2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
918
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
32
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
The 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 has received a total of 918 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 32 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Unknown Or Other (133 complaints), Structure (115 complaints), and Seats (106 complaints).
Recalls for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3, potentially affecting up to 779,714 vehicles.
Recall 17V082000 — SEATS
| 173,859 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 16V644000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
| 580,455 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
View full details →Recall 09V126000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 25,400 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
918 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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)
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)
See attached document for complaint.
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. This is a serious safety concern because the ABS system fails without warning, leaving the driver and passengers at risk of brake loss in critical conditions. Why this should be investigated: The defect occurs intermittently, making it difficult to predict or reproduce. It matches a known documented defect acknowledged by Mazda in TSB 04-002/13. Other owners have reported similar ABS pump failures in Mazda vehicles of this generation. The failure compromises safe braking and should be treated as a safety defect warranting investigation and possible recall. Action Requested: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this recurring ABS pump/motor failure in 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles and determine whether a recall should be issued to address this known defect.
Safety Rating for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 32 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
01-003/22 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
CSP09 — POWER TRAIN
CSP09 - 2010-2013 - MAZDA3 2.5L CLUTCH REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM (NO REPAIR WITH THIS PROGRAM)
SSP99_SSPA9 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SSP99 - 2010 MAZDA3 - DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL STICKY SURFACE: For certain 2010 Mazda3 vehicles, the warranty coverage for dashboard replacement for sticky surface condition only is extended to 10 years (120 months) from the original Warranty Start Date, with no mileage limitations. Any other condition for dashboard replacement, such...
01-008-18-3451 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
SSPA0 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Parts ordering process for SSPA0 2009-2013 Mazdas6 Sticky Dashboard - Crash pad warranty extension. Effective today, March 23rd orders for the Mazda6 crash pad, part number GSYL-60-350 can be placed using the DAG Restricted Parts Order screen on MXConnect. Orders will be VIN specific using the SSPA0 Restricted Parts Order...
SSP99 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2010 Mazda3 Dashboard Upper Panel Sticky Surface Warranty Extension Program ? Special Service Program (SSP) 99. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for the dashboard on certain 2010 Mazda3 vehicles produced from October 7, 2008 through April 28, 2010.
SSPA9 — ENGINE
Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repair of instrument panel on certain 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through July 19, 2013. The warranty coverage for instrument panel replacement due to warping or a gap is extended to 7 years (84 months) from the...
01-015-16-3234 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DTC P2096:00 (TARGET A/F FEEDBACK SYSTEM TOO LEAN). THIS IS CAUSED BY IMPROPER CONTROL LOGIC OF THE PCM. TO ELIMINATE THE CONCERN, THE CONTROL LOGIC OF THE PCM HAS BEEN CHANGED.
1107M — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN PERFORMING ELECTRICAL REPAIRS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS (E.G. 2010 MAZDA3 DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL STICKY SURFACE SSP99), TAKE CAUTION WHEN RE-CONNECTING CONNECTORS 0918-501 AND 0920-403. BOTH CONNECTORS ARE IDENTICAL AND NEAR THE SAME LOCATION. IF CONNECTED INCORRECTLY, MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WILL OCCUR (E.G. HAZARD LIGHTS STAY ON).
09-027-16-3197 — STRUCTURE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT RUST OR BLISTERING ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE/TRUNK LID, WHERE IT CONTACTS THE WEATHERSTRIP (AS SHOWN BELOW). THE PAINT MAY BECOME DAMAGED BY WEATHERSTRIP CHAFING CAUSED BY LIFTGATE/TRUNK LID VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. TO ELIMINATE THIS CONCERN ON CX-5, SILICONE IS APPLIED TO THE LIP...
Showing 10 of 32 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MAZDA MAZDA3
- 2005 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 127 complaints
- 2006 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 224 complaints
- 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 301 complaints
- 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 387 complaints
- 2009 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 140 complaints
- 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 (current)
- 2011 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 179 complaints
- 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 328 complaints
- 2013 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 176 complaints
- 2014 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 174 complaints
- 2015 MAZDA MAZDA3 — 152 complaints
Other MAZDA Models
- MAZDA 626 — 3,877 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-5 — 3,005 total complaints
- MAZDA MAZDA6 — 2,906 total complaints
- MAZDA TRIBUTE — 2,830 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-9 — 1,786 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-7 — 1,539 total complaints
- MAZDA PROTEGE — 1,377 total complaints
- MAZDA MPV — 1,156 total complaints