Most common 2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of the 115 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda3 complaints by model year
Best Mazda3 years: 2023, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2010, 2012, 2008. Compare all years →
2009 Mazda Mazda3 recalls (3)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 mazda3 and mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured from January 7, 2008, through November 28, 2008. The ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor May have been inadvertently bent during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional ground harness on the wiper motor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before July 15, 2011.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008. These vehicles May have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on September 15, 2010. Owners May contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Mazda is recalling 7,100 my 2009 mazda3 vehicles equipped with dynamic stability control for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control system". The yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and have the unit replaced free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2009. Owners May contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Mazda Mazda3:
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through…
What 2009 Mazda Mazda3 owners say
Wheels & tires all 36 →
While driving on the highway I heard a loud clatter like a rock in the wheel well and the saw something bounce out from the side of my car. Moments later the car began to shake and veer to the left. I was able to move over and pull of to the side of the highway to find that my valve stem on my wheel had lost the nut holding it in place so that the valve fell into the tire leaving a large hole. After having the tire replaced (it was destroyed) I saw that the valve (which was part of the TPMS) was corroded and could be easily snapped in half. Another of these valves had failed four months prior so I think this is a common problem. Mazda refuses to believe there is anything wrong with their part and suggests that I continue to drive with the remaining sensors.
Driving on highway, tire pressure light came on, immediately went to side of road and tire ruined. Had trouble directing car to side of road. Fortunately, nobody was around. The tire sensor came apart. On 2 other tires, the were breaking, so had to be replaced. Ruined tire happened in 2014, but repaired tires were in 2015.
Steering all 35 →
When driving and trying to negotiate a turn, or sometimes when going straight, the power assist steering simply fails (stops assisting the steering). I have to "muscle" the car off the roadway and either restart the engine or stop the car (off the road) straighten the steering wheel, restart the car, and the power assist is restored. This has happened five times in the last 9 months. So far there have been no accidents. The date velow is the most recent date of this failure.
This seems to happen as I'm slowing down, as you would to make a turn onto a street or driveway. I turn on my blinker, then the moment I press the brake, all of the power in the car dies, and comes right back on. I think of it as a quick reset it seems. However, when this happens, the power steering does not work, and I'm left finishing my turn without power steering. The power steering is the only thing that does not "reset" when the power fails. The power steering May take 3-6 seconds before it comes back. And it always comes back on, but not until after I'm through my turn. It typically seems to happen when my blinker, and brake is applied, almost like the power of those lights shuts everything off. But this all happens at random. I have a part time job on the wknds delivering food. It started out just maybe happening once a month, and that was 3-4 months ago. …
Brakes
For the past 9-10 months and on occasions, when I step on the brake pedal to either slow down or stop from a normal cruise speed, the engine rpm quickly jumps up to 2000 - 2500 rpm. I have to quickly brake harder and *place the auto transmission selector in NEUTRAL to fully stop the car from lunging forward*. The date below is the most recent date.
Car is a 2009 Mazda speed3, one month old. I set the brake of the car and it only went up 2 clicks. The car rolled down the driveway with nobody in the car and hit a tree. Emergency brake hard to pull up to set properly. I did a test on a steep slope, and the ebrake did not hold. A hard yank with two hands made the brake hold, and now the brake will go up 5 clicks with ease and holds.
2009 Mazda Mazda3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 a good car?
Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mazda3 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Mazda3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
The wheels & tires — 36 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about pressure monitoring and regulating systems. Next are the steering (35) and brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3, the most recent from June 15, 2011 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2020 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2012 and 2008. See the full Mazda Mazda3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.