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: other or unspecified
133 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2026
NHTSA Complaint Narrative I am filing this complaint regarding a 2010 Mazda 3, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences intermittent transmission control failures, including difficulty shifting out of first gear and warning indicators triggered by vibration. The transmission and transmission control module have already been replaced. The dealership has identified the wiring harness as the cause of the remaining failure. Mazda North American Operations has confirmed that the required wiring harness (BBM9-67-020H) is discontinued and unavailable. However, Mazda has not provided a written determination of whether the known wiring harness recall (engine wiring harness chafing affecting control systems) applies to this VIN, nor confirmed recall completion history. Mazda has advised the customer to seek aftermarket or salvage parts, but has not provided an approved repair remedy or goodwill assistance despite the issue affecting drivability and safety. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Mazda has met its obligations regarding: 1.recall applicability determination by VIN, and 2.providing an adequate remedy when OEM repair parts are no longer available for a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2025
I have reason to believe the dealership I bought my vehicle from rolled back my odometer. Upon checking my carfax information, 12/01/24, the odometer read 161,142, which the dealership did own my vehicle at this time. When I bought this car in April of 2025, the odometer was reading 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2025
Transmission slipping. Not shifting correctly.
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2024
Tha dashboard is melted causing glares on very sunny days and makes driving difficult.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 15, 2024
my Mazda 03 dashboard is melting, and I am not able to see out the window... I have talked to dealer and manufactory, and they will not pay the whole amount knowing it's a safety issue. I don't understand how they can sell product on car that is malfunctioning and a safety issue. I bought the car brand new in 2010 and didn't have any issues until this year. Please call me back at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . I was not in an accident, just think this is a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2023
These vehicles have a foam based dash board which is falling off in pieces and sections . This can cause choking hazard in small children adults etc also if air bags where to deploy this section would more then likely explode in many hundreds of pieces causing blinding .As well as it decays or falls off in these pieces children may place objects in there mouths or chew or eat on .The dash board does not seem to be able ro handle a air bag deploy situation . I would have thought this would have been replaced or recalled prior to my intation of this matter. Also dash may contain harmful or chemical agents I'm it that would not be safe to child nor adult.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 13, 2023
I am writing to file a complaint regarding the defective dashboard of my Mazda 3. The dash of the car under the windshield has become melty and shines excessively, making it extremely difficult to see when the sun is shining on the dashboard. The reflection on the windshield is so intense that it affects the visibility of the road and makes it hard to see clearly. I was informed by the dealership that there was an extended service available for this issue, but it expired after 10 years. I was never informed of this extended service and only now, after my dashboard has become extremely affected, did I find out about it. This is extremely concerning as the dashboard is an important safety feature of the car and the reflection from the dashboard is affecting my visibility, putting myself and other drivers on the road in danger. I am extremely frustrated with the lack of transparency and communication from the dealership regarding this extended service and the fact that my dashboard has become defective despite proper maintenance and upkeep of the car. I demand that Mazda take responsibility for the defective dashboard and rectify the issue as soon as possible. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigates this matter and ensures that Mazda takes the necessary actions to resolve this issue for all affected car owners.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2022
Mazda, had issued a recall in 2020. however, I was out of the country and due to covid was unable to get the recalled part fixed. Now Mazda is refusing to fix it. I have contacted them multiple times and they just give me the run around and say that the date has passed and they will not fix it anymore.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2022
Said vehicle has 2 Recall issues that are listed as expired. 1. It has not had the defective Takata Air Bags replaced Campaign SSPB3 started 12/1/2017. 2. It has a Sticky Dashboard Campaign SSP99 started 11/30/2015. A third recall for a Seat Lifer Link was completed for Campaign 0917B on 9/13/2017. I would like Mazda to take responsibility for the 2 expired Recalls for the Air Bags and the Sticky Dashboard. Mazda had the vehicle in one of their service centers 9/17/2017 when the Seat Recall was completed. Mazda’s policy of checking for recalls failed otherwise these Recalls would have been completed. Both Recalls impact the safe operation of said vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2022
My car has a sticky-melting dashboard problem. When the sunlight hits it, the reflection on the windshield makes seeing ahead difficult. The dealer inspected it but they say there's nothing they can do about it.
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2022
When we were cleaning the car we took off the dash cover. The dash was all cracked and sticky.we don't know when it occured.we bought it in 2010 new.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2021
my dashboard is melting creating an extreme glare impacting my visibility.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2021
Glare from sticky dashboard is a safety hazard. It is very difficult to see through windshield with this problem. Mazda dealer did not assist in anyway. Please assist me. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2021
The dashboard is actually melting. It’s sticky and shiny and causes a reflection on the windshield that Makes it very difficult to see.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2021
I have been experiencing unintended acceleration while in D (drive) but stopped with my foot on the brake. For instance, when fully stopped at a light, the car will suddenly experience a small burst of acceleration and propel forward. I see the engine rpm go up when this occurs even though I am stopped. This is very scary and uncomfortable as I feel like I lose control of the car during those times and can potentially hit another car or person in front of me.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2021
MELTING DASHBOARD BLINES ME WHEN I'M DRIVING MY MAZDA 3 AT ALL TIMES WOULD LOVE TO FIX IT WHEN EVER POSSIBLE
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2020
I BELIEVE THAT (RECALL CAMPAIGN 0917B) SAFETY RECALL APPLIES TO MY 2010 MAZDA3 GT, ALTHOUGH IT TOOK OVER 2.5 YEARS TO OCCUR (AUGUST 2017) THE COMPLETE FALLOUTS DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL NOW...(DECEMBER 2020) INITIALLY, FELT A POP IN MY BACK (FROM THE FRAME?) WHILE I WAS DRIVING, PULLED OVER AND THE SEATS MOVED FINE SO DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF. MEANWHILE, A DISTINCT RATTLING OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY BEHIND ME. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (PAID THEIR SPECIAL SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF ($165+) WITH 'MASTER TECHNICIANS' WHO KNOW ABOUT THIS SEAT RECALL, YET, FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT OR EVEN LOOKED IF YOU ASK ME, YET WANTED ME TO CORRECT THE NOISE BY BY INSTALLING BOTH FRONT AND REAR NEW SUSPENSION (~$1000). TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SUSPENSION SPECIALIST AND FOUND ONLY ONE (1) PART OF THE SUSPENSION THAT MAY HAVE REQUIRED CORRECTING BUT WAS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. I ASKED IF THE REMAINING SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE SAFE AND IF THEY WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. AND THEY SAID'NO' ONLY ONE (1), AND IT WAS BARELY DAMAGED, BUT I REPLACED IT ANYWAY. TOOK IT BACK FOR AN OIL CHANGE SINCE THEY WERE TREATING ME HONESTLY. TWO DAYS LATER, AS I WAS LEAVING MY WORK, THE SEAT FELL OFF THE RIGHT RAIL AS I WAS DRIVING. IN RETROSPECT, THE PUSH NUTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE POPPED OFF AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME HAS LOST ITS INTEGRITY, SO I SAT ASKEW. UNABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY UNLESS A PIECE OF WOOD IS HOLDING THE SEAT TO THE RAIL. IS IT POSSIBLE TO STILL REPAIR MY CAR'S DRIVER'S SEAT UNDER THE AFOREMENTIONED SAFETY RECALL? I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AND AM WITHOUT OPTIONS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE HELP!!
Seats, Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2020
THERE WAS A POP I FELT IN MY BACK AS I WAS DRIVING (JULY 2017) I NEVER THOUGHT MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME. DUE TO MY WORK, I HAD MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANY DIFFERENT MAZDA DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE HAD MY DASH REPLACED (WESCOTT, NATIONAL CITY, CA) BUT NO ONE MENTIONED THE SEAT PROBLEM THAT I CAN RECALL. NOW IT IS DECEMBER 2020 AND THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT HAS BROKEN? WHILE DRIVING I SIT ASKEW THE RIGHT HALF OF MY BODY IS LOWER THAN THE OTHER. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER SEAT WHEN THIS WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL NO MATTER THE DELAY.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2020
OUR 2010 MAZDA3 HAS A STICKY DASHBOARD THAT APPEARS TO BE MELTING. IT SMEARS AND COLLECTS DIRT AND DOG HAIR, ETC. OTHER THAN BEING UNSANITARY AND UNSIGHTLY, I WORRY THAT THERE IS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE GLARE. I'M ALSO CONCERNED WHETHER THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING TOXIC COMING FROM THIS MELTED MATERIAL.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2020
I'VE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP SO IT'S BEEN HAVING THIS. I'VE ALSO SEEN THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE AS WELL. THE DASH BOARD ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER IS EXTREMELY STICKY. A LARGE PORTION OF IT. AND MORE TO THE RIGHT, ABOVE THE GLOVE BOX, IT'S CRACKED. I'M ASSUMING IT HAS DO SOMETHING WITH THE SUN.
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2020
OVER TIME, THE DASHBOARD UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHEILD OF MY CAR HAS MELTED. NOW IT'S STICKY AND VERY SHINY. WHEN THE DIRECT SUN HITS IT, IT CAUSES A DANGEROUS GLARE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE IN FRONT. WHILE MAZDA HAS EXTENDED A WARRANTY ON THIS REPAIR, I WAS NOT INFORMED AS I WAS ABOUT OTHER RECALLS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECAL NOTICE - WITHOUT AN EXPIRATION DATE AS IT IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2020
PARTS OF DASHBOARD MELTED AND BECAME STICKY AND CAUSES A GLARE WHILE DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2020
STICKY DASHBOARD PANELS CAUSING EXCESSIVE GLARE ON WINDSHIELD; MAZDA ONLY COVERED THIS UNDER A 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION THAT ALREADY EXPIRED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE PROBLEM APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MORE HUMID CLIMATE IN LOUISIANA FOR 2 YEARS.