2010 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 686 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 18 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SeatsFeb 9, 2017
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.
If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V082000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateSep 6, 2016
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.
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V644000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemApr 16, 2009
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.
THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V126000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
169 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Sep 24, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Visibility/wiper, Structure, May 15, 2023
The dashboards should be subject to a recall immediately since badly reduced visibility from glare is a recipe for an accident. The defective (melting) material is so bad that if the sun hits it just right, I can hardly see anything ahead of me; it is an accident waiting to happen. I called my Mazda dealer (Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, TN (423) 303-1333) but said there was nothing they could do now as there was a warranty before but it had expired. I try to drive the car but always trying to avoid sunny conditions, but unfortunately, when I leave at 5pm conditions are worse if it's sunny. I wish Mazda would accept responsibility soon (or they are forced to do so by NHTSA, if needed) so that I wouldn't have to take such a risk.
Structure, Dec 22, 2022
The dash of the car is melting. It causes a reflection that is bright and impairs visibility. Mazda addressed this problem with extending the warranty. When I called the local dealerships, none of them had the dash to replace per warranty. I made several calls throughout the year and each time was told the dashboard was not available and to try again. Then COVID hit and I did not venture out. When I finally called again, the warranty had expired. Mazda offered me $200 towards replacing the dash. When I called the dealership, it was almost a $1,000 repair. I've then called Mazda again and they asked me to get a diagnosis at a local dealership. I did that and then have had zero response to my many emails and calls from my assigned rep. I have never seen a dash melt and get sticky and shiny like this before. It is literally dripping down. I believe this is a safety defect. And why Mazda had to extend the warranty. But they didn't go far enough because they extended the warranty but did not have the parts to honor such a warranty.
Structure, Aug 29, 2022
The dashboard is melting more and more everyday. Its becoming sticky and very reflective. Sometimes whenever I am driving in the morning the sun will reflect off and blind me making it very hard to safely operate my vehicle.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 3, 2022
The dashboard in my 2010 Mazda 3 has melted significantly throughout the years. It has become hazardous and tough to operate this vehicle. The dashboard is glossy, sticky, and believe a slight odor. I tried to slow its deterioration by using a sunshade when parked. It not only did not help, the dashboard just ruined each shade with a sticky, tar-like, black residue. No dealership has offered to help me without trying to charge me the total price of replacement, plus their labor costs. I regularly check to see if there has been a new recall, but there has not. I can not sell this car without feeling guilty for endangering others. I am unlikely to return to Mazda as a paying customer since they shy away from treating my family like one. I hope this issue is fixed adequately for me and anyone else suffering from this issue.
Structure, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that overtime the dashboard had become glossy and sticky due to excessive heat. The contact also stated that on sunny days, the sun would reflect off the glossy surface and would obstruct her vision while driving. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and they informed her that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that unless she had received a notification that her vehicle was under recall or warranty, no assistance could be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Feb 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR PLASTIC ON THE DASHBOARD WAS DEGRADING, CAUSING THE PLASTIC TO BECOME REFLECTIVE AND PRODUCING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IMPAIRED HER VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2020
STICKY DASH ISSUE, THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2010 MAZDA3 HAS BEEN MELTING FOR AGES. IT CAUSES GLARE WHEN DRIVING OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW.
Structure, Sep 9, 2020
DASHBOARD ABOVE INDICATION PANEL IS STICKY/TACKY AND LIGHT REFLECTING OFF OF THIS SECTION IS VISIBLE ON THE WINDSHIELD JUST BELOW EYE LEVEL.
Structure, Jul 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD MELTED, CAUSING A GLARE WHILE DRIVING IN SUN LIGHT, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR WHICH THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 30, 2020
DASH IS MELTING AND I HAVE VERY POOR VISIBILITY DUE TO A LOT OF GLARE REFLECTION. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 22, 2020
THE DASH ON MY VEHICLE HAS MELTED AND BECOME SHINY AND HARD TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. IT APPEARS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAZDA HAS "EXTENDED" THE WARRANTY ON THE DASH, HOWEVER SINCE MY CAR HAS A "BRANDED TITLE" FROM HAIL DAMAGE THIS EXCLUDES MY VEHICLE. ALSO THE ISSUE IS OUTSIDE THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUES AND IS LISTED ON THE MAZDA WEBSITE. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. AFTER CONTACTING MAZDA THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE DASH. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SAFETY HAZARD I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL VS THEM EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO SAVE COSTS ON NOT HAVING TO REPLACE CERTAIN VEHICLES. HTTPS://INSIDEMAZDA.MAZDAUSA.COM/PRESS-RELEASE/MAZDA3-AND-MAZDA6-WARRANTY-EXTENSION-STATEMENT/ *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 11, 2020
STICKY SURFACE DASHBOARD, DASHBOARD GLARE, *TR
Structure, May 14, 2020
DASHBOARD MATERIAL BEGAN TO MELT CAUSING SHINY REFLECTION IN WINDOW. UNSAFE AND NOT ABLE TO 'CLEAN ' I HAD TO INSTALL A DASHBOARD COVER TO STOP THE REFLECTION ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER OWNERS OF SAME CAR REPORT SAME ISSUE SO IT MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW BY MANUFACTURERS AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL YET. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT IT COULD HAVE OCCURRED HAD I NOT RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AND PROACTIVELY PREVENTED IT. *TR
Structure, May 3, 2020
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND LIGHT REFLECTS ON THE WINDSHIELD IMPAIRING MY DRIVING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SAFELY DRIVE AT TIMES NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE. MAZDA SAID THEY WON'T REPLACE IT.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2020
I AM CURRENTLY THE OWNER OF A 2010 MAZDA 3. MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED BY ME 7 MONTHS AGO HAS A MELTING DASHBOARD. I HAVE GONE TO A MAZDA DEALER REGARDING A RECALL FOR THE DASHBOARD AND WAS DECLINED, THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AS I EXPERIENCE A GLARE BOUNCING OFF THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING AND ONLY GETS WORSE UNDER THE FLORIDA SUN.UPON FURTHER INQUIRIES ON THE INTERNET THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RECALL HOWEVER MAZDA DEALERS ARE NOT ABIDING BY THE RECALL AND REFUSE TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE.
Structure, Sep 3, 2019
THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE MELTED INTO THE CONSISTENCY OF LIQUID TAR.IT IS STICKY AND VERY SHINNING CAUSING BLINDING GLARE. I TOOK IT TO THE LODI MAZDA DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT EXPIRED 1 MONTH AGO AND THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THIS FOR FREE. I CALLED THE COOPERATE OFFICE WHO SAID THEY ARE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE THE DASHBOARD WAS NOT HEAT RESISTANT. HOW IRONIC THAT THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR 1 MONTH AFTER THE WARRANTY WAS UP. THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST ME 1200 DOLLARS TO REPAIR.SINCE THIS WAS THERE FAULT FOR INSTALLING A NOT HEAT RESISTANT DASH THEY SHOULD REPLACE IT AT ANYTIME FOR FREE. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE FRONT WINDOW WITH THE GLARE THE MELTED DASH CAUSES.
Structure, Seats, Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2019
MY MAZDA 3 2010 HAS ABOUT 3 RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DO THE RECALLS SINCE LAST YEAR, BUT DUE TO MY SCHEDULE, I CANNOT MAKE IT DURING THE WEEKDAYS. NOW THIS MONTH, WHEN I LOOKED AT THE RECALL LETTERS, I FOUND OUT I SHOULD DO THE RECALLS VERY SOON, BUT I HAD HARD TIME TO GET DAY OFF DURING THE WEEKDAYS, SO I WAS ASKING THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE ME FOR WEEKENDS. BUT THEY REFUSED. I KNOW THIS IS A FREE SERVICE, BUT HOW CAN THEY ONLY GIVE US SCHEDULE FOR WEEKDAYS AND REFUSE TO DO THE WORK FOR WEEKENDS. THIS IS ABOUT SAFETY. I DON'T DRIVE THIS CAR OFTEN, BUT I STILL WANT THIS TO BE DONE. I THINK IT IS WRONG THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE RECALLS SERVICE. I DON'T THINK THEY WILL REFUSE THE SERVICE THAT PAY THEM MONEY. VERY BAD EXPERIENCE! I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MONITOR THIS. BECAUSE THEY REFUSING THE WEEKENDS SERVICE, A LOT PEOPLE MAY HOLD OFF THEIR RECALLS JUST LIKE ME, WHICH MAY CAUSE PROBLEM FOR THE ROAD SAFETY. THE NAME OF THE DEALERSHIP IS: MARTIN MAZDA ADDRESS: 289 E CLEVELAND AVE, NEWARK, DE 19711 PHONE:(302) 738-5200
Structure, Jul 19, 2019
DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD THAT CANNOT WITHSTAND EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT, RESULTING IN THE DASHBOARD MELTING, EMITTING A NOXIOUS SMELL AND TAKING ON A REFLECTIVE QUALITY. WHEN THE DASHBOARD BECOMES REFLECTIVE, DRIVERS TRYING TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO SEE PAST THE IMAGE OF THE DASHBOARD IN THE WINDSHIELD. MAZDA FAILED TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS TIMELY RE: THE DEFECT. WHEN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS WERE FILED, MAZDA WAS FORCED TO TAKE ACTION. THEY OFFERED A LIMITED EXTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX THE "COSMETIC ISSUE" THAT RESULTED. HOWEVER, BRIGHT LIGHT REFLECTING OFF THE MELTED DASHBOARD IS TEMPORARILY BLINDING, CAUSING A HARSH GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD AND OBSCURING VISION, PUTTING THE DRIVER AND OTHERS AT RISK. IN ADDITION, MAZDA IS FAILING TO TAKE ANY ACTION ON VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY DATE, STATING THAT IT IS THE CONSUMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN SERVICE WITHIN A TIMELY MANNER. UPON CONTACT OF MAZDA CORPORATE OFFICE, THERE IS NO RECORD OF ME EVEN OWNING THE VEHICLE AND MY VIN NUMBER IS STILL LISTED UNTIL THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FROM 7 YEARS AGO. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A SINGLE NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL OR WARRANTY EXTENSION SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE IN 2012. OFFICIAL START DATE OF THE DASHBOARD MELTING IS UNKNOWN, HOWEVER HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. UPON CONTACT OF THE DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS ISSUE, I WAS NOTIFIED I WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY WINDOW AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2019
DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND CAUSES A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD
Structure, Apr 25, 2018
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TODAY, A LOUD NOISE SOUNDING LIKE A GUNSHOT CAME FROM INSIDE OF MY CAR AND CAUGHT ME OF GUARDING CAUSING ME TO SWERVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS I REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR, I SAW PIECES OF UNKNOWN DEBRIS SLIDE DOWN THE BACK OF MY REAR WINDOW. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME. I CONTINUED HOME SINCE IT WAS ABOUT ANOTHER 2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I INSPECTED THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED OUTWARD AND HAD SHATTERED EVERYWHERE. THE PIECES OF DEBRIS I SAW WAS IN FACT PIECES OF SHATTERED GLASS. AT FIRST I THOUGH THAT SOMETHING WENT THROUGH THE GLASS BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF AN OBJECT SUCH AS A ROCK THAT PENETRATED THE GLASS. ALSO THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED OUTWARDS INDICATING THAT IT EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THIS HAPPEN ON A CLEAR SUNNY DAY WITH TEMPS AROUND 84 DEGREE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH ALONG A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF RURAL ROAD. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THERE WERE NO CARS WITHIN 200+ YARDS OF MINE.
Structure, Apr 18, 2018
OVER TIME, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS BEGUN TO DEVELOP DEEP CRACKS. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THESE CRACKS ARE WHERE THE AIRBAG IS LOCATED. IT IS VERY CONCERNING, AS IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER THE AIRBAG WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS DEFECT IN THE DASHBOARD. THESE CRACKS HAVE BECOME WORSE OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS AND CONSISTENTLY SPREAD.
Air bags, Structure, Aug 22, 2017, crash
GOT INVOLVED IN A FENDER BENDER AT 50 MPH AND AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. THE BODY OF THE CAR ALSO CAME APART SO QUICKLY I ENDED UP TOTALING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE.
Structure, Aug 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED AND THERE WAS A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MAZDA OF KNOXVILLE LOCATED AT 8814 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE TN 37923) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Structure, Jul 10, 2017
THE DASH BOARD HAS STARTED TO MELT AND BECOME VERY STICKY AND SHINY. THE SHINY REFLECTION FROM THE DASHBOARD CREATES A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN IT IS SUNNY OUTSIDE.