Recall 11V329 affects 103,300 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3 vehicles for windshield wiper motor grounding. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 103,300 2008-2009 MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3 vehicles because a bent windshield wiper motor ground terminal can raise electrical resistance until the wipers stop working. Loss of wiper function in bad weather increases crash risk, and Mazda dealers will complete the repair free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper motor on 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDA3 vehicles powers the arms that clear rain, spray, and road grime from the windshield. Its ground terminal completes the electrical path for the motor. When that path is solid, the motor receives the current it needs and the wipers move when the driver turns them on.
On affected vehicles, the ground terminal was bent during assembly. That bend increases electrical resistance in the motor circuit as the vehicle ages. As resistance rises, less current reaches the motor. Once the circuit no longer carries enough current, the windshield wipers stop working.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the wipers failing to sweep the windshield when they are switched on, which leaves the driver without normal windshield clearing in wet or dirty conditions.
Who's affected?
Both MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3 are included for 2008 and 2009, with the same windshield wiper motor component listed for each.
| 2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 | wiper system |
| 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 | wiper system |
| 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 | wiper system |
| Units affected | 103,300 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of wiper function in adverse weather can increase crash risk by cutting visibility when the driver needs it most. If the wipers stop working in rain or snow, pull over where safe and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 or MAZDA3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask whether the free wiper-motor ground-harness repair is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V329 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to install the additional ground harness that fixes the windshield wiper motor ground fault.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow, or poor visibility until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Mazda's remedy is an added ground harness for the windshield wiper motor. Once the dealer repair is available, a Mazda technician installs that harness on the wiper motor ground circuit at no charge. The added ground path is meant to keep the wiper motor circuit from losing function because of increased electrical resistance at the ground terminal. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that campaign 11V329 is open for your VIN before arranging the visit.
Timeline
| June 15, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V329?
Recall 11V329 covers 103,300 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDA3 vehicles with a windshield wiper motor ground terminal that was bent during assembly. Electrical resistance in the motor circuit can rise until the wipers stop working. Mazda dealers install an added ground harness for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 or MAZDA3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V329. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask for the windshield wiper motor ground harness repair. Reference recall number 11V329 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Mazda dealers install the additional ground harness on the windshield wiper motor free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of windshield wiper function in adverse weather. If the wipers stop working during rain or other poor-visibility conditions, the driver has less visibility and crash risk increases. The free dealer repair adds a ground harness to the wiper motor.
What if I bought my Mazda used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2008-2009 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 or MAZDA3 still qualifies if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mazda dealer with recall number 11V329.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V329000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V329 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V329000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →