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 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2010 Mazda MAZDA3
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 686
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

2010: 686 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	145
2005	97
2006	166
2007	222
2008	303
2009	115
2010	686
2011	132
2012	226
2013	117
2014	138
2015	130
2016	104
2017	83
2018	108
2019	74
2020	32
2021	52
2022	24
2023	12
2024	12
2025	8
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

25% · 170 reports

Most commonly citing body and dashboard.

CRASH

Seats

15% · 106 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2012-05-23

Visibility/wiper

15% · 100 reports

CRASH

Wheels

8% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing rim.

Electrical system

7% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing software and horn.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The 12V power charging port started on fire. It was speaking flames when charger was plugged in to charging port. It started doing this while in motion and stationary.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-01

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-04-21Electrical system09V126000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2010Complaint volume 686 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2017-03-08Structure16V644000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-07Seats17V082000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 170 reports on file for this year.
Seats: 106 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 100 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V126000 · Electrical system
Recall 16V644000 · Structure
Recall 17V082000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.