2008 Mazda MAZDA3: engine failure

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CO

10 minutes after my check engine light went on my car lost power to accelerate. I pulled over as soon as this started and by the time I was able to get off the highway my car died at the top of the off ramp. At this point it began billowing white smoke out from under the hood, out the tailpipe, and into the cabin of the car. It was not blue nor did it have an oil smell. I was originally travelling approximately 70 miles an hour when I started to lose power and in the minute or two it took me to get to the off ramp and at the time the car died I was going less than 5mph. When taken to the shop they said that 3 of the 4 cylinders had 0 remaining power and the fourth only had around 1/8th of the power that it should have had. They said that oil and coolant remained in the car at proper levels. My car has been well maintained and, again, the fluid levels were appropriate. I had between 10 and 15 minutes between when the check engine light first went on and catastrophic, irreparable engine failure. The car itself had only 85,000 miles on it. Looking online I see many others, not just one or two hut hundreds, who have had nearly identical experiences with this exact make, model, and engine size. Yet mazda, when called, stated that there was no recall and he hadn't heard anything about it, though others have expressed that they, too, contacted mazda after this type of complete engine failure. Mazda's response was that it was out of the power-train warranty period and that there was nothing that they would be willing to do.

Filed May 23, 2016 · Steering · 118,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 3. While driving various speeds, the steering seized without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v374000 (steering), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 79,352 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to sputter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed where it was diagnosed that the oxygen sensor was seized into the catalytic converter and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the steering had excessive movement, while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,352.

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Engine · 75,057 miles · CA

Complete engine failure on well maintained mazda 3i at 75000 miles. Traveling on freeway in slowest lane of traffic, first heard a clicking noise and engine light went on. Car seemed to be losing power. Called aaa roadside help, who checked the car and determined it was ok and could be driven home, about 10 miles away. Proceeded to drive home, 5 miles into trip began losing power, clicking noise returned so I pulled over to shoulder as car completely lost power, engine overheated. Prognosis: timing chain broke, engine overheated and this car is a total loss. Finding now there are thousands of consumers that have experienced this issue with mazda engines. This company is a fraud, and people's lives are in danger as the result. Never again will I have anything to do with mazda cars.

Filed Jun 30, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · PA · crash · 1 injury

Tl * the contact owns a 2008 mazda3. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly seized. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle spun and crashed into a guard rail. The contact was transported to the emergency room by ambulance and was treated for bruising, whiplash, acute neck, back, shoulder, and leg traumas. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v374000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 20, 2010 · Engine · WI

2008 mazda 3. Consumer states engine blew *tgw the vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was purchased. An inspection revealed, there was insufficient oil in the vehicle.