2010 Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in the lineup, ranked worst overall, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 686 complaints, 3 recalls, 18 crashes, and 5 fires tied to this model year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Mazda3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 686
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 18
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2010 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body275 (40%)
- Other136 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers108 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires81 (12%)
- Electrical System68 (10%)
- Engine44 (6%)
- Brakes43 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain40 (6%)
- Steering31 (5%)
- Airbags26 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report sudden stalling at low speed with loss of steering and braking assist, leading to crashes.
- Owners describe the steering wheel locking up or becoming uncontrollable while braking or turning, sometimes ending in a collision.
- A few complaints mention smoke and flames coming from under the hood or through the vents shortly after low-mileage use.
- Some drivers report the car failing to start, then experiencing wheel lockup and power brake failure later the same day.
- Owners describe a loose driver's seat track that was repaired multiple times by the dealer but kept recurring.
- One complaint describes a burning odor and clicking noise at slow speeds traced to a clutch needing replacement.
2010 Mazda Mazda3 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V082000Feb 9, 2017Structure & Body173,859 vehicles
Seats
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.
- NHTSA 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Structure & Body580,455 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 09V126000Apr 16, 2009Electrical System25,400 vehicles
Electrical system
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 damaged through vibration during operation possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing. A short-circuit can result in engine control malfunction and/or poor shift quality.
Risk: The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 charge. The recall is expected to begin on may 6, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
2010 Mazda Mazda3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Mazda3 has the highest complaint index (100) among all 21 model years covered and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda3?
- Structure & Body complaints make up 40% of all reports (275 complaints), followed by Visibility & Wipers at 16% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 12%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2010 Mazda3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Mazda3, covering seat lifter link reinforcement, liftgate support replacement, and an engine wiring harness clearance issue near the starter motor.
- What year Mazda3 should I avoid?
- The 2010 Mazda3 has the worst complaint ranking of any year, with 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012 also rated Avoid; 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are rated Best.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Mazda3?
- NHTSA lists 686 complaints for the 2010 Mazda3, including 18 crashes, 5 fires, and 13 injuries.