2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 15%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,384miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, 15% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,384 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The issue first begun (05/04/09) when the engine missed fired while driving on the hwy, which cause the car to feel as if it was going to stall. After that incident, a knocking noise in the engine compartment was apparent. There was also vibration from that noise that can be felt through the pedals of the car. I brought the car to the dealer, which was sierra Mazda of monrovia, ca, and I explain the whole situation, they only looked at the car for about 15mins and then said it was a clutch related issue that was not covered under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10274790, filed 2009-06, 27,769 miles“When driving at highway speed for an extended period of time, something in the turbo exploded causing the engine to fail and a loss of power in highway traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10452530, filed 2012-03, 128,125 miles“Vehicle motor fails catastrophically without warning causing fire. My wife was driving her Mazda speed3 at highway speed when the motor failed without warning and caused an engine compartment fire. This event happened one time, causing damage to the car the approaches its total loss value. A Mazda dealer has inspected the car and found that the motor failed due to insufficient oil level; however, at the time of the failure there was no indication that the oil had fallen to low level. The dash low oil pressure indicator light did not come on until after the motor stopped running. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255392, filed 2009-01, 3,607 miles“2008 Mazda 3. Consumer states persistent clunking noise from the suspension and two of engine mounts are coming loose the dealer determined the noise was coming from the rear shocks and replaced them. The noise, however persisted. The consumer decided to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop and they determined that both front axles needed to be replaced and there was a crack in the cv boot. The consumer then went back to the dealer to have them inspect the vehicle. The dealer determined the struts mounts, rear sway bar links, bushings and clams all needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10392039, filed 2011-03Related service bulletins
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS…
- 10213330Feb 5, 2016PreMixed long life "FL22" Engine Coolant
- 10044209Apr 3, 2012Mazda: variable timing (vvt) noise and/or timing chain noise. The repair procedure flowchart, repair procedure and warranty information have been revised. Also included model…
- 10043874Apr 1, 2012Mazda: see document search button for owner letter. Due to insufficient crank case ventilation, heavy white smoke appears from exhaust pipes, after long idle periods, resulting…
- 10039251Feb 23, 2012Mazda: there is a rattle noise from the engine due to a stretched timing chain. *rm updated 4/18/2012.
- 10043875Jan 1, 2012Mazda: see document search button for owner letter. Due to wear on lock pin hole in vvt rotor or breakage of vvt case, loud ticking noise (knocking/rattle) is heard, from timing…
- 10039250Apr 21, 2011Mazda: while driving at low speeds or having a long idle there is white/blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. This could be caused by oil problems.
- 10039110Apr 21, 2011Mazda: 2006-2007 mazda speed6. During long periods of slow speed or idling there may be white/blue smoke coming from the tailpipe. There could be problem with the turbocharger.
- 10028524Feb 11, 2009Mazda: vehicles may exhibit a concern of unstable idling or, in some rare cases, stalling, just after the vehicle stops with no dtcs detected. Problem is due to the accumulation…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | 15% |
| 2007 | 12 | 32% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
23 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
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