Suspension Problems of Mazda MAZDA3 - part 1

January 10, 2025, at low city speed, I struck a small pothole. The entire car felt like it had been in an accident—a violent jolt—followed by immediate vibration and a pull. Inspection showed one oem 18" rim was bent. I contacted Mazda after diagnosing and was offered a slight discount on the replacement rim, not a warranty repair or full diagnosis. I have the bent rim in my possession. July 2025, at low speed, I barely contacted another small pothole and immediately felt the same drivability issues. A second rim was found damaged. This was only 4,500 miles after the first incident. I called the dealership manager; he said he would get back to me but never did. I later sent a letter that went unanswered. My subsequent research shows innumerable similar owner complaints for 2020–2025 Mazda 3s experiencing rim deformation from ordinary road irregularities. Why this is a safety issue (technical points): bead-seat deformation & air loss: a bent alloy rim can distort the bead seat, causing slow leaks or sudden deflation, especially after heat cycles—creating a loss-of-control risk. Dynamic instability: a rim that’s even slightly out-of-round produces high-frequency vibration, steering pull, and reduced traction in turns or under braking; it can trigger abs/esc interventions and increase stopping distance. Load path & suspension stress: the 18" low-profile package leaves little sidewall cushion. On normal bumps/potholes, impact energy transfers directly to the wheel. Repeated “bottom-out” events may damage shocks/struts, alignment, and tires, compounding instability. Repeatability & foreseeability: two events under ordinary use within a short interval indicate a systemic integrity problem, not random abuse. Requested resolution: a no-cost remedy: (1) replace all rims/tires with more durable parts and inspect/repair suspension; or (2) provide comprehensive wheel/tire protection and repair damaged rim; or (3) exchange he vehicle for a comparable model with no issue.

There has been no accident- the vehicle is my mother in laws vehicle- my concern is while at work she has at times loaded our daughter into the vehicle- I inspected the vehicle one day while as an employee of les schwab- the driver cvc axle vibrates so bad from the boot being torn and having no lubrication- these axles power the vehicle forward and if not maintained can snap and cause damage- the wipers no longer work correctly- the tires are 2017 and old and weather cracked- potential to separate while driving or blow out on the heated pavement. Upon inspection also found that the front shocks are blown out and bouncing in the mounts under the hood- causing the tires to not have the correct contact patch on the road thus decreasing traction and control- on top of all this the vehicle hasn't been registered since 2020 and has no insurance on the vehicle- again there has been no accident. . . Yet- this is my concern- that if this vehicle continues to remain operational and on the road it not only puts the driver and occupants at risk but also other drivers- kids- teens and anyone that may be on the other end o the crash when the vehicle does snap the cvc axle or blow I out a tire.

See all problems of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

The rear driver's side trailing arm broke into two pieces.

See all problems of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

Shock towers are disintegrating so the shocks would not be connected to anything.

See all problems of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2011 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

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 partsgoing vendor: amazon. Com.

See all problems of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

Front end passages side shaking with 60 mhg. And some time smelling gasoline when first started up my car.

Im having issues with rust the car it’s getting pretty much the car it’s falling apart the under body it’s nothing but rust I’m scared of changing a tire because there’s actually not a good grip where I can lift the car without feeling it’s going to fall apart, the rear or the disks it’s falling by chunks and just yesterday the rear shock plate broke out of place because it’s way too rust same thing with my muffler I don’t feel safe I’m my car which I love, I truly do but I feel like at any minute its just going to break apart right now it’s the shock rear driver side but I feel like next a tire or my brake disks are going to break like I said I don’t even feel safe to change a tire.

I recently purchased this vehicle used with salvage title on February 6, 2021. I took it to be inspected and I needed both belts replaced, they had to tighten back down my struts in front, my power steering was acting funny and making noise and my intermediate speed shaft sensor is going bad because the check engine light keeps coming back on for the same code. There was damage to the vehicle but they didn't tell me that it was serious damage. When driving barely turning the wheel the car makes a whining noise, the vehicle still sways a little to the left and right but the alignment was just done yesterday. Before I was able to pay for the alignment etc new tires and mount and balance my car and steering wheel were both shaking really badly and jerking all over the place.

See all problems of the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

My wife was driving her vehicle and the front cv axle completely snapped in half. Still not sure what could have possibly occured being there is no accident report on this vehicle. Perhaps the part was corroded or faulty.

See all problems of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

I have taken my car to multiple Mazda dealers over the last several months with complaints of something very wrong with it structurally, specifically in the suspension, driveline, etc. Every time I plead with them that I am scared to death to drive this car because I truly feel that I might die in it due to its defects, but every time I am forced back into it because they say they cannot duplicate my concern and that the car has nothing wrong. I've caught freeman Mazda of irving falsifying their internal work orders and giving me ones showing that they can't find anything wrong. My battery died about a month ago, they gave me a test strip that stated my battery needed a charge, but I got a glimpse of their copy which stated the battery had a bad cell and needed to be replaced. I have video evidence of the defects that exist with my vehicle. On the smoothest roads in dfw at low speeds my car is rocking back and forth, bouncing up and down, and it truly feels like my axles are not rotating in sync that results in severe vibrations, shuddering, and the feeling that my axles will break or that a wheel will come off at the very least. I've had so many panic attacks, suffered an amount of mental anguish I can't begin to quantify, lost wages, almost lost my job, questioned my own sanity from being told almost two dozen times that they can't find anything wrong. I need help, I really am begging. They are refusing to acknowledge the defects my car has and writing my safety off like my life does not matter. I don't want to have to get seriously injured, hurt someone else, or die in this car because I feel an accident is impending. I've been so scared for my life in this car that I've spent over $2k on rental cars because I didn't want to die and Mazda has just left me hanging with no regard for my safety.

See all problems of the 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

The rear shocks have an upper attachment that is made out of aluminum. After only 49000 miles the shock mount corroded and broke. It also caused the shock rod to bend.

Per tech cross member bushing. It makes a clerking noice when driving and turning.

See all problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

I have purchased multiple sets of new tires for this car because I am having the same issue that all the complaints say about the tires wearing on the inside walls. I have had a few professionals look to find what is causing this and none of them can find anything. I now experience shaking of my car while driving over 40 mph. My tire pressure light comes on and off whenever. Just in the past year I have purchased 6 new tires. I am afraid I will die in an accident if driving on the freeway. Please help!! my tire pressure light comes on, the car shakes, the inside of the front tires and back driver side wear down to the threads on the inside.

Clicking nosie in the rear end of car.

See all problems of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

While driving on a city street, I started to hear a banging noise coming from the rear of my car. When I got home and checked it out, I saw that the rear shock mount had busted from where it is bolted into the wheel well. It has cracked across the entire mount from bolt to bolt. It's only a matter of time before it happens to the other rear shock.

Fuel propulsion system cracked at coupling under the rear passenger seat spewing massive amounts of fuel into the cab soaking the rear seat pad fire risk present with electric plug there struts are unstable and noisy vvt makes noise when started, grinding in front hubs. Vehicle has some of these problems driving and parked. Airbags system non active. Other issues unknown but possible 35.

Airbag not inflate at the accident but inflated after 2 nf injuries . Persons hurt by steering wheel.

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda 3. While driving various speeds in the rain, the contact heard a creaking noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to cabrera auto (carr #2 km 82. 2 salida expreso hatillo, pr-2, arecibo, 00614, puerto rico) where it was diagnosed as functioning normally. The vehicle was then taken to Mazda DE la kennedy (marginal Ave. Kennedy, km 2. 1, urb. Industrial bechara, pueblo viejo, san juan, 00920 puerto rico) where it was diagnosed that the bushings on the front driver and passenger sides had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to Mazda kennedy where it was diagnosed that the shocks failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired again, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to kennedy Mazda where it received an unknown diagnosis and repairs; however, the failure recurred. The contact had another appointment scheduled with Mazda kennedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 30,198.

See all problems of the 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and going over a bump, the rear passenger's side wheel started shaking and making a rattling noise. The contact had to slow down in order to stop the shaking and rattling noise. The vehicle was taking to the dealer and was diagnosed that the tie rod on the rear passenger's side wheel had to be placed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was not available.

See all problems of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA3 🔎.

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.

Premature tire cupping of rear tires. All tires rotated according to Mazda maintenance schedule. Result in tire road noise, uneven wear, early replacement. Rear camber setting is possible issue.

Purchased as certified preowned from local Mazda dealer. Premature tire cupping of rear tires. Result in tire road noise, uneven wear, early replacement. Rear camber setting is possible issue expressed "unofficially" by Mazda mechanic.

Clunking noise in trunk when going over railroad tracks/bumps, etc. ; took to Mazda dealer. Passenger side rear stabilizer/swaybar bolt loose and pin bent. Known issue for a lot of 2007 Mazdas. New bushings and bolts put in/tightened. Clunking noise gone.

Vibration at 55-63 mph. Tires wearing on inside in diagonal pattern on front. Worn completely to the core. Third set of tires.

The check engine light came on. Cause ,after running code check,p2004. Runner control vale stuck. Replace solenoid. Front struts gone.

Accident.

2010 Mazda 3. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle tires, softness of the brake and resurfacing rotors. The consumer stated a visual inspection revealed the transmission fluid needed to be replaced, the tires were wearing unevenly, and the vehicle pulled to the left. Also, the battery was replaced.

I hit a bump going about 30 mph and after I hit the bump I kept hearing a clunk noise when I would run over a uneven part of the road! I took it to my mechanic and they couldn't figure it out. I figured it was something in my spare tire compartment or my seat belt in the back! come to find out it was my rear strut mount that had broken! all that dirt and salt collects up there!.

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 2007 Mazda 3. The contact stated that the axle was rubbing against a piece metal in the engine causing it to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 98,000. Pmb.

Rubbing sound coming from front passenger wheel when turning hard right, as well as wheel hop. Diagnosed as a broken engine mount which led to a broken strut. Both had to be replaced. Mazda refuses to fix, despite numerous reports of bad engine mounts.

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that the front driver side upper cross member was fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was was 40,000. Ss.

Engine mounts failed. Noticed vibration in the cabin when the car was in drive. There was no noticed vibration when the car was idling. When the engine was in drive, with the hood popped, the engine was noticeably pitching forward and returning to it's default position when the gas was released. I checked recalls and there were none shown, but there were many complaints about this on the internet. Local mechanic also stated that this is a known.