2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has a complaint index of 83, the second-worst among 7 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners mostly report seat frame and structure issues, with 2 recall campaigns tied to structure and body defects.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 83/100
- #2 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
Top 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body23 (72%)
- Other4 (13%)
- Airbags3 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (9%)
- Electrical System2 (6%)
- Engine2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Driver's seat frame or bracket cracks or breaks at the weld, sometimes causing the seat to rock or tip backward while driving.
- Dashboard surface melts into a sticky, tar-like texture that creates glare on the windshield and impairs visibility.
- Manual transmission fails to shift cleanly between 1st and 2nd gear, with the engine surging and the car briefly losing responsiveness to braking.
- Tire pressure sensors corrode internally due to mixed metals reacting with road salt, leading to sensor failure.
- Fuel tank internal baffle detaches and rubs against the tank wall, producing a metallic screeching noise at low speeds.
2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls
2 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.
2010 compared with other Mazdaspeed3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has a complaint index of 83, the second highest of the 7 model years with data, earning it an Avoid verdict.
- What is the most common problem with the 2010 Mazdaspeed3?
- Structure & Body issues make up 72% of complaints, mainly driver's seat frame fractures and dashboard melting, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 miles for that category.
- Does the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, both tied to Structure & Body: one for seat lifter link reinforcement and one for liftgate support replacement.
- How does the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 compare to other years?
- The 2010 model ranks worse than most other years; only 2008 (complaint index 100) scores worse. The 2011 model has a complaint index of 0 and is rated Best.