Model year
2008 Mazda 3
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name 3 for 2008. Under the matched name MAZDA3, NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 303 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints for MAZDA3 are STEERING (109), WHEELS (33), TIRES (27). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$2,800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2004 145 complaints
- 2005 97 complaints
- 2006 166 complaints
- 2007 222 complaints
- 2008 303 complaints
- 2009 115 complaints
- 2010 686 complaints
- 2011 132 complaints
- 2012 226 complaints
- 2013 117 complaints
- 2014 138 complaints
- 2015 130 complaints
- 2016 104 complaints
- 2017 84 complaints
- 2018 110 complaints
- 2019 74 complaints
- 2020 32 complaints
- 2021 54 complaints
- 2022 24 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
- 2024 12 complaints
- 2025 8 complaints
- 2026 1 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2008. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA3 | 2 | 303 | 1 |
Recalls for MAZDA3
11V329000 · Jun 15, 2011
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
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…
10V374000 · Aug 12, 2010
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Complaints for MAZDA3
303 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 29, fire flag on 1, injury field 20, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for MAZDA3
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10021 | Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS;… | Jun 28, 2010 | Nov 29, 2010 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| 3 · 2L · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| 3 · 2.3L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 29 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| 3 · 2.3L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Mazda 3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.