2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 5%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, 5% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,200 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10402896, filed 2011-05, 53,000 miles“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..”
NHTSA complaint #10396076, filed 2011-04, 40,987 miles“On august 6th, 2010 while driving in heavy rain and traffic at high way speed the windshield wipers stopped. Working. Vision through windshield was severely impaired and I had to stop. I checked the fuses and the windshield wiper fuse was fine. A repair shop said that the wiper motor needs to be replaced. Very dangerous this should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10351378, filed 2010-08, 43,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10386603, filed 2011-03, 40,092 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10366706, filed 2010-11, 47,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V329000Jun 15, 2011Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from january 7, 2008, through november 28, 2008. The ground…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2008–2009, MAZDASPEED3 2008–2009
Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10243569Sep 13, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198691Jun 7, 2021Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198574Jun 1, 2021Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with…
- 10091393Mar 30, 2016This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
- 10091263Mar 30, 2016This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 11% |
| 2018 | 16 | 15% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 6 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 109 | 16% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
117 complaintsTires
41 complaintsWheels
33 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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 28, 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