The passenger headlight has accumulated a lot of moisture (1/2 cup or more) which resulted in the headlight malfunctioning while driving. This is extremely dangerous, especially had this happened at night. The dealership acknowledge its a common problem, said it was a seal problem that burned out the ballast, but that it wasn't covered by a warranty or recall. This is a very common problem (google mazda 3 headlight moisture and there are hundreds of examples) and needs to be recalled/fixed. The dealership will quote over $1000 to repair this problem. Vehicle was in motion in city driving. Additionally in a memo they acknowledge heavy amounts of water should be replaced but because its not a recall anything over 3 years will not be warrantied (see attached). Lastly you can see that the headlight bulb seal has an accumulated rust line about half way up from standing water in the light that rusted out and eventually burned out the ballast (attached).
The worst 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body2
- Lights2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
- Tires1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body2
- Lights2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Seats
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
- Risk
- If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.
Recall number 17V082000 · Recall details
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Risk
- If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Recall number 16V644000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 27
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâs floor mat to avoid...
- The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in...
What 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Excessive abnormal amount of moisture/water getting in headlight (passengers side) causing headlight not to work. Problem first began 7/1/2016. Water getting into headlight and effecting the afs sensor also. Afs sensor not working now. Afs sensor quit working on or about 6/1/2017. Headlight quit working 2/1/2017. Non working headlight and non working afs sensor is causing problems with visibility at night.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mazda m3s. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000. ...updated 09/12/16 *bf
2011 mazda 3 rear tire wear issues: car has uneven tire wear, (inside edges) even when tires get rotated, car is also aligned correctly, no front end issues. After normal driving, the tires get a bad feathering wear issue, creating uneven (inside edge) wear and premature tire usage. This should be reviewed and recalled or class action lawsuit should occur. It's a manufacture defect in engineering, and very common, costing owners thousand of dollars over ownership life.
The front dash separates and the manufacture won't stand by it.
Compare the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3
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Questions about the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Is the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, fewer than a typical Mazdaspeed3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is lights (2).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have?
2 recalls, covering seats and structure.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 body?
Yes, 1 recall: 16V644000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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