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.

- Haddam, CT, USA

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. I told them that the noise was a great concern to me since I read that some customer with the same model car experienced the same problems before their engine blew (tossed a rod). Sure enough after few weeks, I visited the dealer for a light switch replacement and only driving a few blocks out of the dealer, right after their "full circle inspections", there was a loud bang under the car, the engine immediately shut off and smoke and oil was coming out. I had the car towed immediately back to the dealer to see what was going on. The dealer's technician put the car on the lift and you could see right through the engine block. There was a hole from one end and another on the other end. The engine has tossed a rod threw the block. There have been many owners of my car 2007-2009 Mazda mazdaspeed 3 that have been experiencing blown motors and have been denied by the dealers and Mazda themselves. I have also been denied by the dealer. The dealer request receipt for maintenance which I provided. Since I perform my own oil changes, I gave them receipt of when I purchase my oil filters. My car when through their "full circle inspection" twice, once when the incident first happen, and second was right before the engine blew, and even the tech himself said oil life and levels were optimal.

- Rosemead, CA, USA

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. Mazda has denied warranty coverage, saying that the fault is due to the Mazda dealer that performed the last oil change service did not install the oil drain plug properly. The car has not been repaired and is available for inspection. The California highway patrol stopped to provide roadside assistance.

- Escalon, CA, USA