Owners have filed 41 complaints
about the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2018.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDASPEED3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
411.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
38.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1644.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
411.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
719.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
25.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2008peak 5Apr 2018
Recalls on the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201122945,729 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during vehicle assembly. Over time, the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase, causing the wiper motor to become inoperative. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional ground harness to the wiper motor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,607 milesEscalon, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE MOTOR FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING FIRE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER MAZDA SPEED3 AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED ONE TIME, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR THE APPROACHES ITS TOTAL LOSS VALUE. A MAZDA DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE MOTOR FAILED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT OIL LEVEL; HOWEVER, AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL HAD FALLEN TO LOW LEVEL. THE DASH LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL AFTER THE MOTOR STOPPED RUNNING. MAZDA HAS DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE, SAYING THAT THE FAULT IS DUE TO THE MAZDA DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE LAST OIL CHANGE SERVICE DID NOT INSTALL THE OIL DRAIN PLUG PROPERLY. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL STOPPED TO PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10255392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA SPEED 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. HE THEN IMMEDIATELY CRASHED INTO THE ROAD BARRIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING WOULD NOT ADJUST SECURELY. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #10247675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,572 milesWinchester, VAFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WAS DRIVING MY 08 MAZDA SPEED 3 HOME FROM BEING OUT AND WHEN I GOT HOME SMELT SOMETHING BURNING SO I LOOKED AROUND THE INSIDE TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T DROP A CIGARETTE AND WHEN I DIDN'T SEE ANY I GOT OUT AND POPPED OPENED THE HOOD AND WHEN I DID THE MOTOR BURST INTO FLAMES GIVING ME FIRST DEGREE BURNS ACROSS MY FACE AND LEFT ARM. NOTHING HAS BEEN BY MAZDA OR ANYONE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF WHY IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10236639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,572 milesWinchester, VAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WAS DRIVING MY 08 MAZDA SPEED 3 HOME FROM BEING OUT AND WHEN I GOT HOME SMELT SOMETHING BURNING SO I LOOKED AROUND THE INSIDE TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T DROP A CIGARETTE AND WHEN I DIDN'T SEE ANY I GOT OUT AND POPPED OPENED THE HOOD AND WHEN I DID THE MOTOR BURST INTO FLAMES GIVING ME FIRST DEGREE BURNS ACROSS MY FACE AND LEFT ARM. NOTHING HAS BEEN BY MAZDA OR ANYONE TO FIND THE SOURCE OF WHY IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10236639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 99,500 milesKent, WA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD DOING 35-40MPH IN 4TH GEAR. I LET OFF THE GAS WHILE IN 4TH AND COASTED TO ABOUT 20MPH THEN SHIFTED TO N AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TRIED TO SHIFT TO 1ST AN THE SHIFTER WENT HALF WAY IN BETWEEN R AND 1ST, SO I SHIFTED BACK TO N AND TRIED 1ST AGAIN. THEN THE WHOLE SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND WAS JUST LAYING THERE. NOW MY CAR IS STUCK IN 3RD GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11084999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,234 milesSAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IN MOTION WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SHIFTER BROKE OFF AND I WASN'T ABLE TO MOVE. I HAD TO CALL I TOW
NHTSA complaint #11055920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coral Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE MY MAZDASPEED 3 SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR. I SHIFTED INTO THIRD WHERE MY SHIFT BROKE AND REMAINED IN MY HAND. MY CAR STALLED OUT IN 3RD BECAUSE I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT. I TOOK OFF THE PLASTICS COVERING THE SHIFTER AND PULLED THE PLATE BACK INTO NEAUTRAL SO I COULD PUSH MY CAR TO THE LOCAL GAS STATION. MY SHIFTER ROD SNAPPED AND THE SPRING CAME OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10981173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPlymouth, MN
POWER TRAIN
MANUAL SHIFT LEVER CAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. CAR STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I WAS UP SHIFTING WHEN IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10874127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFalls Church, VA
POWER TRAIN
WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AT LOW SPEED, THE SHIFTER FOR MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. AFTER COASTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REMOVING THE CONSOLE, I DISCOVERED IT SNAPPED IN HALF AT THE LOCATION OF THE RETENTION PIN.
NHTSA complaint #10743456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,332 milesCalcium, NY
POWER TRAIN
AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. AFTER MAKING THE TURN AND GOING TO PUT THE CAR BACK IN GEAR THE SHIFTER BREAKS AT THE POINT WHERE THE PIN GOES IN ABOVE THE BALL. I DO NOT TRACK MY CAR NOR SHIFT HARD EVER.
NHTSA complaint #10650101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
POWER TRAIN
THE SHIFT LEVER COMPLETE BROKE OFF AND NO LONGER HAD ANY AFFECT ON ENGAGING ANY OF THE GEARS. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND IT BROKE WHEN I TRIED TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR OUT OF NEUTRAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO FEEL FOR THE SHIFT CABLE MECHANISM THROUGH THE LEATHER SHIFTER BOOT AND ENGAGE 3RD GEAR. LIMPED HOME IN 3RD.
NHTSA complaint #10641487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesKirkland, WA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE A 2008 MAZDASPEED 3 WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 9/9/2014, THE STEEL ROD THAT THE SHIFTER KNOB IS ATTACHED TO SHEARED OFF SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND. THIS LEFT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND I HAD NO POWER SINCE I COULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I WAS TRAVELING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, I AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT AND COASTED TO A STOP. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. THE STEEL SHAFT SEPARATED COMPLETELY IN TWO WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE BREAK OCCURRED RIGHT WHERE THE SHAFT HAS A HOLE DRILLED THROUGH IT FOR THE METAL PIN THAT LOCKS IT INTO THE LOWER PART OF THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. I HAVE SAVED THE BROKEN PART AND I ALSO TOOK PHOTOS OF IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS PART, WHICH IS CRITICAL TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR SHIFTER FAILURES FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL CAR ON INTERNET FORUMS. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO A MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE VIA MAZDA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE HOTLINE ON 9/9. I EMAILED THEM A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND SENT PHOTOS OF THE PART. I ALSO SHOWED THE PART TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP, LEE JOHNSON MAZDA IN KIRKLAND, WA AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE PART SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN THIS FASHION. I HAVE MADE REPEATED FOLLOW UP CALLS TO THE MAZDA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE HOTLINE AND ON 9/26 THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT MAZDA WILL NOT INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND IS NOT INTERESTED IN EXAMINING THE FAILED PART. THE CASE FILE NUMBER THEY GAVE ME IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10639364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesAustin, TX
POWER TRAIN
WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND GEAR TO 3RD GEAR, SHIFTER LEVER SHEARED, AND DETACHED, AT THE RETAINING PIN.
NHTSA complaint #10621571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,900 milesPoway, CA
POWER TRAIN
STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT, I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT IN TO FIRST GEAR. WHILE SHIFTING, THE TRANSMISSION SELECT LEVER SHEERED AT THE INSERTION POINT TO THE TRANSMISSION AT THE RETENTION PIN. I WAS LEFT WITH A STICK SHIFT THAT WAS COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE CAR AND IMMOBILE.
NHTSA complaint #10577559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesHillsboro, OR
POWER TRAIN
DEFECTIVE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT. DRIVING HOME AT 45MPH I SUDDENLY FELT A HUGE THUNK AND THEN METAL POUNDING AGAINST METAL AS THE CAR ROLLED. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 2 LANE ROAD AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO PULL TO THE SIDE SAFELY ALL I COULD HEAR WAS A TERRIBLE THUMPING NOISE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO STOP IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE BLOCKING A BUSY INTERSECTION. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED HOME I COULD FINALLY POP THE HOOD TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. THE #4 (DRIVER SIDE) ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, BREAKING THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT (#1) AND SEVERELY DAMAGING THE #3 (PASSENGER SIDE) ENGINE MOUNT. THE ONLY THING KEEPING THE ENGINE FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND WAS THE SEVERELY DAMAGED #3 MOUNT AND THE REST OF THE ENGINE HAD LANDED ON THE CHASSIS! PICTURE OF BROKEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT - HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/MWTNUBD.JPG EXPLANATION OF REPAIRS AT MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP: "CUSTOMER STATES MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN, ENGINE HAS SHIFTED. CHECK AND ADVISE. TOW IN. VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN, FOUND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAS FAILED CAUSING ENGINE TO DROP AND BREAK LEFT AXLE. ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO ENGINE MOUNTS #3 AND #1. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AXLE. TRANSMISSION MOTOR MOUNT #3, AND #1. TEST DROVE VEHICLE, REPAIR VERIFIED" MAZDA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR ALL MAZDASPEED3S MANUFACTURED JUNE 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007, 4 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL EXPIRED... NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V295000. MAZDA RECALL NUMBER: 4607F. $1500 AND 2 WEEKS LATER I HAVE MY CAR BACK. I CALLED MAZDA USA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP. MAZDA KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE DEFECTIVE ENGINE MOUNTS IN MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THEIR RECALL EXPIRED. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB AND IN THE NHTSA DATABASE YET MAZDA HAS DONE NOTHING. MAZDA COMPLAINT NUMBER: 149448083.
NHTSA complaint #10555852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesHillsboro, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DEFECTIVE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT. DRIVING HOME AT 45MPH I SUDDENLY FELT A HUGE THUNK AND THEN METAL POUNDING AGAINST METAL AS THE CAR ROLLED. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 2 LANE ROAD AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO PULL TO THE SIDE SAFELY ALL I COULD HEAR WAS A TERRIBLE THUMPING NOISE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO STOP IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE BLOCKING A BUSY INTERSECTION. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED HOME I COULD FINALLY POP THE HOOD TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. THE #4 (DRIVER SIDE) ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, BREAKING THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT (#1) AND SEVERELY DAMAGING THE #3 (PASSENGER SIDE) ENGINE MOUNT. THE ONLY THING KEEPING THE ENGINE FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND WAS THE SEVERELY DAMAGED #3 MOUNT AND THE REST OF THE ENGINE HAD LANDED ON THE CHASSIS! PICTURE OF BROKEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT - HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/MWTNUBD.JPG EXPLANATION OF REPAIRS AT MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP: "CUSTOMER STATES MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN, ENGINE HAS SHIFTED. CHECK AND ADVISE. TOW IN. VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN, FOUND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAS FAILED CAUSING ENGINE TO DROP AND BREAK LEFT AXLE. ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO ENGINE MOUNTS #3 AND #1. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AXLE. TRANSMISSION MOTOR MOUNT #3, AND #1. TEST DROVE VEHICLE, REPAIR VERIFIED" MAZDA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR ALL MAZDASPEED3S MANUFACTURED JUNE 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007, 4 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL EXPIRED... NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V295000. MAZDA RECALL NUMBER: 4607F. $1500 AND 2 WEEKS LATER I HAVE MY CAR BACK. I CALLED MAZDA USA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP. MAZDA KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE DEFECTIVE ENGINE MOUNTS IN MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THEIR RECALL EXPIRED. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB AND IN THE NHTSA DATABASE YET MAZDA HAS DONE NOTHING. MAZDA COMPLAINT NUMBER: 149448083.
NHTSA complaint #10555852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesHillsboro, OR
ENGINE
DEFECTIVE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT. DRIVING HOME AT 45MPH I SUDDENLY FELT A HUGE THUNK AND THEN METAL POUNDING AGAINST METAL AS THE CAR ROLLED. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 2 LANE ROAD AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO PULL TO THE SIDE SAFELY ALL I COULD HEAR WAS A TERRIBLE THUMPING NOISE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO STOP IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE BLOCKING A BUSY INTERSECTION. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED HOME I COULD FINALLY POP THE HOOD TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE. THE #4 (DRIVER SIDE) ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, BREAKING THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT (#1) AND SEVERELY DAMAGING THE #3 (PASSENGER SIDE) ENGINE MOUNT. THE ONLY THING KEEPING THE ENGINE FROM FALLING TO THE GROUND WAS THE SEVERELY DAMAGED #3 MOUNT AND THE REST OF THE ENGINE HAD LANDED ON THE CHASSIS! PICTURE OF BROKEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT - HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/MWTNUBD.JPG EXPLANATION OF REPAIRS AT MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP: "CUSTOMER STATES MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN, ENGINE HAS SHIFTED. CHECK AND ADVISE. TOW IN. VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN, FOUND TRANSMISSION MOUNT HAS FAILED CAUSING ENGINE TO DROP AND BREAK LEFT AXLE. ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO ENGINE MOUNTS #3 AND #1. REPLACED LEFT FRONT AXLE. TRANSMISSION MOTOR MOUNT #3, AND #1. TEST DROVE VEHICLE, REPAIR VERIFIED" MAZDA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR ALL MAZDASPEED3S MANUFACTURED JUNE 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007, 4 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL EXPIRED... NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V295000. MAZDA RECALL NUMBER: 4607F. $1500 AND 2 WEEKS LATER I HAVE MY CAR BACK. I CALLED MAZDA USA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP. MAZDA KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE DEFECTIVE ENGINE MOUNTS IN MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THEIR RECALL EXPIRED. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB AND IN THE NHTSA DATABASE YET MAZDA HAS DONE NOTHING. MAZDA COMPLAINT NUMBER: 149448083.
NHTSA complaint #10555852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,974 milesBear, DE
POWER TRAIN
SHIFTED FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR, SHIFTER SNAPPED IN HALF. TOLD BE DEALER THAT REPLACEMENT SHIFTER IS ON "GALACTIC BACK ORDER."
NHTSA complaint #10549466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMason, OH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA SPEED 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TPMS SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TPMS SENSOR HAD FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BLOW OUT. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THE REMAINING TPMS SENSORS WERE ALSO FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #10526362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesChino, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA, MAZDASPEED3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR LEVER BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO A SAFE LOCATION WHERE A TEMPORARY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ORDERED FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10519519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,900 milesNewark, DE
POWER TRAIN
WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN FIRST GEAR AND THE STICK SHIFT LEVER BROKE IN HALF. DISASSEMBLING THE SHIFTER CONSOLE FOR EXAMINATION, IT APPEARS THAT THE SHAFT HAS BROKEN CLEANLY IN HALF AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS DRILLED FOR THE REVERSE LOCKOUT PIN.
NHTSA complaint #10512720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,500 milesBaldwin Park, CA
POWER TRAIN
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN A FLOPPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND WHITE SMOKE. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED. AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REMOVED, THE REPAIR TECHNICIAN SHOWED ME THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WAS LITERALLY BREAKING IN PIECES. HE SAID THAT I WOULD ALSO NEED A NEW CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND FLYWHEEL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. I DO NOT ABUSE THE CAR AND MAINTAIN IT WELL. I WASN'T EVEN SHIFTING GEARS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. JUST DRIVING ALONG IN 6TH GEAR. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS HAPPENED LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED (OF COURSE) AND MAZDA WOULD NOT HELP COVER ANY COSTS FOR THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10496141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,800 milesNorth LAS Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
COMING UP TOWARDS A STOP SIGN ON PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL LIKE ALWAYS HIT BRAKES STOP AT THE STOP SIGH THEN ATTEMPT TO SHIFT TO 1ST AND THE SHIFTER JUST FALLS OUT. LUCKY FOR ME I WAS 2 STOP SIGNS FROM MY HOUSE SO I WAS ABLE TO PUT TAKE THE SHIFT BOOT OUT AND GET THE CAR INTO 2ND AND MAKE IT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10491617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,250 milesTroutman, NC
POWER TRAIN
WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR MY SHIFT STALK FELL OFF IN MY HANDS. I HAD TO TURN MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS ON AND PULL OVER WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. I WAS ABLE TO REACH BELOW THE SHIFT BOOT AND FEEL THE SHIFTING BASE MECHANISM TO MOVE THE CAR BACK IN TO GEAR ONCE OFF OF THE ROAD. I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS THE SHIFT CONTROL WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10489065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,250 milesTroutman, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR MY SHIFT STALK FELL OFF IN MY HANDS. I HAD TO TURN MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS ON AND PULL OVER WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. I WAS ABLE TO REACH BELOW THE SHIFT BOOT AND FEEL THE SHIFTING BASE MECHANISM TO MOVE THE CAR BACK IN TO GEAR ONCE OFF OF THE ROAD. I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS THE SHIFT CONTROL WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10489065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesTallahassee, FL
POWER TRAIN
THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF DURING A SHIFT WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS AFTER THIS OCCURRED. THE FAULT SEEMS TO LIE IN THE DESIGN. THERE IS A HOLE IN THE LEVER TO ACCOMMODATE A PIN WHICH PREVENTS ACCIDENTAL SHIFTING IN REVERSE. HOWEVER THE HOLE IN THE LEVER IS A WEAK POINT AND IT IS EASY TO SEE HOW THE LEVER SHEARED OFF AT THAT POINT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER DRIVERS VIA ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS FAILURE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THIS COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10488689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,600 milesStuart, FL
POWER TRAIN
I GOT INTO MY CAR AND WENT TO PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND IT STUCK ALITTLE. USUALLY, I CAN MOVE IT SLIGHTLY AND IT WILL GO INTO GEAR BUT THIS TIME IT JUST SNAPPED AND FELL OVER INTO MY LAP.
NHTSA complaint #10480789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
BROKEN SHIFT LEVER. COMING OFF OF FREEWAY, DOWNSHIFT TO THIRD AND IT SNAPPED. SHIFT LEVER BROKE AT A KNOWN STRESS POINT IN THE DESIGN. RIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LEVER WHERE THE REVERSE LOCKOUT PIN IS LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER IS CLAIMING THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. WHILE I DID HAVE IT REPLACED UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, OTHERS WHO ARE OUT OF THE STANDARD WARRANTY ARE BEING DENIED REPLACEMENTS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE STILL COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS THIS IS A KNOWN FLAW AND COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE. HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTER BREAK OFF IN YOUR HAND WHILE DRIVING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. NOW, SEEING THAT YOU CAN'T OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER, THAT SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY IT AS POWERTRAIN. LET'S BE LOGICAL HERE.
NHTSA complaint #10452916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesHatfield, PA
WHEELS
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE EXCESSIVE WHEEL CAMBER MADE THE TIRE HEAT UP AND WEAR THROUGH ON THE INSIDE EDGE, AND BLOW OUT. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10452529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.