2010 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 has 920 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 6.7x the segment average of 137. The most common issue is body/structure problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: (2010 mazda3 5-dr with sunroof) when sunroof is fully opened and driving around 35 miles/hr, complete roof starts to vibrate producing loud noise. i took the car to a car dealer and technician noticed the problem as well. i was told that the car is new design and that mazda engineering received a c. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
920
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
6.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
BODY/STRUCTURE
170 complaints- • (2010 MAZDA3 5-DR WITH SUNROOF) WHEN SUNROOF IS FULLY OPENED AND DRIVING AROUND 35 MILES/HR, COMPLETE ROOF STARTS TO VIBRATE PRODUCING LOUD NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CAR DEALER AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE PROBLEM AS WELL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS NEW DESIGN AND THAT MAZDA ENGINEERING RECEIVED A C
- • THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR LATCH CABLE BROKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE NEW MAZDA 3. *TR
- • HI, THIS MORNING I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENTIRE SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HIT MY CAR, NOR NOTHING THAT HIT MY SUNROOF. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65MPH ON I-25 IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM. NEITHER THE SUNROOF NOR THE CAR HAVE BEEN CHANGED IN ANYWAY FROM T
“(2010 MAZDA3 5-DR WITH SUNROOF) WHEN SUNROOF IS FULLY OPENED AND DRIVING AROUND 35 MILES/HR, COMPLETE ROOF STARTS TO VIBRATE PRODUCING LOUD NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CAR DEALER AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE PROBLEM AS WELL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS NEW DESIGN AND THAT MAZDA ENGINEERING RECEIVED A C”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
Based on 654 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 59K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
STEERING
ENGINE
SPEED CONTROL
FUEL SYSTEM
BODY/STRUCTURE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda MAZDA3 Service Intervals
SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2010 MAZDA3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 920 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: (2010 MAZDA3 5-DR WITH SUNROOF) WHEN SUNROOF IS FULLY OPENED AND DRIVING AROUND 35 MILES/HR, COMPLETE ROOF STARTS TO VIBRATE PRODUCING LOUD NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A CAR DEALER AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE PROBLEM AS WELL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS NEW DESIGN AND THAT MAZDA ENGINEERING RECEIVED A C
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: MAZDA3 REAR ENDED A MOVING TRUCK. MAZDA3 WAS GOING ABOUT 45 MPH AND TRUCK WAS NOT MOVING. UPON IMPACT, THE MAZDA3 IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT FIRE AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. FIRE DAMAGED CAR. CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: DRIVER SEAT FEELS LOOSE AND ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE I AM DRIVING VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED SEAT WILL NOT HOLD UP IN ACCIDENT. SAT IN SIMILAR CAR AT DEALER WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐VISIBILITY: I WAS ADJUSTING MY REAR VIEW MIRROR ON MY NEW 2010 MAZDA 3 AND IT CAME OFF. WHEN IT CAME OFF IT BROKE OFF A CHUNK OF GLASS FROM THE WINDSHIELD. MAZDA REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM! *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda MAZDA3 — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 920
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 137
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Mazda MAZDA3