2008 Mazda MAZDA3: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 25, 2018 · Lights · 163,000 miles · CT

I have had issues with the front and rear lights. Discovered that the socket to the headlight on the drivers side was melted when I went to replace the bulb. After replacing the socket the light worked only intermittently. There seemed to be a poor connection and I would have to adjust the wiring leading to the bulb until I got a good connection. This connection was easily lost hitting bumps in the road. Tried another replacement socket and this one works much better. Also discovered a melted socket on the passenger side brake light along with a melted light housing. Despite the light not working it was extremely hot when I went to remove it. While the driver's side brake light is currently working, it too seems to be over heating. The socket is cracked in two places and the light housing is also melted.

Filed May 4, 2016 · Lights · 70,000 miles · FL

On my mazda3 I have noticed that driving at night has become more difficult due the head lights were not shining bright enough. I noticed now during the day time that the head light clear covers are corroded. It looks like there is condensation inside the head light cover housing and it has corroded the light covers. It reduces visibility that can cause dangerous conditions at night. I;m afraid I could hit something or someone not being able to fully see them.

Filed May 26, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · MI

Ever since I brought this car im having issues with my headlamps. I had replaced headlight bulbs atleast 15 times. Lamps will last roughly 3 to 6 months and then burnout. I complained many times to the dealership and they have no answer to the root cause other than simply changing the bulbs. I suspect there might be an issue in wiring. Many 2008 mazda 3 owners are complaining similar issues on-line and websites.

Filed Dec 4, 2013 · Lights · MA

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Body, Steering · 54,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

This is not directly related to the power steering pump recall issue. The recall work has been performed on this vehicle by the dealer. I am writing to complain about a bigger issue regarding "design negligence" by mazda as it relates to the placement of the power steering pump on this 2008-3. You see, the pump (an itegral part of the steering and vehicle safety control system) is mounted outside the car's frame, just forward of the passenger front tire. It is basically just behind the passenger headlight/foglight/bumper/quarter panel assembly. This location makes it very susceptible to damage in even minor accidents, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable and unsafe in the very instant where control and maneuverability may keep others from being injured or killed. What brought this to my attention was when a deer recently ran into this very location and rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and therefore undrivable. My daughter (who sustained a concussion) was driving the car at the time and was very shocked and surprised that even though the car was technically drivable (minus quarter panel, leadlight/foglight and part of the bumper cover) she could not physically steer the car. In addition, the officer writing up the accident report tried to maneuver the car off of the road to a safer location and was also unable to physically steer the car. There was nothing obstructing the turning of the wheel in either direction. I would hate to think what might have happened if this accident occurred at a higher speed and on a busier roadway or highway. This type of public health safety and welfare issue needs to be investigated and prosecuted. Car manufacturers need to be made to locate critical safety, handling, and manueverability components/equipment in places afforded some reasonable measure of protection and survivability in minor traffic accidents.

Filed Jan 18, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 101,571 miles · MA

While driving at 65 MPH on interstate 95 in fort lauderdae, fl both of my headlights failed. I was in total darkness and thank god I remembered my dad saying that your high beams are a backup system. This worked. We have had this car in for service 5 times for lamp failures on headlights always at no cost? Now both failed at once, the internet is flooded with with complaints. Is my care safe? I do not trust the dealers, they never charge me for lamp repairs, are they hiding something?

Filed Sep 25, 2012 · Lights · WA

Headlights continually go out about two-three months after being replaced.

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Lights · 45,000 miles · NY

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