2008 Mazda MAZDA3: windshield wiper failure

Filed May 23, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 68,800 miles · WA

My windshield wipers stopped working. After a visit to the shop, I learned that my micro computer was not working and needed to be replaced. This repair cost $729. After some research I found that this is a very common problem with mazda 3s made around 2008. My car is only 5 years old with fairly low mileage, I believe that a defective part caused the problem and this issue should be evaluated for recall and reimbursement. Thank you.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact was driving 50 MPH in rainy weather when she attempted to activate the windshield wipers, but the wipers would not turn on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the ground harness was replaced. Approximately three months later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 01/13/12*lj the consumer stated a wire was found not properly secured. Updated 01/19/12

Filed May 31, 2011 · Visibility · 26,000 miles · NY

I own a 2008 mazda 3 and like others, I am having issues with the wipers not working when the weather is bad!! During a snow storm after traveling some distance, the wipers decided not to work. They just stopped. They wouldn't stay running, so I had to leave the car in a parking lot and have someone drive to pick me up an hour away. Had it checked at mazda and of course they worked that day. They have since started to act up again, again on a longer trip and during a thunderstorm. Luckily I was able to pull over on this 5 lane highway before getting killed!! I could not see anything during the rain. This needs to be fixed. I have yet to call mazda I am under warranty and hopefully then this will be covered and they won't have some excuse why it isn't covered!

Filed May 26, 2011 · Visibility · 53,000 miles · GA

Wiper motor failure, 2008 mazda 3 grand touring. Wipers working fine and in a heavy storm they decided to quit. I am aware that this is an electrical part and can fail at any time, but I have noticed this is an recurring problem for mazda. This needs to addressed before someone gets hurt or loses their life over something that can be corrected.

Filed May 17, 2011 · Visibility · 56,000 miles · NY

2008 mazda 3 s grand touring - front windshield wipers just stopped working. This happened during a rainstorm. I checked the fuses and all looked good. After spending much time online, it appears that many people have had a similar problem.

Filed Apr 16, 2011 · Visibility · 40,987 miles · PA

While driving my 2008 mazda3 from work in a heavy rainstorm, my windshield wipers stopped working causing a serious situation since the windshield was obstructed by rain. The car had to be left along the roadway until hours later when it stopped raining. It was determined by mechanics that it was the wiper motor and it has since been replaced..

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Visibility · PA

The windshield wipers on my 2008 mazda quit working for no good reason. It happened during a thunderstorm. I was lucky to be able to get off the road because I couldn't see. I checked the fuse and found it to be in working order. The only other explanation would be the motor. I'm in the process of getting my car towed to a dealership. And from reading the other complaints about the wiper motor, this should be a recall. Does someone have to lose their life before mazda will initiate a recall?

Filed Mar 6, 2011 · Visibility · 40,092 miles · NJ

While driving in the rain my windshield wipers suddenly stopped. After sitting by the side of the road for roughly 15 minutes they decided to start again for about 5 minutes before stopping again . After reading of the exact same thing happening to the exact same year, make , and model, at approximately the same mileage in a 1/2 dozen other vehicles I expect I will have to replace the wiper motor, out of pocket, as this happens just after the warranty ends.

Filed Feb 11, 2011 · Visibility · 39,000 miles · MI

Windshield wipers stopped working during a snow fall and single digit temperatures. There was no ice on the windshield yet. I had to leave the car in a parking lot until the next day. I took the car to the dealer and after sitting in the warm bay overnight they started working again. I picked up the car that night after sitting outside again and they failed to work. I brought the car back to the dealer and was told there was a short in the wiper motor and would be $350! The car is only two years old and 39,000 miles! There seems to be a common thread with the 2008 mazda 3s. This motor should not be affected by the cold and poses a safety hazard to suddenly stop working when it is cold. This should be replaced at no charge.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Visibility · 47,000 miles · GA

My windshield wipers on my 2008 mazda 3 stopped working on the highway during heavy rain. Not only was this dangerous but also scary and I feared for my safety as I tried to make my way from the far left lane of 285 in atlanta to the closest exit. I took it to the dealership only to be told that the wiper motor needs to be replaced for $340. I had my last mazda for 9 years and never had to replace the windshield wiper motor. The windshield wipers stall or just stop working altogether when its raining, which is really defeating the purpose. Clearly there is a problem that needs to be investigated and these nonfuctining wiper motors with less than a 3 year life span needs to be recalled!!!!!! I am very disappointed and I am not sure if the next car I purchase will be a mazda.

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Visibility · 49,000 miles · MA

Windshield wipers failed again. Refer to original complaint # 10343804 14jul10 wiper motor failed, $337.00 second complaint # 10356107 17sep10 high speed operation of wipers failed. This second complaint was resolved on 01oct10, $880.00. This time the cause was a bad relay on what they (dealer) called a fuse block assy. Relay is not replaceable you have to replace the entire assembly! I have the old fuse block assembly although they bent some of the connector pins on it! Funny I can not find any fuses on it! I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle what with steering complaints, excessive rear tire inner edge wear I have seen on your web sight among other things and the fog light lenses cracking on both sides (app $125.00 ea to get a inspection sticker)on my car. My wind shield had to be replaced after a crack developed from a very minor impact that left a pit you would not have been able to see if it were not for the crack radatinf from it in two directions, I never heard the impact. But wipers failing on a 2 year old car is unacceptable! Loss of visibility is instant in heavy rain!

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Visibility · 47,500 miles · MA

Refer to previous complaint 14 july 10, # 10343804. Windshield wipers fail again after motor replacement in middle ofjuly 2010, this morning 17sep10. This failure was not a complete failure at this time but the loss of the high speed function of the wipers during a heavy rain storm. Again I consider wipers a safety item on a car. There seems to be a on going problem of the wipers on mazda 3 around 2008 year as I have had other people tell of troubles they had or heard of since my first failure. At this time I do not know what will be the out come of repair as I have not been to the dealer. I am very concerned every time I drive in the rain!