2009 Mazda 3 Sport

Introduction:

The 2009 Mazda 3 Sport is a popular compact car known for its sporty handling and stylish design. It is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0L I-4 producing 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.3L I-4 producing 160 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Mazda 3 Sport for its fun-to-drive nature, comfortable interior, and affordable price. However, there are some known issues with the vehicle, which are detailed below.

Engine

• 2.0L I-4
  • Spark plug failure: Spark plugs can foul prematurely, causing misfires and rough engine idling.
  • Intake manifold gasket leak: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak and reduced engine performance.
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, leading to a rattling noise and potential engine damage.
• 2.3L I-4
  • No major issues reported.

Transmission

• 5-speed manual
  • No major issues reported.
• 5-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip when shifting gears.
  • Solenoid failure: A faulty solenoid can cause the transmission to shift erratically.
  • Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, leading to a loss of power.

Suspension

• Strut mount failure: The strut mounts can fail, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps.
• Control arm bushing failure: The control arm bushings can fail, leading to increased tire wear and a rough ride.
• Rear sway bar end link failure: The rear sway bar end links can fail, causing a rattling noise when driving over bumps.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power.
• Battery drain: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic draw.
• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not turn on.

Exterior

• Weatherstripping failure: The weatherstripping around the doors and windows can fail, causing water leaks.
• Antenna failure: The antenna can fail, affecting radio reception.

Interior

• A/C evaporator core failure: The A/C evaporator core can fail, leading to a loss of cooling.
• Climate control panel failure: The climate control panel can fail, affecting the operation of the heating and cooling system.
• Cruise control switch failure: The cruise control switch can fail, rendering the cruise control system inoperable.

Summary:

The 2009 Mazda 3 Sport has some known issues that can be costly to fix. The most severe issues are the timing chain tensioner failure, transmission slipping, and alternator failure. These issues can lead to major engine damage or loss of electrical power. The estimated cost to fix these issues can range from $1,000 to over $5,000.