CarBrief

The 2010 Mazda 3 has 686 NHTSA complaints, the most of any Mazda 3 model year listed[1][2]. Owner reports in the samples we read include a loose driver seat, a melting dashboard and tire valve stems, and the car has 3 recalls[3][4][5][2].

686owner complaints[1]
3recalls[2]
24–28MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 169 complaints in the structure group[7], 133 in unknown or other[8], 106 for seats[3] and 100 for visibility and wipers[4]. Smaller groups include wheels with 54[5], electrical system with 50[9], tires with 48[10] and power train with 40[11]. One complaint can name more than one group, so the groups overlap.

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in each group. These are unverified owner reports, so treat them as clues and not as a count of how often something fails.

Across all complaints, NHTSA records 18 that mention a crash, 5 a fire and 13 injuries, with no deaths reported[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 model year[2]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and transmission. The estimated annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[6] 25 / 33 / 28 $2,400
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5)[15] 24 / 33 / 27 $2,500
2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd[16] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5)[17] 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700

All four are front-wheel drive and use regular fuel[6][15][16][17]. The 2.0L versions rate higher than the 2.5L versions[6][16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists the 5 HB FWD version[18] and the 4 DR FWD version[19] as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings. That means there is no star score to compare. It does not say the car is safe or unsafe.

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 144 to 148 hp depending on version[20]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is listed at 165 to 167 hp[21].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4DR hatch GS/GT[22] 178 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 3,025 lb
4DR hatch GX[23] 177 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,895 lb
4DR sedan GT[24] 181 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,985 lb
4DR sedan GX/GS[25] 181 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,855 lb

How 2010 compares with other years

2004: 145 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 97 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 166 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 222 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 303 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 115 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 686 complaints, 3 recalls68620102011: 132 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 226 complaints, 1 recalls20122013: 117 complaints, 1 recalls2014: 138 complaints, 4 recalls20142015: 130 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 104 complaints, 6 recalls20162017: 84 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 109 complaints, 4 recalls20182019: 74 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 32 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 54 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 24 complaints, 0 recalls20222023: 12 complaints, 0 recalls2024: 12 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 3 model year. The 2010 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20041452
2005972
20061661
20072222
20083032
20091153
20106863
20111322
20122261
20131171
20141384
20151304
20161046
2017842
20181094
2019746
2020322
2021541
2022240
2023120
2024123
202581
202610

The 2010 Mazda 3 has 686 complaints on file, more than any other Mazda 3 model year listed[2]. The next highest is 2008 with 303, then 2012 with 226[2].

Recalls tell a different story. 2010 has 3 recalls, the same as 2009 and 2024[2]. 2014, 2015 and 2018 have 4 each, and 2016 and 2019 have 6 each[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a higher count does not by itself prove a higher failure rate.

Should you buy a used 2010 Mazda 3?

The 2010 model year stands out for complaint volume[2], and the sampled complaints include the driver seat, the dashboard surface and tire valve stems[3][4][5]. Before buying, check that the driver seat is firm, look at the dash for stickiness and glare, and ask about the tire pressure sensors. Ask a dealer whether the seat and liftgate recalls apply and are done, since the liftgate remedy was waiting on parts[13]. On the plus side, the rated fuel economy runs from 24 to 28 combined MPG depending on version[6][16]. Our data does not cover repair costs or reliability beyond complaints and recalls.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda 3?
The largest complaint groups are structure with 169 complaints[7], unknown or other with 133[8] and seats with 106[3]. In the samples we read, owners describe a loose driver seat, a sticky melting dashboard and corroded tire valve stems[3][4][5].
Does the 2010 Mazda 3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 model year[2]. They cover the seat lifter (17V082)[12], liftgate struts (16V644)[13] and starter harness (09V126)[14]. The liftgate remedy was not yet available when the notice was written[13].
What gas mileage does the 2010 Mazda 3 get?
EPA rates it from 24 to 28 combined MPG depending on engine and transmission[6][16]. The 2.0L manual gets 28 combined[6] and the 2.5L manual gets 24 combined[16].
Is the 2010 Mazda 3 reliable?
NHTSA has 686 complaints for this year, the most of any Mazda 3 model year listed[1][2]. Those are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales, so they do not give a failure rate.
How many horsepower does a 2010 Mazda 3 have?
The 2.0L engine is rated at 144 to 148 hp[20] and the 2.5L at 165 to 167 hp[21].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 686 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Mazda 3 (18 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda 3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 106 complaints name the seats component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 100 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 54 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. EPA rating for 3, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 169 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 133 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,064). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 50 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 48 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 40 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 17V082, filed February 9, 2017: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 16V644, filed September 6, 2016: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 09V126, filed April 16, 2009: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for 3, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for 3, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 3, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2010 Mazda 3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 144 to 148 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2010 Mazda 3 with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 165 to 167 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR HATCH FWD GS/GT: length 178 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,025 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR HATCH FWD GX: length 177 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,895 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR SEDAN FWD GT: length 181 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,985 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR SEDAN FWD GX/GS: length 181 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.