How about a thread for everyone to post the problems they have had with their Mazda 3 or Speed 3. I would suggest following a format similar to:

Car Info: 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 GT
Diagnosed Problem: XYZ
Symptoms: ABC
Solution: 123

This could become a great place to research things from home repairs to dealer repaired warranty issues.

 

I like it! I think it's a good idea, unless it becomes just another bitching thread. Don't let that happen and you will have something here.

 

Car Info: 2007 Mazda Speed 3 Sport Edition
Diagnosed Problem: PCV valve
Symptoms: clutch started sticking then car stalled (details below)
Solution: Dealer to replace valve

Was hoping that someone could help. Bought a brand new Speed 3 last Wednesday at Hayward Mazda (had 38 mi on it and had the No. 4 Engine Mount Bolt (Mazda recall) replaced before accepting it). I drove it back to SF (35 mi) without any problems and parked it for 20 min(good neighbourhood). Afterwards, got back into the car and drove it 1/2 mi and the clutch started sticking (I would press the clutch pedal the entire length of travel, shift, let up on the pedal, which would spring back about an inch only, but not the full distance - had to lift the pedal with the back of my foot). This happened twice (over about ~2 blocks) then the car stalled (some smoke was coming out of the hood and I smelled something- probably the clutch-burning). The engine would start but I could not engage the transmission with the engine on (could do it with it turned off). I had it towed back to the dealership and they said it was the PCV valve but I have doubts (since an earlier tech said that they were replacing the clutch master/slave cylinders). Things that didn't happen: never rode the clutch, never overrev'd the engine (I babied this thing for the 2 hrs I had it), temp never went past halfway, never ground the gears, no "safety" lights went on, and have been driving stick for 17 years (yeah, I'm old). It's a week later and it's still at the dealership. I want them to replace the clutch but they refuse to. Anyone have this happen to them or have any ideas? Thanks.

 

I'm sorry to hear that you are having this problem. That really SUCKS and from yourdescription is does sound likeyour dealer is way off base. But may I suggest that you begin another thread for this question?
BD started this thread to describe problems that have already been sorted out... problem/diagnosis/solution. See what I mean? I think it's a good idea as long as we stick to the format he has suggested.
BTW: You're not the only old fogy here. I've been driving stick for well over 30 years.

 

Car: 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 GT
Problem: Strange rattle/clunk in the passenger rear corner that didn't seem to be related to anything in specific like cornering, bumps, suspension, braking, etc...
Solution: After my visit to the dealer yesterday it appears that the strut is the problem. The tech installed some foam between the inner fender and the body to isolate that area and eliminate that potential problem. I guess they have been having some strut issues with these cars.

 

Car Info: 2007 Mazda Speed 3 Sport Edition
Diagnosed Problem: ???? (service manager doesn't know what happened - somehow the clutch friction plate got burnt)
Symptoms: clutch started sticking 2 hours after driving the car off the lot then car stalled, impossible to engage transmission
Solution: Replaced entire clutch system under warranty - car runs, shifts well now.

I'm posting this because at least 6 people on various forums have reported the same problem, using 2-3 days after taking ownership of a new Mazda 3/Speed3.

 

Car Info: 04 3i ATX 2.0 DOHC VVT 69K miles
Diagnosed Problem: Possible Exhaust leak
Symtoms: My car sounds like a fuc*ing whoopie cushion
-Car sounds like a whoopie cushion or someone trying to make a "fart"noise by having there tonuge out and blowing out
-1st and 2nd gears noticeable sound over my exhaust it gets louder as the exhaust does.
-When I shift it stops while shifting then picks up again.
-conserivitve driving (shifting under 3k) hardly noticable, more agressive un-godly noticeable as i step on it harder.
-noticeable sound between 2500-5500 RPM, Higher than that my exhaust just drowns it out.
-Very Inconsistant throughout the above stated RPM range seems like it cuts in and out or more noticeable than other times.
-Just started this morning when I turned it on, last night I drove it hard about for about 1.5hrs and had none of this whatsoever.
-No smell of anything burning.
-No CEL
-Decent Idle around 750 (right at second hash)
-No Decrease in MPG
-No Decrease in performance
-Car sounds like **** when I do drive it agressively like an old rusted though **** brown 87 cutlass with crap exhaust. Yes my family use to own one of those its funny.
Solution: I'm looking for one!

 

Just to follow up on my cars problem, the passenger rear strut was replaced yesterday and seems to have corrected the problem, but only time will tell since it was a constant noise. There was another Speed 3 in for service with a reported rear suspension noise which I'm sure is the same thing. The tech said that a lot of 3's and Speed 3's were having issues with that strut. He also said that the Speed 3 can develop a rattle between the passnger brake light housing and the hatch for some reason.