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
686 reports, newest first.
Structure, Sep 26, 2015
DASH COVER MELTING IN HOT SUN. TURNS INTO A STICKY FILM AND REFLECT THE SUN AS YOU ARE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2015
MY DASHBOARD HAS BEGUN TO MELT ALL THE WAY ACROSS. IT IS AWFUL. I FIND MYSELF HAVING TO TILT MY HEAD WHEN DRIVING AS IT CREATES A GLARE THAT IS DIFFICULT AND COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS REALLY HARD ON THE EYES AS WELL. I HAVE TRIED TO USE A SHIELD BUT THE SHIELD STICKS TO THE MELTING DASH AND THEN MAKES FOR AN ADDITIONAL MESS ON THE WINDSHIELD WHEN TRYING TO REMOVE BEFORE DRIVING. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THANK YOU. THIS SHOULD BE PAID AT THE EXPENSE OF MAZDA. CARS HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT THIS ISSUE IN TEMPERATURES ALL OVER THE WORLD. THIS IS WRONG.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2015
THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND SHINY. THE MELTING DASH WHEN CLEANED FALLS APART. IT IS ALSO CREATING A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE GLARE IS CREATING AN ISSUE WHEN DRIVING ON A VERY SUNNY DAY.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 11, 2015
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. IT CREATES A HORRIBLE TOXIC NAUTIOUS PLASTIC SMELL. THE MELTING OF THE DASH CREATES A VISUAL SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE INTENSE REFLECTIVE GLARE IT CREATES FROM ITS NOW SMOOTH SURFACE. THE GLARE BOUNCES OFF THE DASH THEN REFLECTS AN INTENSE GLARE OFF THE WINDSHIELD MAKING THE WINDSHIELD DIFFICULT TO SEE THROUGH.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 9, 2015
DASH BOARD IS MELTING AND THE GLOSS COAT IT LEAVES IS THROWING A SERVE GLARE IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOYIFIED AND STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMERIOUS CASES POSTED ON-LINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. MAZDA HAS BUILT A VEHICLE WITH A KNOWN SAFETY/MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBLITY FOR. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THEIR ATTENTION? LOSS OF LIFE???
Visibility/wiper, Sep 8, 2015
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING CREATING A GLARE ON MY WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. IT STARTED JUST AS A SMALL AREA IT HAS NOW GROWN OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS GETTING STICKY RESIDUE EVERYWHERE MAKING IT HARD TO CLEAN. WHY SHOULD ANYONE HAVE TO PAY TO GET A NEW DASHBOARD OR EVEN HAVE TO GET A DASH PAD?! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR FREE.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 31, 2015
STARTED TO NOTICE STICKY RESIDUE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. HARD TO CLEAN OFF MAKING FOR A VISIBILITY ISSUE. DAYS LATER AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED NOTICED THE DASHBOARD WAS VERY STICKY AND APPEARS TO BE MELTING. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION ONLINE REALIZE THIS IS AN GOING ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND OTHERS. I.E. TOYOTA/LEXUS .
Structure, Aug 31, 2015
I OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR, SAT DOWN AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH. I LOOKED AT THE DOOR LATCH AND THE THREE SCREWS USED TO ATTACH THE LATCH WERE MISSING AND THE LATCH WAS HANGING FREELY WITHIN THE DOOR. I WAS TRYING TO FIND REPLACEMENT SCREWS ONLINE WHEN I CAME ACROSS A RECALL ON THE MAZDA 6 WHICH IS APPEARS TO BE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V425000
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 31, 2015
OVER TIME THE DASHBOARD HAS GONE FROM A MATT BLACK RUBBER MATERIAL TO A VERY SHINY, STICKY, MELTING SURFACE, WHICH IS QUITE VISIBLE WHEN LOOKING FORWARD THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. IT ADVERSELY EFFECTS THE VISIBILITY, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING INTO THE SUN.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2015
DASHBOARD STARTED TO MELT. THE PANEL IS ALL STICKY, INCLUDING A/C VENTS WHICH ALSO STARTED TO CRACK.WILL TAKE THE CAR TO DEALER TO FIX/SUGGEST A SOLUTION. TOUCHING THE SHINNY PARTS WITH FINGERS WILL TURN FINGERS BLACK, STICKY AND IS ALSO HARD TO CLEAN. TRYING TO CLEAN DASH MAKES THINGS WORST.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2015
MELTING DASHBOARD!!!! MY MAZDA'S DASHBOARD HAS BEEN INSANELY STICKY AND MELTING OVER THE LAST 8 MONTHS. PIECES OF MY DASHBOARD HAVE BEEN RUINED SIMPLY BY TOUCHING THE STICKY RESIDUE OR BY MY SUN VISOR GETTING STUCK TO IT. WHEN I TAKE MY CAR TO THE CAR WASH, THEY CAN'T WIPE THE DASH BECAUSE THE TOWEL GETS STUCK TO THE STICKY RESIDUE. THE GLARE IS SO BAD WHEN THE SUN IS DIRECTLY HITTING MY CAR THAT I HAVE TO PUT MY HEAD TO THE COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING IN ORDER TO SEE. I FEAR THAT I WILL GET IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF HOW DANGEROUS THE GLARE IS! I FEEL LIKE I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR DURING THE DAY ANYMORE. I REFUSE TO GET A DASH BOARD COVER BECAUSE THAT WILL TOO ALSO COMPLETELY STICK TO MY REGULAR DASH AND I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO TAKE IT OFF BECAUSE IT'LL COMPLETELY RUIN THE CAR AND DEVALUE IT IF I EVER TRY TO SELL IT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. SO DISAPPOINTED IN MAZDA, THIS IS MY SECOND MAZDA AND DEFINITELY MY LAST. CHEAP. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED, IT IS A DANGEROUS HAZARD.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2015
I PURCHASED MY 2010 MAZDA 3 IN AUGUST OF 2009. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE NOTICED THE DASHBOARD FEELING STICKY. IT HAS NOW PROGRESSED TO ALMOST MELTING WHICH CAUSES A HORRIBLE GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IMPACTS MY ABILITY TO SEE EFFECTIVELY WHEN DRIVING ON SUNNY DAYS.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2015
I PURCHASED A 2010 MAZDA 3 IN 2009. THIS YEAR (2015), AROUND APRIL/MAY, BEFORE THE SUMMER HEAT EVEN GOT BAD, I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY. SINCE THEN, IT HAS PRETTY MUCH COMPLETELY MELTED. THE DASHBOARD IS EXTREMELY STICKY AND SOFT WHEN YOU TOUCH IT, ALMOST HAS A PUTTY CONSISTENCY, BUT THAT IS NOT THE MAIN ISSUE. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS MY MAIN CONCERN. THERE IS A HORRIBLE GLARE THE SHINE FROM THE DASHBOARD CREATES ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WHEN THE SUN IS OUT BECAUSE OF THIS GLARE. A DASHBOARD COVER IS NOT AN OPTION BECAUSE OF HOW STICKY THE DASHBOARD IS; A COVER WILL DEFINITELY GET STUCK TO THE DASH AND DESTROY IT. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CLAIMS FOR MELTING DASHBOARDS FOR MODELS BETWEEN 2009 AND 2011. THIS IS SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN FORCED TO RECALL THESE FAULTY PARTS.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2015
THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2010 MAZDA 3 HAS BECOME STICKY, THERE IS A SLIGHT SHINE TO IT WHICH GLARES OFF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND AM TAKING IT IN TOMORROW TO SEE ABOUT REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. I USE A SUNSHADE THOUGH I DO NOT HAVE A DASHBOARD COVER. THE AFFECTED AREA IS CLEARLY WHERE THE DASH GETS THE HOTTEST.
Structure, Aug 6, 2015
MY DASHBOARD JUST RECENTLY STARTED MELTING. THE DASHBOARD HAS FORMED A SHINY CONSISTENCY WHICH REFLECTS ON TO THE WINDSHIELD AND IS HAZARDOUS.
Structure, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLARE AND A STICKY RESIDUE SUBSTANCE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT WAS CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 2, 2015
THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2010 MAZDA 3 STARTED MELTING ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO BECOMING MORE STICKY AND REFLECTIVE OVER TIME TO POINT WHERE IT HAS A PLASTIC, CHEMICAL SMELL EMITTING FROM IT. MOREOVER, IT HAS BECOME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DUE TO THE SEVERE REFLECTION. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED OVER THE PAST YEAR. I AM IN DISBELIEF THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD USE MATERIAL FOR A DASHBOARD THAT MELTS AND EMITS CHEMICALS. CLEARLY, MAZDA CHOSE TO USE INFERIOR MATERIALS FOR THE DASHBOARD. CONSIDERING THE PLETHORA OF COMPLAINTS AND STATEMENTS REGARDING THE SAFETY ISSUE OF LIMITED VISIBILITY DUE TO REFLECTION, IT IS VASTLY IRRESPONSIBLE THAT MAZDA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO SEEKING CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS TO MAKE MAZDA CORRECT THEIR MISTAKE.
Wheels, Aug 1, 2015
TPMS BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. HERE IS AN IMAGE OF MY THIRD TPMS THAT WOULD HAVE BLOWN OUT WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. GOOD THING I NOTICED THIS BECAUSE I NOW KNOW TO CHECK FOR IT. HTTP://TINYPIC.COM/R/2PT89CL/8 HTTP://TINYPIC.COM/R/2UNWLR5/8 HTTP://TINYPIC.COM/R/O6A64J/8 HTTP://TINYPIC.COM/R/5Z2VC9/8
Structure, Jul 29, 2015
THE DASHBOARD HAS BECOME VERY STICKY AND SHINY. IT REFLECTS BACK INTO MY FACE WHEN DRIVING AND IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND APPEARS TO CONTINUE TO BE SHINY...UPDATED 10/27/15 *BF
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2015
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. WHEN I RUB MY FINGER ON IT BLACK RESIDUE EASILY COMES OFF. IF YOU PRESS DOWN WITH YOUR FINGER IT IS VERY EASY TO TAKE CHUNKS OFF WITH YOUR NAIL. THE GOOEY DASHBOARD IS SHINY WHICH EMITS A REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH THEN IN TURN IMPAIRS MY VISION. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AS ONE DRIVES. WHEN ONE GOES INTO THE CAR IT EMITS AN ODOR SIMILAR TO A PLASTIC FORK THAT HAS BEEN LEFT IN A DISHWASHER. INHALING TOXINS IS NOT SOMETHING I WANT AS PART OF MY DAILY LIFE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2015
THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD PANEL HAS MELTED AND NOW HAS A STICKY TEXTURE. IT IS ALSO HIGHLY REFLECTIVE, CAUSING DANGEROUS GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING.
Structure, Seats, Jul 27, 2015
A COUPLE MONTHS AGO I HEARD A CLICK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AND AFTER HEARING THAT CLICK I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVERS CAR SEAT TITLED A LITTLE. YESTERDAY AFTER LOADING MY CAR I HEARD ANOTHER CLICK AND NOW BOTH FRONT WELDS ATTACHING MY DRIVERS SEAT TO THE FLOOR BOARD HAVE BROKEN OFF LEAVING MY DRIVERS CAR SEAT COMPLETELY UNATTACHED AT THE FRONT. MY CAR IS NOW EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND BASICALLY A ROCKING CHAIR. AFTER CALLING BOTH THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM AND THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP THEY BOTH TURNED ME AWAY TELLING ME IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT. THIS IS AN EXTREME DANGER AND AFTER DOING MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2015
2010 MAZDA 3 DASHBOARD IS MELTING. CONDITION IS MORE PRONOUNCED DURING HOT SUMMER MONTHS. AS A RESULT OF THE MELTING DASH, VISIBILITY CAN OCCASIONALLY BECOME OBSCURED BY SUNLIGHT GLARE CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS. MELTING DASH MATERIAL IS TRANSFERRED TO REMOVABLE SUN SCREEN PUT IN TO REFLECT SUNLIGHT OUT OF THE VEHICLE - THIS MELTED DASH MATERIAL CAN THEN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE WINDSHIELD ITSELF WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO CLEAN.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 21, 2015
THE DASH BOARD IS MELTING WHICH IS CAUSING A REFLECTION INTO THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2015
DASHBOARD IS MELTING CREATING HORRIBLE GLARE IN LINE OF VISION OCCLUDING ONCOMING CARS. I HAVE PICTURES OF HOW TERRIBLE THE GLARE OF THE DASHBOARD REFLECTION IS CREATING WHILE DRIVING. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SOMEONE WILL FAIL TO SEE AN ONCOMING CAR OR CHILD CROSSING THE STREET DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR