Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | 33,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% | 49,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% | 29,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% | 24,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% | 89,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% | 129,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% | 3,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
So I have visited Mazda dealer in cerritos. Few times since I purchased car I have been telling them about my car jerking to the side while driving its like a wobble effect they said car was fine I insisted to get it checked and they didnt soni went back and told them I wanted full check they said for whatbits a new car I said I dont feel safe with my car jerkin to side and making me come close to side swipe other cars. On the freeway they checked it mildly I say that because they didnt last not even an hour when I got car returned to me the problwm continued inrecently got an a accident due to this jrekin car kept doing what doni do now I dont feelbits OK to letbthis dealer continue workingbif they arent checking cars correctly
Control arms have started leaking where the front ball joints are and the warranty department is declining to cover any of the costs. They have been leaking since March 2020, right before my warranty expired. The dealership claimed to not have found anything wrong but that was not the case. My personal mechanic found they were leaking the week before my warranty expired and suggested I go to the dealer. The car makes a clunking noise going over speed bumps and dips. My car is only at 42K miles.
My car was t-bone, it should not have been driven. My daughter was made to drive the damaged car home instead of using a tow truck to take it to the nearest body shop. The suspension was bent completely inwards (doughnut tire was used to drive the car home with a bent suspension). I was told by the insurance company to drive the car to the nearest shop they do business with, and I did. I asked the supervisor/adjuster to total the car before ever seeing the internal damage. I knew the car could not be repaired back to the way it was, almost new condition. We went back and forward about totaling the car. He refused to total only after pleading with him, he agreed to do so. After seeing the car stripped from lid of trunk, tires off, I saw the right tire completely bent inward. I was told it was supposed to be that way. …
After a mechanics check it was found: 1) slight feathering/edgewear/cupping on all tire's and 2) power steering warning light on ign on however clears on engine start. This is all despite full maintenance history as per Mazda guidelines. The problem causes significant tire noise when driving. Although tire thread on the vehicle is at 87%, it was recommended to replace all four tires at time of inspection. Wheel alignment shows the vehicle is within factory guidelines for the vehicle. Possible issue could be flaws in shock/strut manufacturing as the vehicle is well within replacement timeframe for these parts.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light and check engine warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the suspension, seat connector, and an unknown software needed to be updated. The contact then stated that due to the suspension failure, the tires were worn prematurely. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
OEM yokohama avid envigor, first set of tires lasted 20,000 miles. Second set lasted 20,000 miles. The middle of the tire keeps the tread very nice, it's the sidewalls that go completely bald. Very dangerous in the snow and wet roads. First I took sts tires (yokohama auth.) dealer to court for lying about tires being still good. Then took yokohama to court....... Don't waste your time doing this..... Yokohama is paying someone off and getting away with murder. Literally the judge didn't even look at the evidence. Got screwed big time. Someone let me know when yokonumbnuts finally gets nailed for selling crap and getting away with it?
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda, Mazda3. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a humming noise and the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. The vehicle was taken to two different auto mechanics and they both recommended that the tires not be rotated because of poor tread. Prior to the failure, both rear tires were replaced. The technician also informed the contact that the failure was contributed to the suspension which caused the tires to prematurely wear. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Loud noise in back suspension. Noise occurs running highway but gets louder on a city street unknown cause. When turning vehicle started clicks but need to keep trying to turn on. Probably computer problem
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda3 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (15), 2006 (14), 2007 (14), 2012 (9) and 2011 (7) model years. Suspension complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda3 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Mazda Mazda3 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda3 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (13 mentions), followed by the front (8).
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.