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Mazda · NHTSA safety record

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 686 safety complaints about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 with the US government. Of those, 18 describe a crash, 5 mention a fire, 13 people were injured and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the body structure, named in 169 complaints, 25% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 59,537 miles, the median across the 487 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2009 to April 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

686 complaints on file

686

Complaints

18

Describe a crash

5

Mention fire

13

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
STRUCTURE 169 · 25%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 133 · 19%
SEATS 106 · 15%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 100 · 15%
WHEELS 54 · 8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 50 · 7%
TIRES 48 · 7%
POWER TRAIN 40 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 31 · 5%
STEERING 31 · 5%
AIR BAGS 26 · 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 23 · 3%
0 69 138

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 686.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2014 at 138.

148 111 74 37
09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2009 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

3 on file

SEATS

17V082000 · February 9, 2017

The defect
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.
The risk
If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The 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.

Mazda North American Operations · up to 173,859 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

16V644000 · September 6, 2016

The defect
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.
The risk
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.

Mazda North American Operations · up to 580,455 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

09V126000 · April 16, 2009

The defect
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 risk
THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy
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.

MAZDA MOTOR CORP · up to 25,400 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · towed · 171,000 miles

I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND HIT HEAD ON BY A CAR THAT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR FAILING TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I WAS HIT BY THE OTHER CAR MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, FLIPPING IT INTO THE DITCH NOSE FIRST. I AM FORTUNATE TO BE HERE WRITING THIS BECAUSE MY AIR BAGS IN THE CAR DID NOT DEPLOY AND THEY MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE. OWNERS RELY ON THEIR CAR'S AIR BAG TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH AND A HIP ISSUE THAT HAS YET TO BE DIAGNOSED. PLEASE FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE PAYS

NHTSA complaint 11076165, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 75,000 miles

TAKATA RECALL RELATED ACCIDENT HAPPENED 10/31/2014. THERE WAS NO AIRBAG RECALL AT THIS TIME. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CLASSIC T-BANE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED MORE DAMAGE THAN THE FORCE OF THE ACTUAL ACCIDENT. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 20-30 MPH AT IMPACT. I WAS UNCONCIOUS FOR APPROX 30 SECONDS TO 1MIN AND I COULDN'T REMEMBER MY ADDRESS FOR THE FIRST 15-20 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT. POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND SHOWED TO THE SCENE. I WAS UNABLE TO HEAR THE REST OF THE DAY FROM MY L EAR ( WHICH I WAS TOLD BY THE ER PROVIDER IS NORMAL FOR THE AIRBAG GOING OFF IS LIKE A CONCUSSION GRENADE) AND HAD MUFFLED HEARING THE NEXT 4-5 DAYS. I ALSO

NHTSA complaint 10985084, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 injured · crash · 1,260 miles

WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH A COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, THE AUTOMOBILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING,RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10328438. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash

THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO CARS AND ROLLED OVER AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED INCLUDING SIDE, PASSENGER AND DRIVER. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10344230. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The AT light came on the dash, added transmission fluid because it was a little low but the light still has not gone off. I think there is an electrical problem within the transmission. It's had shifting issues since purchasing this vehicle. I also have a small child that comes with me to work and I do not want my car to catch on fire while we are in this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint 11729138. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES
my girlfriend had bought a car from a dealership in Pennsylvania and the car is registered in Pennsylvania at a dealer called premier world wide auto sales. when she had bought the car all four of the tires i believe should have failed pa safety inspection and the owner of this shop keeps telling me that they pass one hundred percent even though the tires have signs of dry rot all the way around all four tires and would not stop giving me problems and trying to prove me wrong the dot codes show that the tires in the front were 10 years of age and the rear tires at 8 years of age and showing signs of dry rot the tire size all around is 205/55r16 and this is completely unacceptable for a

NHTSA complaint 11723061, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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

NHTSA complaint 11710562, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint 11689499. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
On August 15, 2025, my 2010 Mazda 3 began displaying the ABS warning light intermittently while driving. The ABS system is a critical safety feature, and when the light comes on, I am unsure if the braking system will function properly in an emergency. I scanned the vehicle using a Foxwell diagnostic tool and retrieved the following ABS-related fault codes: C0020:1C-2B – ABS Pump Motor Control Circuit U0425:62-60 – Invalid Data Received from IPC/ABS Control Module U0140:00-28 – Lost Communication with Body Control Module These issues are consistent with Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 04-002/13 (July 17, 2013), which documents ABS pump motor failures caused by poor motor brush contact.

NHTSA complaint 11683431, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.

NHTSA complaint 11683533. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mazda MAZDA3

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 8 1 —
2024 12 3 —
2021 52 1 —
2020 32 2 —
2019 74 6 —
2018 108 4 1
2017 83 2 —
2016 104 6 —
2015 130 4 —
2014 138 4 —
2013 117 1 —
2012 226 1 —
2011 132 2 —

Other 2010 Mazda models

MAZDA6 225 CX-9 195 CX-7 155 MAZDA5 57 Tribute 39 MAZDASPEED3 32

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Mazda on this site — 82 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst