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2008 Mazda MX-5 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Mazda MX-5 is electrical system. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical MX-5 model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
202
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
23-24mpg

The worst 2008 Mazda MX-5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 202

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 202 bulletins for the 2008 Mazda MX-5

2008 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylRWD20-2227-2823-24

What 2008 Mazda MX-5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 20, 2019 · Body · 40,000 miles · TX

When it rains water will pool in passenger side floor board. Mazda deals suggests adding drains and filters that are not part of original vehicle design. (this issue is due to a design flaw and no other reason), this happens regardless if car is moving or stationary. This has been an on-going issue since I purchased the vehicle in 11/2012. . Door seals and window seals are not damaged.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · 131,000 miles · PA

Water accumulation in footwell/plugged soft top drains. Mazda has a service bulletin of how their company can fix it but must be paid by owner. I spoke to alisha at mazda and it is not recalled or a service program. On the internet many are complaining about this. This is a known problem to mazda and should be covered since their fix for this is adding a drain valve assembly, several drain covers and valves and filters.

Filed Jan 16, 2019 · Transmission · 91,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mx-5. While driving 5 MPH, an abnormal noise was detected under the steering wheel. The contact mentioned that the clutch pedal fell to the floorboard and the gear shifter was inoperable. The contact mentioned that the gear remained in neutral and the vehicle had to be pushed into a parking space. The vehicle was towed to wyatt johnson mazda (2425 wilma rudolph blvd suite c, clarksville, tn 37040, (931) 648-1098) where it was diagnosed that the weld on the clutch pedal fractured and the clutch master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda miata. The contact stated that the steering wheel locking mechanism drained the battery of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 1/19/16 ln updated 02/05/16*lj

Filed Aug 23, 2014 · Tires · 00

Unfortunately I hired a car from atwest rent a car il lax for a 3 weeks! The convertible car mazda miata that the company rent me was, that I saw first, covered in scratches, not washed, inside and outside! But this is not the extremely serious matter!! I called many times to report you that this car is a danger!!! After a few days of driving, the balance of the car was massively upset by having used tyres!!!! Each miles I drive, puts myself and others in danger: it is in precisely those areas that I need to act. There is also no liquid tank and the windshield washer damaged!!!!!!!!. I rang atwest to explain that I was in danger....I least the employee did not lesson to me......except to pay for the problems of the car!!!!! That is not my car, and this is the company responsibilities to rent cars as a matter of car renting policies in the united states...this is criminal act to put my life in danger....that is called failure to assist a person in danger, a crime that is punishable by law!! I also paid the third insurance though I was already covered by my gold credit card! You obviously don't service your vehicles, and just wait the customer pay out for it! I just complain about this....if I had you do it...I want to sue them! Many thanks to answer me and tell me what to do kind regards

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Tires · 40,000 miles · AL

Something is wrong with the tires or wheels. Returned to dealership, said it through a weight. Still have the same problem of feeling wobbly especially between start and 35 MPH. Have told service manager several times, I think tires or wheels need replacing...updated 07/01/14 *bf status update 09/09/14

Filed Apr 9, 2009 · Electrical · 1,300 miles · PA · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 mazda miata. The contact stated that she accidentally placed the gear into reverse and exited the vehicle. Subsequently, the vehicle rolled backwards and crashed into a traffic sign. Since the vehicle has a keyless remote entry, she was not warned that the vehicle was not in its proper parked position prior to exiting. She called the dealer and manufacturer, but was not provided with any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 1,300.

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Questions about the 2008 Mazda MX-5

Is the 2008 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2008 Mazda MX-5, 1.4 times a typical MX-5 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda MX-5?

Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is tires (2).

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MX-5 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda MX-5 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Mazda MX-5 range from 23 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 20-22 city and 27-28 highway.

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