2010 Mazda Mazda3 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 21 Mazda3 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 has 686 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 21 Mazda3 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is structure & body (275 complaints, 40% of the total). Complaints report 18 crashes, 5 fires, and 13 injuries.
- Complaints
- 686
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 18 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 31 hwy
Top 2010 Mazda Mazda3 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 ranks worst among Mazda3 model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 686 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?
- The most reported problem areas are structure & body (275 complaints), visibility & wipers (108 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (81 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 59,537 miles.
- Does the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, most recently reported 2017, covering structure & body and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?
- EPA rates the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.