2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, 6% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,800 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving when suddenly and without notice I lost all control over the engine. Pressing the accelerator down did not change the engine speed. The engine would only idle. The car was towed to the dealer who determined that a bad connection occurred between the wiring and the ?PCM? Module. If this had occurred while passing or while executing a left turn, a serious or even fatal accident could have occurred. Ma 10/22/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10733072, filed 2015-07, 180,000 miles“A few years ago upon washing my car I noticed my tail lights looked a bit odd so I took a closer look and realized they had melted to the point they were deformed and as a result the light emitted is far less than when in tact. I took the car to the dealership and they replaced them under warranty even though my warranty expired and they assured me it was a fluke issue and that it would never happen again. Well last weekend I go to place groceries in my trunk and saw they looked melted again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10904985, filed 2016-09, 37,000 miles“In the past month the radio, lights, the cluster, all shut down and restart as driving. Last night as driving on telegraph rd, 45 MPH, the power steering suddenly stopped working, I could not control the car, and another vehicle behind me almost hit me, as I was switching in neutral, and back in drive. All of the sudden regain control and was able to turn right into a parking lot. I remember having this issue back in jan. Of 2011, and there was a recall for it, that I have had fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575340, filed 2014-03, 68,606 miles“Tail/brake light lenses melted. Original parts,replaced the whole tail light assembly and bulbs in june 2014 and I noticed in august 2014 the tail light on the drivers side was out. The lenses melted again, the bulbs were 7443 .researched on the internet and found this problem on numerous posts mainly with the Mazda 3 hatchback which is what I have. Called the local Mazda dealer and they said they never heard of the problem. Sounds like a fire hazard. Have you had any other complaints about this?”
NHTSA complaint #10631103, filed 2014-09, 80,000 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #10493370, filed 2013-01, 101,571 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS…
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10244679Oct 11, 2023If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 10237216May 24, 2023If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226924Nov 14, 2022If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 42% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 5 | 21% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 30 | 27% |
| 2017 | 20 | 24% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 27 | 20% |
| 2013 | 32 | 27% |
| 2012 | 25 | 11% |
| 2011 | 15 | 11% |
| 2010 | 50 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 6% |
| 2007 | 19 | 9% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 17 | 18% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
117 complaintsTires
41 complaintsWheels
33 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology