I managed to get a new current one from Scarborough Mazda for $550.00 + HST and 2 hours of my time to install it - plug 'n play. Problem solved - it ran and shifted like a brand new car! Mazda has to be aware of the TCM problem by now, and should have issued a TSB to cover the situation, so dealers and their technicians could accurately diagnose and repair this obvious 'long term' reliability issue. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Indiana, United States
Sep 2007 - Apr 2015
Apr 2008

9000 mi
Steering wheel air bag failure. Steering wheel air bag module replaced. Had high resistance measurement. 
Dec 2010

45000 mi
warranty replacement of power steering assist. 
Sep 2014

115000 mi

US $250
New rear calipers. They were rusted solid so calipers did not move. Beyond rebuild. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Dec 2015

140000 mi

US $4100
transmission had been on its way out for months as my dad never changed the atx fluid. at the end i couldn't shift properly. glad to have it back though. torn motor mount was replaced for free 
Mazda Mazda3 in Maryland, United States
Oct 2007 - Dec 2009
Nov 2007 Fuse box cover had a broken snap/tab. 
Dec 2009

33000 mi
Leaking oil pan. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2012
Dec 2010

33500 mi
Replaced passenger side motor mount. Replaced passenger side motor mount, under warranty. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Dec 2016
Apr 2015

71080 mi

C $224
Oil filled engine mount leaked and failed. Replaced engine mount. 
Jul 2015

73860 mi

C $143
stabilizer link (driver side) replaced due to knocking. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Texas, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2012
Feb 2011

12600 mi
failed left front strut which I brought to their attention 
Jul 2011

14000 mi
While in for wiper recall, mechanic noticed engine mount #3 had failed and it was replaced under existing warranty. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2012 - Dec 2014
Feb 2013

24480 mi

C $210
idler pully bearing shot; replaced idler and belts. 
Mazda Mazda3 in New York, United States
Feb 2008 - Feb 2011
Sep 2008

11000 mi
The front passenger side window was sticking. The dealer claimed that some adhesive was in the window channel causing it to stick in the closed position. They cleaned out the adhesive residue. 
Apr 2009

20000 mi
Passenger side window sticking again. Dealer lubricated the window track. Front driver side door seal was coming loose. Dealer reattached the seal. 
Aug 2009

24000 mi
Car started running hot. A/C stopped blowing cold air. The dealer replaced the thermostat and the problems were resolved. 
Mar 2010

32000 mi
An engine motor mount began to leak fluid. The motor mount was replaced. 
Jun 2010

34000 mi
One of the ignition keys stopped being able to start the car. A new key was ordered and needs to be "programmed". 
Jul 2010

35000 mi
The faulty key was replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ohio, United States
Jan 2008 - Mar 2012
Aug 2008

10000 mi
Horn was going off, as though an alarm had been set off. Manufacturer/dealer replaced module. Problem persisted. I figured out that remote was sending a bad signal causing the panic button alarm to activate. Remote replaced by dealer. Problem solved. 
Nov 2008

16000 mi
Car was overheating. Drove it to repair shop where they diagnosed bad thermostat (they said was unusual for such a new car). Thermostat was replaced, problem fixed. Drove the car from Cleveland to Atlanta for Thanksgiving with absolutely no problems. 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in Oregon, United States
Jul 2014 - Dec 2019
Feb 2014

45000 mi

US $182
Replace battery and clean terminals 
Jan 2015

54500 mi

US $70
Replaced drivers side low beam headlight bulb 
Jan 2017

72000 mi

US $150
9V plug in dashboard needed replacement. 
Aug 2017

75000 mi

US $1600
Both rear shocks repaired Pump to rack power steering hose replaced Engine mount #3 replaced 
Oct 2017

79000 mi

US $365
Piece of undercarriage below the engine had come loose and fallen off during driving. 
Mar 2018

82600 mi

US $70
Left Headlight low beam bulb replaced 
Aug 2018

86000 mi

US $1740
AC failed while driving. Compressor and belts required replacement. Front brake pad service V-Belt/Alternator Belt required replacement 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ohio, United States
Apr 2017 - Apr 2019
Jun 2017

142000 mi

US $100
Replaced lower right control arm ball joint 
Dec 2017

146000 mi

US $225
Replaced front and rear brake pads and rotors. 
May 2018

149000 mi

US $608
New front struts & rear shocks - both sides. Front wheel alignment 
Mazda Mazda3 in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2008 - Nov 2010
May 2009

12400 mi

C $222
Sunroof not sitting flush when closed. Did not leak. Just cosmetic. Noticed at delivery, not repaired because I forgot about it. Aways after service I would remember. 
Sep 2010

32240 mi
Vehicle in for service, tech noted that block heater was leaking around seal, replaced free of charge under warranty 
Mazda Mazda3 in Oregon, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2022
Oct 2012

32000 mi

US $90
Bad battery 
Jan 2013

36200 mi

US $270
#3 motor mount bad 
Nov 2014

51700 mi

US $200
suspension, not sure what. 
Oct 2015

62000 mi

US $1800
tie in to stabilizer rear sway bar. rear shocks. front struts. tensioner on belts. belts. 
Dec 2016

75000 mi

US $1400
clutch master cylinder and solenoid engine mount 
Jan 2018

79000 mi

US $690
O2 sensor 
Feb 2021

96000 mi

US $2000
Circuit on ABS faulty 
Mazda Mazda3 in Florida, United States
May 2009 - Jul 2010
May 2010

38000 mi

US $459
A/C stopped cooling. Then went on trip when mechanic could not repair same day. Overheated 200 miles into 650 mile trip. Now overheating and no A/C at 37,600 miles, just over warranty. Mechanic replaced thermostat and radiator all set. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Sep 2011
Jul 2011

57000 mi

US $500
replaced a/c compressor and clutch. replaced a/c compressor and clutch. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2018
Mar 2014

69000 mi

US $1000
Replaced A/C compressor. 
Apr 2015

74200 mi

US $600
Leak sensor replaced 
Mazda Mazda3 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2009 - Feb 2022
Dec 2009

35000 mi
Interior rear hatch door handle fell out. Mechanic re-installed. 
Jan 2010

36000 mi
Auto-dim mirror intermittently fails to automatically dim. Auto dim mirror was replaced. New mirror does not have any problems. 
Mar 2012

94000 mi

US $650
Vehicle felt "loose" when hitting bumps. Shocks/Struts were losing rebound control. All Shocks, Struts, and associated mounts where replaced with Koni brand "FSD" shocks/struts. Original Springs where still in normal condition. 
Aug 2012

103400 mi

US $110
Lower engine to subframe mount had a deteriorated bushing, replaced with an genuine mazda mount 
Nov 2013

133900 mi

US $850
Drivers side rear tire regularly has irregular wear on inside tread blocks. -Replaced rear suspension longitudinal control arms with genuine Mazda parts for worn bushings and corroded arms. -Installed Aftemarket camber and toe adjust arms 
Nov 2014

155400 mi

US $93
Popping/clunking noise observed from rear suspension at low speeds over bumps. Replaced rear sway bar end links with new mazdaspeed 3 units. Larger holes drilled to accommodate stronger endlinks. 
Dec 2015

178000 mi

US $140
Rear suspension camber control arms had severly worn outer bushings causing poor tire wear ("scalloping" tires) and rattling noise. Replaced control arms, everything functions normal again. 
Oct 2016

186200 mi

US $1100
Rear shock leaking fluid and made an intermittant rattling noise. Replaced shocks with new Koni units. Struts, endlinks, front control arms for preventative maintenance. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Indiana, United States
Dec 2011 - Apr 2015
Jan 2015 coil spring broke 
Mazda Mazda3 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2007 - May 2018
Jun 2010

34720 mi
While driving steering light on dash board came om, power steering failed, hard to steer. Safely parked to the side, 15 min. of the car being turned off, a restart fixed it. Called dealer and parts back ordered. Steering pump problem. 
Oct 2011

50220 mi
Power Steering recall. It had started to fail in my car. 
Dec 2011

55800 mi

C $300
4 spark plugs were fouled. According to the mechanic, the fitting was loose and he had to tap the holes to get the new spark plugs to fit. 
Sep 2015

77500 mi

C $900
Engine mount worn down Front shocks replaced 
Mazda Mazda3 in Missouri, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2017
Nov 2013

46000 mi

US $1600
The ABS hydraulic unit failed, evidenced by the traction/stability control light staying on, requiring replacement of the part. $1,200 for the part, $400 for the rest. 
Sep 2014

61000 mi

US $65
Topside motor mount was diagnosed as bad during a state vehicle inspection so replaced it myself. 
Nov 2014

64000 mi

US $600
Car was making a non-metallic rattling when backing off the throttle, which went away when the brakes were applied. Dealer diagnosed as bad driver-side CV and intermediate shafts. Both were replaced. 
Feb 2016

91000 mi

US $700
The timing cover was leaking after being diagnosed as seeping 2.5 years earlier - it got removed and fixed. Out of nowhere, the car would not start. It would crank and crank and cough like it wanted to start, but wouldn't. Not a battery issue. But of course, once towed, the car started up perfectly every time, so diagnosis wasn't possible. 
Jun 2016

98000 mi

US $311
Vibration and alignment issue diagnosed as issue with right side inner/outer tied rod ends being rusted together, preventing proper adjustment - both replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2017
Apr 2015

85000 mi
Leaking head gasket 
Jun 2016

114000 mi

US $750
New Shocks/ Struts/Lower control arms New brakes and rotors 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Jul 2015 - May 2019
Oct 2015

68700 mi
Air intake. MAF dirty. Mechanic cleaned for free 
Apr 2016

75300 mi

US $19
Changed original headlight bulb 
Dec 2017

97000 mi

US $20
Passenger side brake light and socket burned out 
May 2019

110500 mi

US $129
LEFT FRONT DRIVE AXLE. 1ST MAJOR REPAIR IN 12 YEARS OF HARD CITY DRIVING DEAD BATTERY ALMOST 3 YEARS TO THE DAY. ALSO REPLACED BY AAA. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THEIR BATTERIES DON'T LAST AS LONG AS INTERSTATE BRAND 
Mazda Mazda3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2015 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

94000 mi

US $40
Motor mount, passenger side 
Jan 2017

89500 mi

US $75
Right rear lower control arm bushing replaced. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
May 2011 - Feb 2014
Nov 2011

32000 mi
lost power steering. Electical connection to power steering pump was reseated, which seems to have corrected the problem. 
Mazda Mazda3 in California, United States
Mar 2010 - Sep 2012
Apr 2010

33000 mi
Shift lever pin BROKE just 8 days after the dealer replaced the entire clutch. They said it was just a coincidence. 
May 2010

33000 mi
Dealer admitted that battery was not correctly connected by them after the clutch repair.Result was shorting out the electrical items in the car. Damage sustained to the battery and connectors. Dealer states wiring harness was not damaged. 
Jun 2012

60000 mi
recall power steering. had gone out twice while idling in 100+ temps with AC on. turning car off and letting it sit for 15 minutes fixed it. 

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 4dr Hatch

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Mazda3 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2008 - Dec 2017
Feb 2010

22000 mi
Check engine light on. Would not stay off, even after reset by dealer. 
Jan 2011

34000 mi
Thermostat stuck. Replaced 
Feb 2016

112000 mi

US $20
Headlight went out 
Jun 2016

118000 mi

US $18
Low beam headlight went out again 
Sep 2017

143000 mi

US $18
Headlight out again 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.

2008 Mazda Mazda3 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Mazda Mazda3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.