CarModelProblems.com

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure — runs 4.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
686Complaints
3Recalls
18Crashes
5Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Structure (16.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Structure complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Structure115 · 16.8%RecalledRecall 16V644000
Seats106 · 15.5%RecalledRecall 17V082000
Visibility/wiper100 · 14.6%No official action
Wheels53 · 7.7%No official action
Structure:body52 · 7.6%RecalledRecall 16V644000
Electrical System47 · 6.9%RecalledRecall 09V126000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other133 · 19.4%
STRUCTURE115 · 16.8%
SEATS106 · 15.5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER100 · 14.6%
WHEELS53 · 7.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY52 · 7.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM47 · 6.9%
POWER TRAIN35 · 5.1%
STEERING31 · 4.5%
SERVICE BRAKES31 · 4.5%

Percentages are the share of the 686 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Seats

NHTSA campaign 17V082000 · 2017 · reported 02/09/2017

If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · 2016 · reported 09/06/2016

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 09V126000 · 2009 · reported 04/16/2009

THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I HAVE A 2010 MAZDA 3 WITH 38,000. THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING.”NHTSA complaint 10514812 — filed 06/03/2013 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“MAZDA3 REAR ENDED A MOVING TRUCK. MAZDA3 WAS GOING ABOUT 45 MPH AND TRUCK WAS NOT MOVING. UPON IMPACT, THE MAZDA3 IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT FIRE AT…”NHTSA complaint 10367388 — filed 11/17/2010 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

37201267189201417270201685342018536320202115202222112024942026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3?

Unknown or other issues are the most-reported category, cited in 133 of 686 NHTSA complaints (19.4%), followed by structure (115), seats (106), visibility/wiper (100). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have?

686 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 18 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V082000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.