Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | −76% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2011 | 5 | −79% | 2 | Body | Good |
| 2010 | 32 | 1.6× | 2 | Seat | Caution |
| 2008 | 33 | 1.6× | 1 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2007 | 38 | 1.9× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Mazdaspeed3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
Latest Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls
Seats
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to…
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5…
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, the no. 4 left side engine mount bolt May loosen if a sudden rapid acceleration is repeatedly performed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the no. 4 engine mount bolt with a modified one, and, if necessary, replace the no. 4 engine mount rubber and bracket with new ones free of charge. The recallbegan on July 13, 2007.
Equipment
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with optional accessory all weather floor mats, there is insufficient clearance between the floor mat and accelerator pedal.
Remedy: Owners will be instructed to return the floor mats to dealers and will be shipped a new floor mat free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2007. Owners May contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 should you avoid?
2007, 2008 and 2010 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Mazdaspeed3 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2007.
What is the best year for the Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Mazdaspeed3 years at the same age, followed by 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (45), engine & cooling (22) and seats (19). Transmission complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 had?
5 recalls across 2007–2012. The model year with the most is 2007. See all Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls by year.
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.