The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out. I took it to a mechanic shop who diagnosed the power steering pump is creating pressure that is getting to the rack and pinion and the fluid is just bouncing off of the rack and pinion and the computer system does not know how to function, so the power steering is not working.
The worst 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering117
- Tires41
- Wheels33
- Engine26
- Airbags22
- Brakes22
- Electrical17
- Lights17
- Suspension15
- Transmission15
- Visibility15
- Acceleration10
- Fuel system9
- Body8
- Seat belts4
- Driver assistance2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
Power steering loss 50Loss of power 17Check engine light 15Wipers 14ABS 13No deployment 9Headlights 8Steering lock-up 7Airbag light 6Brake failure 6Engine failure 6Jerking 6
Recalls 2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during assembly. If this condition exists then over time the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase up to a point that the windshield wipers would not work.
- Risk
- The loss of wiper function in adverse weather could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before july 15, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 11V329000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 10V374000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
Defect investigations
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V‑374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
PE10021
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 226
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Description
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),...
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows
- When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing...
What 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
There is a plastic ring on top of the gas tank that holds down the fuel pump.I filled up my tank and looked under the car afterwards,at this time I noticed gas coming out from the tank until is was flushed with the top and then stopped.I pulled out the back seat,found the inspection plate and for sure this was and did happen,now nothing could be done at the time because the inspection plat hole was smaller than the ring,the tank had to be dropped.It had to be fixed,about $600.00 later and tank filled up it was repaired.I still have the ring and pictures where the ring was cracked around the threads.send me a e-mail address and I can send pictures and a copy of the bill.later on I went on line and discovered that I was not the only one.This happen about 2 years back.
Transmission control module.
Drivers side lower control arm failed at the lower ball joint mounting hole, allowing the ball joint to separate from the arm. All vehicle steering and control was lost due to the failure. This failure: 1. Has extreme danger for traffic fatalities. 2. Suggests substandard materials, design, or manufacturing. Control arm manufacturer: DLZ Sold by: partsgoing Vendor: Amazon.com
2008 mazda 3. Consumer writes in regards to defective fuel pump.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist while driving at various speed and making turn. The power steering failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The parking brake and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred five times in two days. The contact mentioned that an unknown recall repair was completed on the vehicle for the power steering, however the repair had not corrected the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a recall repair was completed for the same failure and it was a one-time free fix and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
My mazda3 dies while I am driving without any indication of what is going on (no check engine light). When it does, I wait for a while and it will start back up again! My shop and I have tried everything we can, but we can't figure out why it is doing that! I called the manufacture and they said it was recalled for power steering assist failure and fixed in 2010 but to us it sounds it is that issue causing it to stop while in motion! This car is unsafe!! No car should stop in motion from nowhere! The manufacture should be responsible for that!
Airbag light is on.....lost power steering at only 110,000 miles...ABS break system not working
At and yellow check engine light came on and car was in limp mode first thing in morning after having no issues with my mazda previously. Codes came back with solenoids a, b, c, d, e all have electrical failure, and issues with the oxygen sensor. My car has had regular maintenance done on it. No signs or symptoms of transmission failure beforehand. Happened instantly overnight. Tcm is not in stock anywhere and I suspect that is the culprit due to other mazda owners similar situations. 95k miles.
Brakes became spongy after hard braking at interstate highway speed of 65 MPH. Afterward, sporadically, brakes would require several pumps of the pedal to build enough hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle. I'm reporting this incident now after learning about ford recall 19s54, the federal safety agency identifier 19v904. Brake parts on this car were made by fomoco. Abs hydraulic unit, p/n bvsn-43-7azd, was replaced by mazda dealer to correct problem at a cost of $1200.
Compare the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Owners have filed 303 complaints about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, 2.6 times a typical MAZDA3 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 year score?
The 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 scores 40 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3?
Steering, with 117 complaints, typically around 34,000 miles. Next is tires (41).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
2 recalls, covering visibility and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 10V374000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have bad steering?
The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (117 complaints), 2007 (89 complaints) and 2009 (35 complaints).
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