2010 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 has 3 safety recalls and 686 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
686
Crashes / fires
18 / 5
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 17V-082: Seats

Reported Feb 9, 2017 · 173,859 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Recall 16V-644: Structure

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 580,455 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-126: Electrical System

Reported Apr 16, 2009 · 25,400 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: 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.

Risk: The main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure170
Unknown or Other133
Seats106
Visibility/Wiper100
Wheels54
Electrical System51
Tires50
Power Train42
Steering32
Service Brakes31
Air Bags26
Exterior Lighting23

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 52
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 19
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 5
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
  • Tires › Valve — 3
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 3
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,036 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Apr 4, 2026
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.
Tires · reported Mar 9, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported 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…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 27, 2025
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…
Unknown or Other · reported 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 Mazda Mazda3 years

Compare all Mazda Mazda3 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3: 17V-082 (seats), 16V-644 (structure), 09V-126 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report structure problems most often (170 reports), followed by unknown or other (133). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,036 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.