2010 Mazda MAZDA3
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 131 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 107 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: structure — 115 distinct reports on file.
CRASH15% of complaints: seats — 106 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FROM THE START MY DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND EACH TIME THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, THE REPLACED THE TRACK ASSEMBLY, TIGHTENED THINGS UP AND AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES THE PROBLEM RETURNED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120523
15% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 100 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: wheels — 53 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: structure — 52 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
MAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE ENGINE HARNESS INSPECT AND ADD A PROTECTOR CLIP ON THE AFFECTED SECTION OF THE HARNESS. IF NECESSARY, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARG
Campaign 09V126000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 16V644000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter.
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.
Campaign 17V082000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (115 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (106 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (100 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V126000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V644000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V082000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.