2008 Mazda Mazda3 owner complaints

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. After moving off the roadway and inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the front passenger tire was low. The contact tried to add air to the tire when the valve stem fractured. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer where they advised him that the TPMS system needed to be replaced due to rust. The vehicle was repaired for the front passenger TPMS. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The current mileage was approximately 56,000.

Three times in the last 18 months I have had the TPMS sensors break off while driving on the highway causing the tire to run flat instantly posing a safety threat. Each time I take the tire to the shop and nobody can find anything in the tire and the conclusion is that the TPMS was brittle and broke off. I am now uncomfortable driving my Mazda 3 because I never know when my tire is going to blow -- not to mention I've had to pay to replace perfectly good tires every time one of the TPMS go bad. *js

On two separate occasions, the valve stems that contained the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensors became corroded and fell apart. This happened when I went to fill tires with air because they appeared to have low air pressure. Each time, as soon as I applied slight pressure from the air hose to the valve stem, the valve stem disintegrated and was pushed inside the tire. It took very little pressure to push the stem inside the tire. The tire then immediately deflated because air escaped through the open hole. This happened when I was stationary (because I was filling the tire with air). But, judging from the fact that only a slight amount of pressure was needed to push the valve stem into the tire, I believe that this could have happened very easily while in motion at any s

Failure of clutch assembly at 27,000 miles requiring complete replacement. *tr

Since the course of about a year, I have experienced traumatic moments while driving my vehicle pertaining to it's electrical/transmission functionality. When driving the vehicle at normal speeds (ex. 50mph) the Mazda would buckle, rev abnormally, all while my gear indicator would flicker. This would happen after about 10 minutes of driving and continue on for the remainder of the drive about every 20 minute interval. This is quite unsafe, and the repairs that multiple mechanics including Mazda themselves suggested to repair the issue did not accomplish anything unfortunately. Repairmen flushed and replaced the automatic transmission fluid, replaced my output speed sensor, changed out my shift solenoids, gear shifter, and even replaced my entire PCM. I have not only taken pictures and vide

Premature clutch problems at 31k miles. My clutch chatters and engages poorly due to a poorly made clutch, which Mazda will not replace under warranty, even though the vehicle is within the warranty period.

TPMS failure. The light constantly keeps going on and off. One of my tires was very low overnight. I went to a gas station to get air, and the valve was missing. Completely off. I have read other reports on the same problem with same make and year. 2008 Mazda 3. This should be recalled. *tr

Approximately three years after purchase, I got a flat tire driving on 1-290 in central massachusetts. When I looked at the issue, it was clear that the tire sensor valve had gone into the tire. I replaced said tire, and since then I have the issue three more times on all four tires total. The second and third time were two consecutive days april 2013 and the fourth one today 12/17/13. The sensors seemed to be rotting out and the stem ends up corroding. I have spent at least 1,000 in the last year and a half fixing this issue and it is very infuriating to say the least. It seems that looking online this is an issue which many have had, yet there has been no recall. *tr

The tire valve stem cracked while checking air pressure on one of the tires. After that the other stems looked like they were ready to fail. Had them all replaced. *tr

My son purchased a new 2008 Mazda 3 in late july 2008. Last saturday he slid on ice and hit a tree head on at approximately 30 MPH and none of the air bags deployed. The car has roughly 7000 miles on it. The initial estimate for repairs is $9100. I contacted Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 (daniel) to try and determine why the air bags didn't deploy and was told that Mazda doesn't send an investigator out and I should contact my insurance company to determine why the air bags didn't deploy. My insurance company (farmers) tells me that they don't investigate unless there is reason to go after the manufacturer to help with medical expenses incurred due to the accident. I need to know why the air bags didn't work so the problem is corrected rather than just assume that they will next time. My son

#1 air bag warning dash light remains illuminated and has stayed illuminated for approximately 1 1/2+ years. There is no Mazda dealership in my area and I initially believed it was my responsibility to replace or repair at my expense due to the vehicle's age. #2 brakes: vehicle was recently serviced and comprehensive safety inspected on 6 nov 2018. I asked the shop to check the brake pedal for abnormal pressure. I felt the brake pedal was not maintaining a firm pedal push while driving, but at first felt firm then softened almost all the way to the floor board. I returned to the auto service to point this out and the representative responded no evidence of brake fluid leaking out and earlier while they drove it around their facility it felt fine, therefore it was ok to drive like thi

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Mazda, mazda3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle hit a washboard and rolled down a hill. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belts loosened. The contact sustained neck and back injuries. A police report was filed. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

In early august 2009 at approx. 21k miles when I performed my 7500 mile tire rotation I noticed that all the 4 oe good year rsa tires were very worn on the inside, not the thread area but the area where the sidewall starts. I had noticed this before but had not thought much of it as it wasn't too bad. I drove on a 500 mile trip shortly after this and became more concerned . I had the alignment checked at the destination and it was within mfg. Spec. The alignment people said the cause was probably due to the negative camber on the rear wheels which at -2.3 and -1.7 was probably the reason for the wear and that I should replace the tires. Mazda does not provide for adjusting the rear camber. Not having the resources at the time, thinking maybe it was a overzealous sales effort, and to me t

Like other Mazda 3 owners, my complaint concerns the rear tire camber. I noticed this condition after the 2nd set of tires. I didn't think that much of it during the first set of tires as the tires lasted for apprx 50k miles. But the 2nd set started to vibrate and rumble loudly after about 12k miles. I had them aligned and rotated but the noise and wear became worse. I purchased a 3rd set and again had the wheels aligned and the set lasted for about 30k miles. But I must state that the vibration and noise was unbearable, at this point. I finally found a mechanic that understood the problem. The rear control arms were fixed (did not have an adjustment). The only way to correct the problem was to replace the control arms (with an adjustable set). The car now rides smooth and quiet. My questi

The plastic surrounding the tail lights has melted, so when braking or driving in the dark, the tail lights show as a mix of red and white. The front headlights go out, both have gone out at different times. Sometimes they start working again for no reason, but will be out again after a few days or weeks. *tr

Each of my headlights have gone out 3 times within 25,000 miles and 1 1/2 years of driving it. *tr

Power steering goes in and out while driving

The vehicle when in motion attempting to brake has soft brakes that when engaged, the brake pedal moves to aprox. 1 inch from the floor. The brakes only slightly engage, however, if needed the ABS system and the braking ability is hindered when hard stopping. The rotors and pads were replaced, and the brake lines bled hoping to solve the issue. Yet, further diagnostics show that the ABS control module is faulty.

Check engine light came on 12/13/14, car wouldn't start 12/14/14, had towed to repair shop 12/15/14 and was told engine was flooded because the car couldn't meter air correctly and over fueled the car. Spark plugs, air filter and throttle body were all gummed up and dirty due to this. Repair shop checked the technical service bulletin relating to the check engine light and found that this is a a known issue. They had to modify a bracket and splice in new wire where it was rubbed through because of this defect. If this is truly a common defect Mazda should issue a recall on it and reimburse owners who have already had to have it fixed. *tr

The warning chime for seat belts not being used is inaudible on the 2008 mazda3 even with all accessories turned off. The dealer explained that they were changed due to customer complaints that previous years were too loud and persistent. This is a very serious safety issue and the dealer checked it out and declared "that's the way they are". *tr