2008 Mazda Mazda3 i Touring
JM1BK12F681836055
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 i Touring (VIN JM1BK12F681836055). Gray, sedan/saloon, 2.0L 148 hp, gasoline. 108,377 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report steering trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $4,612 (typical range $2,200–$6,600). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JM1BK12F681836055, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2008 Mazda Mazda3 data →
📋 All factory specifications on file4 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2008 Mazda Mazda3 worth?
What comparable 2008 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2008 Mazda3 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist Closed
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…
NHTSA #PE10021 · Steering · opened Jun 2010 · closed Nov 2010An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 225
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 225.
DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket device…
Bulletin SA-041-26a · Electrical System · Sep 2026Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
Bulletin SA-055-26 · Aug 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 electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio…
Bulletin 09-022-26 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Jul 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proc…
Bulletin SA-041-26 · Electrical System, Engine · Jun 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.…
Bulletin SA-029-26 · Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine · Apr 2026If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the…
Bulletin SA-061-25 · Electrical System · Dec 2025A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensati…
Bulletin 07-004-25a · Dec 2025Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focu…
Bulletin SA-039/25 · Structure · Aug 2025When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.
Bulletin SA-036-25 · Aug 2025Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leav…
Bulletin SA-032-25 · Jun 2025Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the MAZDA3 FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the ground terminal of the windshield wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during vehicle assembly. Over time, the electrical resistance of the motor circuit may increase, causing the wiper motor to become inoperative. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road…
Transport Canada #2011229 · Jun 2011Steering
On certain vehicles with Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (EHPAS), rust had formed inside the high-pressure pipe on the power steering system during manufacturing due to improper processing. Rust particles may detach from the pipe walls and enter the motorized power steering pump, causing damage to the pump bearings. As a result, gear lubrication may be reduced, leading…
Transport Canada #2010274 · Aug 2010Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a compact car manufactured by Mazda since 2003 over four generations. The body styles have been a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan across all generations. It was sold as the Mazda Axela in Japan until 2019. From 2013 until 2019, it was called the Mazda 3 Axela in China.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 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. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
NHTSA Campaign #11V329000 · manufacturer #6411F · 15/06/2011STEERING: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.
NHTSA Campaign #10V374000 · manufacturer #6010H · 12/08/2010EQUIPMENT
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE…
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
NHTSA Campaign #09E011000 · 02/04/2009These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Mazda3, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 29 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 20 reported injuries
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 303
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3.
STEERING
The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out. I took it to a mechanic shop who diagnosed the power steering pump is creating pressure that is getting to the rack and pinion and the fluid is just bouncing off of the rack and pinion and the computer system does not know how to function, so the power steering is not working.
NHTSA ODI #11652121FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a plastic ring on top of the gas tank that holds down the fuel pump.I filled up my tank and looked under the car afterwards,at this time I noticed gas coming out from the tank until is was flushed with the top and then stopped.I pulled out the back seat,found the inspection plate and for sure this was and did happen,now nothing could be done at the…
NHTSA ODI #11575037POWER TRAIN
Transmission control module.
NHTSA ODI #11554582SUSPENSION
Drivers side lower control arm failed at the lower ball joint mounting hole, allowing the ball joint to separate from the arm. All vehicle steering and control was lost due to the failure. This failure: 1. Has extreme danger for traffic fatalities. 2. Suggests substandard materials, design, or manufacturing. Control arm manufacturer: DLZ Sold by: partsgoing…
NHTSA ODI #11475465FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA ODI #11449230STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEED AND MAKING TURN. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE PARKING BRAKE AND POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCU…
NHTSA ODI #11343858UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
MY MAZDA3 DIES WHILE I AM DRIVING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF WHAT IS GOING ON (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). WHEN IT DOES, I WAIT FOR A WHILE AND IT WILL START BACK UP AGAIN! MY SHOP AND I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING WE CAN, BUT WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT IS DOING THAT! I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAID IT WAS RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND FIXED I…
NHTSA ODI #11343682STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.....LOST POWER STEERING AT ONLY 110,000 MILES...ABS BREAK SYSTEM NOT WORKING
NHTSA ODI #11341983+ 295 more complaints on record.
