CarRecallDB

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 686 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3.

3
recalls
686
owner complaints
18
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Seats

NHTSA campaign 17V082000 · reported February 9, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations · 173,859 vehicles potentially affected

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

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 580,455 vehicles potentially affected

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

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 09V126000 · reported April 16, 2009 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 25,400 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 4, 2026 · 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…

Mar 9, 2026 · 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…

Jan 12, 2026 · Electrical system

NHTSA Complaint Narrative I am filing this complaint regarding a 2010 Mazda 3, VIN […] . 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…

Sep 24, 2025 · Structure

See attached document for complaint.

Aug 27, 2025 · 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…

MAZDA3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2007 2222283
2008 2303291
2009 3115111
2010 3686185
2011 2132122
2012 122691
2013 111772

Across all years, the 2010 MAZDA3 has the most complaints (686). All Mazda MAZDA3 years →

Questions

Does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on February 9, 2017 (Seats). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners have filed 686 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (169 complaints), followed by unknown or other (133).
How many 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
18 of 686 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 4, 2026.