What is the main visibility issue with the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?

NHTSA complaints show the dominant issue is a melting dashboard that creates glare on the windshield, along with reports of sunroofs shattering while driving.

How many complaints does NHTSA have for this problem area?

NHTSA lists 106 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, which is 16% of all 683 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do these problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 is 60,000 miles.

Is there a recall for this issue?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3.

Is 2010 worse than other Mazda3 years for this problem?

Yes, the 2010 model year's 16% share of complaints in this area is higher than every other model year listed, which range from 0% to 15%.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 106 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, 16% of all 683 complaints filed for the year, the highest share of any model year. Most describe a melting dashboard causing windshield glare, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. No related recall is listed.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 106; 16% of 683
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Dashboard surface turns sticky and glossy over time, reflecting sunlight onto the windshield and reducing forward visibility, especially when driving toward the sun.
Owners report the melting dash residue is difficult to clean and transfers a black sticky substance onto cloths and hands.
Multiple owners describe the sunroof shattering or exploding suddenly while driving at highway speed, with no impact or prior damage.
Some sunroof failures occurred while the panel was closed and produced a loud bang described as similar to a gunshot.
Glare from the melted dash was reported as difficult to see through even with efforts like polarized sunglasses.

When 2010 Mazda Mazda3 visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 4, 2010, latest Apr 15, 2024.

106 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2010 to Apr 2024; peak Sep 2014 (8).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Mazda3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010106 (16%)
20118 (6%)
20129 (4%)
20133 (3%)
20144 (3%)
20156 (5%)
20167 (7%)
20175 (6%)
201816 (15%)
20198 (11%)
20201 (3%)
20210 (0%)
20221 (4%)
20230 (0%)
20241 (8%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the main visibility issue with the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?: NHTSA complaints show the dominant issue is a melting dashboard that creates glare on the windshield, along with reports of sunroofs shattering while driving.
How many complaints does NHTSA have for this problem area?: NHTSA lists 106 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, which is 16% of all 683 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do these problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 is 60,000 miles.
Is there a recall for this issue?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3.
Is 2010 worse than other Mazda3 years for this problem?: Yes, the 2010 model year's 16% share of complaints in this area is higher than every other model year listed, which range from 0% to 15%.