2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

General information about Mazda-Mazdaspeed3
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced for the 2007 model year by Mazdaspeed and produced until 2013. The Mazdaspeed3 is a performance-enhanced version of the 5-door Mazda3.

Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. The vehicle is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.3 litres (2,261 cc) turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine. The Mazdaspeed3 was designed prior to the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Ford Focus ST, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI. The engine produces a power output of 263 hp (196 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The Mazdaspeed3 also features a limited slip differential.

The Mazdaspeed3 is the company's first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X of the early 1990s.

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Common 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Airbag Warning Light Illuminated: A significant number of owners have reported the airbag warning light illuminating, which could be due to damaged wiring to the seat belt pre-tensioner sensor. This issue can impact the safety systems of the vehicle.

Vibration at 55 mph: Some owners have complained about experiencing vibrations at around 55 mph, which can be unsettling and affect the driving experience. The cause of this vibration needs to be diagnosed and addressed to ensure a smooth ride.

Tire Pressure Sensor Valve Stems: Owners have reported issues with the tire pressure sensor valve stems breaking off due to corrosion. This problem, if not addressed promptly, can lead to tire pressure monitoring system malfunctions and potential safety hazards.

Uneven Rear Tire Wear: Another common problem is rear tires wearing unevenly on the inside and becoming noisy if not rotated in time. This issue can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, emphasizing the importance of regular tire maintenance.

Power Steering Faults: Mazda Mazdaspeed3 vehicles have a history of power-steering faults, with some models experiencing sudden loss of power assistance for steering. This issue can pose a safety risk and requires immediate attention to ensure safe driving conditions.

Electrical Accessories Issues: Complaints have been raised regarding various electrical accessories, including intermittent beeping when locking doors, trouble with remotes, and battery drainage problems. These issues can impact the convenience and functionality of the vehicle's electrical systems.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, drivers can be better informed about potential issues they may encounter with this vehicle model. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and attention to these specific areas can help mitigate these issues and ensure a smoother driving experience.

Is a 2011 Mazda 3 Sport a good car?

The 2011 Mazda 3 is a class leader in terms of interior design, quality and feature content. Most Mazda 3 hatchbacks and sedans sold won't be the upper Touring and Grand Touring models, but they'll still greet their owners with high-quality materials, comfortable front seats, ample space and easy-to-reach controls.

What is the problem with the 2011 Mazda 3?

What is the recall on the 2011 MazdaSpeed3?

2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 Recall

Action Need To Fix It: 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 is expected to begin March 31, 2017.

Is 2011 a good year for Mazda3?

Is the 2011 Mazda3 a Good Used Car? Yes, 2011 is a good year. We have received a lot of positive owner reviews mentioning great gas mileage, a sporty driving experience, and decent technology. Reliability ratings are great.

2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Exterior lighting problems
Structure problems
Electrical system problems
Steering problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

2018-03-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-02-06
VIN: JM1BL1K30B1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT HAS ACCUMULATED A LOT OF MOISTURE (1/2 CUP OR MORE) WHICH RESULTED IN THE HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY HAD THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGE ITS A COMMON PROBLEM, SAID IT WAS A SEAL PROBLEM THAT BURNED OUT THE BALLAST, BUT THAT IT WASN'T COVERED BY A WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM (GOOGLE MAZDA 3 HEADLIGHT MOISTURE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF EXAMPLES) AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED/FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL QUOTE OVER $1000 TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN CITY DRIVING. ADDITIONALLY IN A MEMO THEY ACKNOWLEDGE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF WATER SHOULD BE REPLACED BUT BECAUSE ITS NOT A RECALL ANYTHING OVER 3 YEARS WILL NOT BE WARRANTIED (SEE ATTACHED). LASTLY YOU CAN SEE THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULB SEAL HAS AN ACCUMULATED RUST LINE ABOUT HALF WAY UP FROM STANDING WATER IN THE LIGHT THAT RUSTED OUT AND EVENTUALLY BURNED OUT THE BALLAST (ATTACHED).

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2017-08-21

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
VIN: JM1BL1K48B1
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Summary: EXCESSIVE ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF MOISTURE/WATER GETTING IN HEADLIGHT (PASSENGERS SIDE) CAUSING HEADLIGHT NOT TO WORK. PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN 7/1/2016. WATER GETTING INTO HEADLIGHT AND EFFECTING THE AFS SENSOR ALSO. AFS SENSOR NOT WORKING NOW. AFS SENSOR QUIT WORKING ON OR ABOUT 6/1/2017. HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING 2/1/2017. NON WORKING HEADLIGHT AND NON WORKING AFS SENSOR IS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH VISIBILITY AT NIGHT.

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2016-08-15

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-02-01
VIN: JM1BL1VF1B1
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA M3S. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. ...UPDATED 09/12/16 *BF *TR

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2015-03-07

TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-02-03
Components: TIRES,WHEELS
Summary: 2011 MAZDA 3 REAR TIRE WEAR ISSUES: CAR HAS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, (INSIDE EDGES) EVEN WHEN TIRES GET ROTATED, CAR IS ALSO ALIGNED CORRECTLY, NO FRONT END ISSUES. AFTER NORMAL DRIVING, THE TIRES GET A BAD FEATHERING WEAR ISSUE, CREATING UNEVEN (INSIDE EDGE) WEAR AND PREMATURE TIRE USAGE. THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND RECALLED OR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SHOULD OCCUR. IT'S A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN ENGINEERING, AND VERY COMMON, COSTING OWNERS THOUSAND OF DOLLARS OVER OWNERSHIP LIFE. *TR

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2014-10-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-10-23
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THE FRONT DASH SEPARATES AND THE MANUFACTURE WON'T STAND BY IT. *TR

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2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

2017-02-09

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Components: SEATS
Summary: 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 maintain an appropriate driving position.
Consequence: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.

2016-09-06

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Summary: 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 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Positive 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 car reviews

Jessy Wuckert 2025-01-05

I'm so glad to hear that you upgraded from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and found it to be worth it! The Speed3 is definitely a blast to drive, with smoother acceleration and better content included in the package. Plus, it's significantly more solid. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Caden Quitzon 2024-11-19

I've had the car for almost two months now and I must say that I'm very happy with it overall. The car handles sudden direction changes with ease and the turning is crisp. Although the transmission in this car is not on par with any Honda or even modern VW I've ever driven, the limited slip is fantastic for tightening up the car in a corner. Turbo lag is present, but it's not horrible. However, the stability control sometimes intervenes without letting you know, which can make you think the lag is worse than it is. Overall, I think it's an excellent car and if performance is more important to you, it blows the GTI away.
Arnulfo Witting 2024-11-11

I've been researching this car since spring of 09 and just last week I finally bought one. I've been smiling ever since! The engine is absolutely awesome. The appearance of the speed3 is certainly polarizing and it seems that you either love it or hate it. However, the pictures simply do not do it justice, you have to see it in person. The acceleration is great, handling is crisp, and while the stick takes some getting used to, it's no problem. The brake feel is great too. The tech package is definitely worth it. The GPS, while small, is still good, the Bose system is not quite aftermarket quality but will please most people, and the Bluetooth is cool. The seats are comfortable and the space inside is nice. If you're looking for bang for your buck, look no further! Zoom-Zoom!
Gregorio Gleichner 2024-10-15

Driving this car will remind you why you love to drive. The previous speed3's were better looking, but much harsher. The pull from the turbo is great from 3500 to 5500 rpm. Torque steer exists, but not much more than a maxima's, and can truly add to the fun. The car is well put-together, with great shifting, suspension and steering! The hatchback design is very useful. In conclusion, this car may look a little unconventional for a middle-aged guy, but it offers fun, utility, economy, and reliability!
Ramon Erdman 2024-09-06

Wonderful small car.... I'm so glad I gave it a chance! I used to think that once you go big, you'll never go small, but the Mazdaspeed 3 changed my mind. It's amazing how you can get track car performance in a small vehicle with great utility. I don't have to compromise anymore!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems:

2011 Mazda3 common problems? - Mazda3Club.com : The Original ...

https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/2011-mazda3-common-problems-55788/

Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3 - 2011 Mazda3 common problems? - Hi! I'm looking to get a 2011 Mazda 3 i touring (automatic) next weekend.

Common problems in 2011 Mazda 3 Sedan? | 2004 to 2020 Mazda ...

https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/common-problems-in-2011-mazda-3-sedan.96522/

May 14, 2015 ... Common problems in 2011 Mazda 3 Sedan? ... I saw that manual clutches were a big issue, but I've got an automatic. Was wondering if anyone could ...

Reliability of the mazdaspeed 3. Looking to buy one as a fun daily ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/mazdaspeed3/comments/vx5g8l/reliability_of_the_mazdaspeed_3_looking_to_buy/

Jul 12, 2022 ... Turbo seals are also a common ... I bought my 2011 in 2015 with 55k miles and it now has 117k miles. ... More posts you may like. Related Mazda ...

2011 Mazda 3 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2011-mazda-3/problems

Top 2011 Mazda 3 Problems · Airbag Warning Light Illuminated · Vibration Felt at 55 mph · Rattle From Rear Suspension Due to Loose Stabilizer Bar Links · Rear ...