Skip to Main Content
Mattresses Tires Dishwashers SUVs Sunscreens Mattresses
AskCR Try AskCR

Suggested Searches

Recent Searches

Suggested Searches

Product Ratings

Resources

Chat With AskCR

Resources

All Products A-Z
Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Join Now Upgrade Donate
2010
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Mazda 3

EPA MPG: 21 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2010 Mazda 3 Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2010 Mazda 3
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2010 Mazda 3 Side Profile, facing to left view of 2010 Mazda 3
Full Dash view of 2010 Mazda 3

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2010 3 has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2010 Mazda 3 has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2010 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2010 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Had to replace hydraulic engine mount"

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Bad tire sensor"

Anonymous, MA (2010 Mazda 3 Touring Unsure)

"A computer sensor that regulates emissions and other engine functions failed"

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Cracked axel"

Anonymous, MA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Pipes

""Developed a small leak in the pipe just aft of the exhaust manifold. I had it repaired at Midas Tire and Auto in Minnetonka, MN for a nominal cost.""

Anonymous, MN (2010 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Stoped working"

Anonymous A., NJ (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Blower (fan) motor

"Actuator on fan does not activate properly. Started about 4 years ago. Makes an annoying noise which soon goes away. Costly to fix so just living with it."

Anonymous A., AB (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Condenser

""This winter had warm days in California. At some point the air conditioner completely stopped working. Got an estimate for the entire repair, including parts and labour will cost $1300 approximately.""

Anonymous A., (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

""AC failed to provide cooling... repair shop found Schrader valvues leaking. After repair cooling was restored; 1 year later cooling seems to, again, be diminished.""

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"stopped working, took it in and replaced freon. worked for few days then didn't cool anymore. took it back in twice, they put dye in system, couldn't find the leak. Gave up, still not working."

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Abs doesnt work at all."

Anonymous A., MD (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The module that controls the Anti Lock Braking System after being applied during a hard stop left my brake pedal spongy during regular braking. The Mazda mechanic that I took it to for repair, changed my brake fluid and said it may have been something in the brake fluid that caused the valve in the braking system to malfunction. I asked him to change out the ABS module, he said Mazda does not produce the part any longer and even an aftermarket used module would be hard to find and could be very expensive. However, the spongy feeling in the brake pedal eventually subsided so I never replaced the part.""

Anonymous, PA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"the right front ABS sensor ring broke"

Anonymous A., TN (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"replace a sensor"

Anonymous, NY (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Interior lights

"They dont turn off"

Anonymous, (2010 Mazda 3 Sport Unsure)

""I must begin with the caveat that I have replaced all of my OEM interior lights with aftermarket LEDs. They have been operating without issue for over 2 years but on one random evening, when I entered and started my car, the 2 lights near the front mirror failed to turn off and I was also unable to manually turn them off. My temporary (and continuing) solution was just to remove the bulbs so as not to be blinded by my own vehicle at night.""

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Keyless entry

""When the outdoor temperature begins to rise above 70 degrees, or the driver side door is in direct sunlight for a length of time, the keyless entry will not work, and the actual key has to be used.""

Anonymous A., WY (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

""Bluetooth stopped working correctly. Pairs with phone in mono, low-fidelity mode. Calls sound very tinny, like an old landline, and are very faint. Calls used to sound fuller, stereo. Feels like it's using the wrong Bluetooth mode.""

Anonymous, GA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""My ability to pair my phone to the car started to become problematic (dropping phone calls, not pairing) then it completely failed. I had to rep[lace the control board which cost over $1000 with labor.""

Anonymous, PA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Speakers

"Bass sounds extremely distorted - started in last 6 months - is continuous"

Anonymous, OR (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"Old car few km, rare deal expected issues, still a bargain"

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Shocks or struts

"The top of the shock absorber separated from the body broken bracket. Probably due to (well known) corrosion. The shock is fine."

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

""Leather seats have been very actively deteriorating lately, producing rips and tears from normal use. We are repairing ourselves.""

Anonymous, GA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"engine locked up at about 140000 miles. inspection with a bore scope showed a broken piston"

Anonymous, OH (2010 Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Less a squeak and more a rattle that I have a hard time geolocating but sounds like maybe from the dash but randomly occurs but more so when going over a bump."

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Other paint & trim problem

"I know we were instructed to not include recalled issues but we purchased car from private party who had not had recalls taken care of. It made me learn to TRIPLE check recalls prior to buying a used car. The dash is STICKY and reflects a glare into my eyes during the daytime. It is a known issue w/ this model Mazda."

Anonymous A., (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel pump

""This thing always has random issues with it, had it replaced twice over the years""

Anonymous, FL (2010 Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

2010 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14*
15
16
17
18
19*
20
21
22
23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
SEATS
Feb 09, 2017
If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V082000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 173859
Hide Recall Details
STRUCTURE
Sep 06, 2016
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V644000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 580455
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 16, 2009
THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 5409D.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V126000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 25400
Hide Recall Details
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle