2010 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Structure 169 2 crash

“GOT INVOLVED IN A FENDER BENDER AT 50 MPH AND AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. THE BODY OF THE CAR ALSO CAME APART SO QUICKLY I ENDED UP TOTALING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11018883, 2017 · crash

“VEHICLE WITH CONTINUED ISSUE WITH MELTING DASHBOARD. REQUIRES VERY FREQUENT CLEANING OF THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE SUBSTANCE BUILD-UP FROM THE DAILY HEATING IN THE FLORIDA CLIMATE. DURING THE DAY THE GLARE FROM THE SUN REFLECTS BACK ONTO THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING IT TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. POLARIZED SUNGLASSES SEEMS TO MINIMIZE THE ISSUE. AT NIGHT, CERTAIN LIGHTING ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY WHEN SUNGLASSES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. ON DECEMBER 8TH JUST AFTER SUNDOWN A VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO MY RIGHT OF WAY AT AN INTERSECTION. THE STAR BURSTING FROM…”
NHTSA complaint #10667288, 2014 · crash

“The dashboards should be subject to a recall immediately since badly reduced visibility from glare is a recipe for an accident. The defective (melting) material is so bad that if the sun hits it just right, I can hardly see anything ahead of me; it is an accident waiting to happen. I called my Mazda dealer (Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, TN (423) 303-1333) but said there was nothing they could do now as there was a warranty before but it had expired. I try to drive the car but always trying to avoid sunny conditions, but unfortunately, when I leave at 5pm conditions are worse if it's sunny.…”
NHTSA complaint #11522117, 2022

Unknown Or Other 133 2 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“EXPLODING SUNROOF. THE GLASS IN MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. A LOUD BANG, FOLLOWED BY GLASS SHOWERING OCCUPANTS, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. UPON REVIEW, THE GLASS APPEARED TO BLOWN UP AND OUTWARD FROM THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11071605, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“A LOW SPEED REAR-END COLLISION RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE EXPLOSION OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING A LARGE EXTERNAL FIRE AND SMOKE TO ENTER THE CABIN UPON IMPACT. THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT-RIGHT; THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT 2/3 OF THE VEHICLE (TOTALING THE VEHICLE). THE CONCERN IS THAT SUCH A LOW SPEED IMPACT SHOULD NOT CAUSE AN EXPLOSION WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE INJURED OR KILLED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.”
NHTSA complaint #10373115, 2010 · crash · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10367388, 2010 · crash · fire

Seats 106 1 crash 2 injury

“I WAS DRIVING WITH FRIENDS IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY TO GET SOME DINNER. 70 IS OUR SPEED LIMIT. ALL OF SUDDEN I HEARD A SNAP UNDER ME AND MY BODY SHIFTED. I SIT PRETTY UP RIGHT SO I FELT MOVING BACK AT LEAST TWO INCHES AND MY HAND SHIFT POSITION AS WELL WHICH ALMOST CAUSE A ACCIDENT. I CALL THE DEALER TODAY, "YOU'RE NOT UNDER WARRANTY, SORRY" REALLY? I ALMOST DIE IN A CAR YOU GUYS SELL ME AND I GET A SORRY? IT WAS EITHER GET IT FIX OR PLAY WHEN THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEAT BRACKET IS GOING TO SNAP.”
NHTSA complaint #10837065, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVERS SEAT BROKE FROM FRAME RAILS. FIRST THE PLASTIC PUSH PIN SCEWS THAT ATTACHES POWER SEAT TO HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT RAILS SNAPPED, COLLAPSING ONE SIDE OF DRIVERS SEAT. THEN THE FRAME RAIL ON THAT SIDE SNAPPED INTO PIECES. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I STARTED FORWARD AND SEAT COLLAPSED ON MY LEFT SIDE, THEN I HEARD A POP AND SEAT FLIPPED BACK, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. WHEN I TOOK CAR TO MAZDA SERVICE, THE TECHS SHOWED ME DOZENS OF MAZDA CARS IN SERVICE BAYS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THIS GOES BACK TO 2002. MAZDA JAPAN STATES: WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, BUT MAZDA SEATS ARE NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #10967392, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“FROM THE START MY DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND EACH TIME THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, THE REPLACED THE TRACK ASSEMBLY, TIGHTENED THINGS UP AND AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES THE PROBLEM RETURNED. *TT ON THE DAY OF MY ACCIDENT, I WAS STOPPED AT LIGHT AND WAS THE CAR BEHIND ME. A DIFFERENT CAR SMASHED THROUGH THE CAR BEHIND ME CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO HIT ME FROM BEHIND AND FORCING ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND NO ONE WAS HURT. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I GOT BACK INTO MY CAR AND THE SEAT ROCKED AS IF IT WAS A ROCKING CHAIR. DRIVING THE CAR HOME, TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10459475, 2012 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 100 1 crash

“VEHICLE WITH CONTINUED ISSUE WITH MELTING DASHBOARD. REQUIRES VERY FREQUENT CLEANING OF THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE SUBSTANCE BUILD-UP FROM THE DAILY HEATING IN THE FLORIDA CLIMATE. DURING THE DAY THE GLARE FROM THE SUN REFLECTS BACK ONTO THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING IT TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. POLARIZED SUNGLASSES SEEMS TO MINIMIZE THE ISSUE. AT NIGHT, CERTAIN LIGHTING ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY WHEN SUNGLASSES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. ON DECEMBER 8TH JUST AFTER SUNDOWN A VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO MY RIGHT OF WAY AT AN INTERSECTION. THE STAR BURSTING FROM…”
NHTSA complaint #10667288, 2014 · crash

“my Mazda 03 dashboard is melting, and I am not able to see out the window... I have talked to dealer and manufactory, and they will not pay the whole amount knowing it's a safety issue. I don't understand how they can sell product on car that is malfunctioning and a safety issue. I bought the car brand new in 2010 and didn't have any issues until this year. Please call me back at [XXX] my name is [XXX] . I was not in an accident, just think this is a safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11583189, 2024

“Front dash is melted and very shiny causing intense glare for the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11530073, 2023

Wheels 54

“ABS module malfunction all four wheel speed sensor not read in the same time and powersteering cut off cause by unready wheel speed check engine light ABS light and Steering Light on.”
NHTSA complaint #11580272, 2024

“As the original owner, I have now experienced (4) faulty/broken/corroded valve stem as part (attached to the TPMS-Tire Pressure Monitor System). This happened over the course of 12 years. I do believe all of them were OEM parts. All of them broke when attempting to air up the tire. It is a safety issue because once broke, you can no longer put air into the tire. The first occurrence was while still under warranty and i had to argue with the Mazda dealer to replace it . The dealership gave me some sort of unofficial receipt which I actually kept, found, and attached to this complaint form. Dur…”
NHTSA complaint #11435636, 2021

“ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL DASH BOARD LIGHTS ARE ON. THE ABS RELAY IS FAULTY, SO THE ABS MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED”
NHTSA complaint #11207353, 2019

Electrical System 50 1 crash 1 fire

“THE 12V POWER CHARGING PORT STARTED ON FIRE. IT WAS SPEAKING FLAMES WHEN CHARGER WAS PLUGGED IN TO CHARGING PORT. IT STARTED DOING THIS WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11075645, 2018 · fire

“CAR FAILED TO START. MAZDA SENT TOW TRUCK. TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. TOW TRUCK OPERATOR DECLINED TO TOW THE CAR AND SENT DRIVER HOME. LATER THAT DAY THE WHEEL LOCKED, POWER BRAKES FAILED AND DRIVER ROLLED INTO A DITCH. DRIVER TURNED OFF IGNITION, UNLOCKED STEERING WHEEL, BACKED CAR OUT OF DITCH AND CALLED MAZDA FOR ANOTHER TOW. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DAY OF DELIVERY, THE SALESMAN HAD TROUBLE STARTING THE CAR AND REQUESTED A TECHNICIAN MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENT TO THE IGNITION. THE WHEEL LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE ADJUSTMENTS, THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10342587, 2010 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11729138, 2026

Tires 48

“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 si…”
NHTSA complaint #11723061, 2026

“I purchased two tires from Les Schwab in Molalla, OR on 1/15/25 in which upon them changing the tires they damaged one of my TPMS sensors and they did not replace it. I didn't have a warning light before I went in and now I do and they knowingly did not replace it when TPMS sensor service was part of purchasing the new tires. Instead they quoted me $451.96 to replace the sensors in all 4 tires other than replaced the one they broke. A set of TPMS sensors online cost $28, this is unethical of them to take advantage of consumers like this and they should be held accountable. If I'm not mistake i…”
NHTSA complaint #11636355, 2025

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HAD A COMPLETE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 65 MPH NEARLY LOSING CONTROL MY MY VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY AND EXAMINE MY TIRE, AND SAW THAT MY VALVE STEM WAS COMPLETELY MISSING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, IT APPEARS THAT THE WHEEL THREADS SHOWS SIGNS OF CORROSION WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE TPMS MONITOR AND VALVE STEM BREAKING OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11074192, 2018

Power Train 40 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10954887, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10496748, 2013 · fire

“Transmission control module issues. Car was driving on the expressway and wouldn’t shift out of second gear. Engine light and AT light came on. Had to drive slowly on the expressway and get off on the closest exit. Cars were speeding past me and I had to be careful not to get hit. Research and shop shows the 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles have lots of issue with the TCM because they get hot due to there location.”
NHTSA complaint #11597856, 2024

Service Brakes 37 3 crash

“TAKATA INFLATORS. HIGHWAY TRAFFIC HAD COME TO A STOP AND WHILE TRYING TO COME TO A STOP MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED WITH THE PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE CAR BARELY SLOWED DOWN AND REAR ENDED THE STILL CAR IN FRONT AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. EVEN WITH SUCH A FORCEFUL IMPACT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11085181, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10596685, 2014 · crash

“WHILE I WAS MAKING A EXIT FROM THE FREEWAY ONTO A LOCAL ROAD, I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SLOWLY BRAKING. AFTERWARDS MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE GUARD RAIL FOR THE HIGHWAY RAMP. THIS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR LOGGING CLOSE TO 21500 MILES. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT ISSUES BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND STEERING WHEEL LED TO THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPING. FIXING THIS PROBLEM INVOLVES REPLACING BRAKE AND POSSIBLY STEERING COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO THE BODY SHOP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10406946, 2011 · crash

Steering 31 5 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND OIL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN MECHANIC, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO COMPASS MOTORS (200 DOLSON AVE, MIDDLETOWN, NY 10940, (844) 258-3818), BUT THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER YELLED AT HER WHILE SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMED TO HAV…”
NHTSA complaint #11228692, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A STREET SIGN AND FRACTURED THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,310.”
NHTSA complaint #10927292, 2016 · crash

“WHILE I WAS MAKING A EXIT FROM THE FREEWAY ONTO A LOCAL ROAD, I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SLOWLY BRAKING. AFTERWARDS MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE GUARD RAIL FOR THE HIGHWAY RAMP. THIS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR LOGGING CLOSE TO 21500 MILES. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT ISSUES BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND STEERING WHEEL LED TO THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPING. FIXING THIS PROBLEM INVOLVES REPLACING BRAKE AND POSSIBLY STEERING COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO THE BODY SHOP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10406946, 2011 · crash

Air Bags 26 5 crash 6 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND HIT HEAD ON BY A CAR THAT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR FAILING TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I WAS HIT BY THE OTHER CAR MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, FLIPPING IT INTO THE DITCH NOSE FIRST. I AM FORTUNATE TO BE HERE WRITING THIS BECAUSE MY AIR BAGS IN THE CAR DID NOT DEPLOY AND THEY MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE. OWNERS RELY ON THEIR CAR'S AIR BAG TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH AND A HIP I…”
NHTSA complaint #11076165, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL RELATED ACCIDENT HAPPENED 10/31/2014. THERE WAS NO AIRBAG RECALL AT THIS TIME. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CLASSIC T-BANE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED MORE DAMAGE THAN THE FORCE OF THE ACTUAL ACCIDENT. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 20-30 MPH AT IMPACT. I WAS UNCONCIOUS FOR APPROX 30 SECONDS TO 1MIN AND I COULDN'T REMEMBER MY ADDRESS FOR THE FIRST 15-20 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT. POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND SHOWED TO THE SCENE. I WAS UNABLE TO HEAR THE REST OF THE DAY FROM MY L EAR ( WHICH I WAS TOLD BY THE ER PROVIDER IS NORMA…”
NHTSA complaint #10985084, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO CARS AND ROLLED OVER AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED INCLUDING SIDE, PASSENGER AND DRIVER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10344230, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 23

“A substantial amount of water has made its way into the headlight housing. This has caused the driver side light to go out. There is no evidence of any damage, cracks, or failure otherwise. It seems, like thousands of other Mazda3 drivers, the seals have failed. My particular model has the auto leveling and turning headlights. Cost to repair will be well over $1,000. This is a well known problem to Mazda. Lack of lighting is a safety issue. High price of repair is a serious bar to fixing the issue and returning to safe driving. I was unaware of the failure as no warning is communicated to t…”
NHTSA complaint #11496203, 2022

“TAKATA RECALL , DASHBOARD STARTING TO MELTDOWN REALLY BAD. I SEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE GOT SAME PROBLEM.THE VEHICLE IS MY COMMUTER OVER TIME IT STARTS TO GET STICKY FIBERS GET STUCK ON IT NEEDS TO RECALLED ASAP FOR THE TIMING OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IT'S REALLY UNSAFE PLEASE HELP . THE HEADLIGHTS ASSEMBLY CONTAINS ALOT OF MOISTER AFTER A CAR WASH. MOISTURE CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND BURN THE COMPUTER ITSELF”
NHTSA complaint #11172685, 2019

“MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS OUT FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME UNTIL A POLICE OFFICER KINDLY PULLED ME OVER AND TOLD ME. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE THE LIGHT REPLACED, THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT WAS OUT, NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. I ASSUMED THE OFFICER HAD MADE A MISTAKE. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED. A FEW MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING APPROX 40MPH ON AN UNLIT ROAD WHEN BOTH MY HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES, THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTBULB MYSTERIOUSLY CAME ON AGAIN BUT THE DRIVER SIDE DIDN'T. SO THEN THE DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11230137, 2018

Engine 22 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND OIL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN MECHANIC, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO COMPASS MOTORS (200 DOLSON AVE, MIDDLETOWN, NY 10940, (844) 258-3818), BUT THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER YELLED AT HER WHILE SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMED TO HAV…”
NHTSA complaint #11228692, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10954887, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“TCM has failed to communicate in engine. Car doesn’t not shift properly or has hard shifts if it is able to get back into gear. Car may experience AT engagement making it hard to steer and control vehicle. Can happen in the middle of driving. Independent service Auto mechanic shop Vehicle has no warning lights indicating failure until hard shift when driving 50miles per hour and engine would no longer speed up AT light then came on. Once parked for two days check engine light came on and vehicle no longer would shift into gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11564796, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 15 2 crash 1 injury

“WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH A COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, THE AUTOMOBILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING,RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10328438, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 11/4, I WAS ON MY WAY TO MEET MY YOGA CLASSMATE FOR LUNCH AT 1917 BISTRO. THE RESTAURANT'S PARKING LOT WAS FULL. SO, I BACKED OUT AND CIRCLED THE BLOCK TO FIND ANOTHER PARKING SPACE. WHEN DRIVING ON LIVERNOIS I NOTICED A PARKING LOT THAT'S WHY I DECIDED TO GO BACK AROUND. I PULLED INTO THE FIRST EMPTY PARKING LOT WHICH I THOUGHT WAS BETTER THAN TRYING TO PARALLEL PARKING IN THE ONE SPACE ON THE STREET. SO, I TURNED INTO A GRAVELED PARKING LOT. I MADE A LEFT THEN BEGAN TO PULL UP TO THE PARKING SPACE BUT THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SMASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP SO I SHIFTED THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10365005, 2010 · crash

“The Transmission Control Module (TCM) has gone out on my car, causing it to shift to 2nd gear while doing 75mph with cars around me, and would no longer shift out of 2nd gear, or into reverse. It was an extremely dangerous situation that made me come very close to wrecking into a car, as well as the many cars behind me that had to emergency brake due to my rapid deceleration, especially without and brake lights coming on because it was engine braking. Doing a simple google search show that this is an extremely well-known problem effecting almost every Mazda 3 that used this TCM in 2010-2011. A…”
NHTSA complaint #11504977, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 10

“SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. ABS BRAKES NOT FUNCTIONING. STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED. BRAKING PROPORTIONING NOT FUNCTIONING. ALL RELATED TO ABS MODULE ISSUE THAT MAZDA IS AWARE OF BUT WON?T RECALL. SEVERELY AFFECTS THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STOPPING POWER AND STABILITY ARE DECREASED WHEN ABS UNIT FAULT OCCURS. PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, EVEN ON LOW-MILEAGE CARS. SERVICE BULLETIN HAS EXISTED FOR YEARS AND NEEDS TO BE ELEVATED TO RECALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330196, 2020

“ABS AND DSC HAS BEEN DISABLED DUE TO A FAULTY ABS MODULE AND THE DEALER DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE REPAIR COST IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED PER THE AMOUNT OF INTERNET TRAFFIC ALONE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS NOT A NICE TO HAVE FEATURE THIS IS A MUST HAVE AS IT COULD SAFE A LIFE. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS WHEN THE WHOLE SYSTEM FAILS. I WAS TOLD I COULD DRIVE WITHOUT IT EVEN THOU TOTAL BREAK FAILURE COULD OCCUR.”
NHTSA complaint #11241404, 2019

“THE TRANSMISSION MODULE (TCM) IS DAMAGED QUICKLY BECAUSE IT MELTS THE SILICONE THAT PROTECTS IT, SINCE THE HEAT EMITTED BY THE ENGINE IS VERY DIRECT, WHICH CAUSES THE TCM TO BE DAMAGED AND THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WORK. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON IN THE MAZDA3-2010 THEREFORE IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT”
NHTSA complaint #11210363, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 9 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“DURING THE SUMMER THERE WAS A TOXIC SMELL THAT WAS MAKING MYSELF AND OTHERS WHO RODE IN THE VEHICLE ILL. DEALERSHIP SAID THE SMELL WAS PROBABLY THE PURGE VALVE WHICH WAS NORMAL AND THAT BASED ON THE SMELL MY VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE PURGING MORE THAN OTHERS BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. SUMMER OF 2014 THE SMELL BECAME EXTREMELY UNBEARABLE WHILE IN THE VEHICLE I WAS SUFFERING SEVERE NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS, AND BURNING SENSATIONS IN MY EYES AND AIRWAYS. PEOPLE COULD SMELL THE TOXINS JUST BY OPENING THE DOOR. I NOTICED THE HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DASHBOARD AND CAME ACROSS ANOTHER MAZDA OWNER WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10702659, 2010 · 1 injury(ies)

“SMOKE CAME THREW THE VENTS OF THE 2010 MAZDA3 HATCHBACK AND THEN FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEN FLAMES CAME OUT FROM HOOD. IT BURNED UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. IT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10331059, 2010 · fire

“ON DECEMBER 21, 2010 CAR STALLED AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL ON 12/22 HAPPENED AGAIN RESULTING IN ACCIDENT AND $9,000 IN DAMAGE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10376702, 2010 · crash

Visibility 9

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THE CONTACTED INDICATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS IN THE CLOSED POSITION DURING THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000...UPDATED 08-26-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER RESEARCHING THE MATTER IT FOUND THAT SUNROOF EXPLOSIONS ARE A DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCE DUE TO LOW TEMPERED GLASS, PRIMARILY FROM MEXICO. UPDATED 09/2/2014 *JS UPDATED 8/20/14*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10609665, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, I HEARD LIKE A GUNSHOT AND AT FIRST THOUGHT THERE WAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT BEHIND ME. HOWEVER, I IMMEDIATELY REALIZED THAT THERE WAS A GAPING HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. AT THE TIME, THE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92 DEGREES AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE INSIDE COVER, HOWEVER, WAS OPEN, SO THERE WAS GLASS EVERYWHERE INSIDE MY CAR. I WAS TRAVELING UPHILL AT THE TIME AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY DEBRIS OR ROCKS. MY FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS FINE. IT WAS JUST THE SUNROOF THAT SEEMED TO EXPLODE ON ITS OWN. MAZDA WOULD NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #10606416, 2014

“TOP FRONT DASHBOARD IS MELTING. THE MATERIAL IS NOW STICKY AND CAN'T BE CLEANED BECAUSE THE RAG/TOWEL STICKS. WHEN TOUCHED BLACK RESIDUE STICKS TO YOUR HANDS AND WHEN DRIVING THE SUN REFLECTS OFF THE SHINY STICKINESS AND CAUSES A DRIVING HAZARD ON THE WINDSHIELD. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10617129, 2013

Seat Belts 7

“Mon-7/10/2023 used the car. Tues 7/11/2023 attempted to use my car opened the door on the drivers side-saw a bizarre position of the seat. It had somehow migrated during the night to approx 4” from the steering wheel when I try to get into the seat my chest stomach area is an inch away can’t reach the pedals very well because my right knee is up against the dashboard. Took the car to the dealership the man in charge told me there’s nothing they could do the car is too old. He told me to take it to an independent repair shop to get the parts from junk yard. Said he would have to cut the bolts o…”
NHTSA complaint #11535335, 2023

“The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact made an emergency stop. The contact stated that he struck the steering wheel with his chest. Additionally, the seat belt pretensioner failed to operate as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side seat pretensioner Part Number: BCY7-57-L90A-01 needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The f…”
NHTSA complaint #11516056, 2023

“TAKATA RECALL I JUST WANT MY CAR TO BE INSPECTED AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS OK, SOMETIMES THE BELT GETS STUCK”
NHTSA complaint #11014887, 2017

Suspension 6

“PER TECH CROSS MEMBER BUSHING. IT MAKES A CLERKING NOICE WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING.”
NHTSA complaint #11270691, 2018

“LOUD NOISE IN BACK SUSPENSION. NOISE OCCURS RUNNING HIGHWAY BUT GETS LOUDER ON A CITY STREET UNKNOWN CAUSE. WHEN TURNING VEHICLE STARTED CLICKS BUT NEED TO KEEP TRYING TO TURN ON. PROBABLY COMPUTER PROBLEM”
NHTSA complaint #11023746, 2017

“2010 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRES, SOFTNESS OF THE BRAKE AND RESURFACING ROTORS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A VISUAL INSPECTION REVEALED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY, AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. ALSO, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED.”
NHTSA complaint #10556685, 2013

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“Fuel is leaking from the top of the gas tank, which is a very dangerous issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11561477, 2023

“According to other people on forums, the issue is inside the fuel tank. A piece of metal in the fuel tank has broken off and it scrapping inside the tank itself. I have no taken my car to a mechanic, yet. But, based on the multiple forums, this is an ongoing issue with Mazdas. You hear it mostly when your driving and come to a stop. Once stopped, you heard the scrapping until the car/fuel stops shifting.”
NHTSA complaint #11443570, 2021

“THE FUEL SENDER UNIT, LOCATED IN TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK AND IS CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. THE NIPPLE THAT PROTRUDES FROM THE FUEL PUMP HAS CRACKED FROM WHAT LOOKS TO BE PRESSURE FROM THE CONNECTING FUEL HOSE. BECAUSE OF THIS PRESSURE, THE NIPPLE LEAKS AND SPRAYS A MIST OF FUEL OFF TO THE SIDE. THE PRESSURE LOOKS TO BE TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE AS THE CRACK THAT DEVELOPED WAS DIRECTLY ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE(DRIVERS). THIS TYPE OF FUEL LEAK CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AS THE FUEL TANK IS LOCATED NEAR EXHAUST COMPONENTS. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, THIS LOOKS TO BE FAIRLY COMMON IN MANY…”
NHTSA complaint #11362946, 2020

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 3

“I OWN A 2010 MAZDA 3 THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING, STICKY, AND SMELLS, MAZDA WOULD NOT RELACE IT UNDER WARRANTY, I WAS JUST OUTSIDE WARRANTY WINDOW, MY LAST MAZDA PURCHASE!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10722334, 2014

“IN THE MAZDA 3, THE TPMS SENSOR IS CONNECTED TO THE AIR VALVE. THE TPMS SENSORS BREAK EASILY, CAUSING THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. IF THE OUTSIDE PART OF THE TPMS SENSOR BREAKS FROM CORROSION OR BEING HIT AGAINST A CURB, THE TIRE WILL DEFLATE. I HAVE HAD 3 TPMS SENSORS BREAK SINCE I HAD THE CAR, WHICH HAS ONLY BEEN 4 YEARS (APPROX 39,000 MILES), AND IS EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. MY TIRES ARE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. THE PART OF THE TPMS EXPOSED ON THE OUTSIDE WILL CORRODE, AND IF THE OUTSIDE PART BREAKS OFF, YOUR TIRES DEFLATE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MAZDA OWNERS. THESE THINGS BREAK AND THEN CAUSE A FL…”
NHTSA complaint #10592677, 2014

“TODAY AS I AM REPORTING IS THE 3RD INCIDENT OF THIS TYPE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW, AND MY CAR NOW HAS ONLY 44 K MILES ON IT. THE TPMS SENSORS ON THE MAZDA 3 ARE CONNECTED TO THE AIR VALVE IN THE TIRES. TPMS SENSORS ARE VERY FICKLE AND TEND TO CORRODE AND BREAK WITH SEASONAL WEATHER. WHEN THE TPMS SENSOR BREAKS ON A MAZDA3, IT LETS ALL THE AIR OUT OF YOUR TIRE AND GIVES YOU A FLAT, STRANDING YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE. TPMS SENSORS ARE SUPPOSED TO AID DRIVERS TO LET THEM KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT IN THIS CASE, THEY ACTUALLY CAUSE THE PROBLEM. THE AIR VALVE BEING CONNECTED TO THE TPMS IS U…”
NHTSA complaint #10683607, 2012

Fuel System 3 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH A COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, THE AUTOMOBILE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING,RESULTING IN A CRASH INTO A BRICK WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10328438, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10367388, 2010 · crash · fire

“2010 MAZDA 3, 5 SPEED. UPON SHIFTING FROM 4TH GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, TO PREPARE FOR A STOP, FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF OF ACCELERATOR AND CLUTCH WAS FULLY RELEASED; THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 90 DAYS. EACH TIME HAS BEEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL FROM A GEAR, NOT GEAR SPECIFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10297916, 2010

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE LOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10370440, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING FAILED AND THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THE PASSENGER DOOR THAT COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. THE SUNROOF BUTTON ALSO WOULD NOT SHUT THE SUNROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE; THEREFORE, THEY STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK REPORT NUMBER 132669400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,800. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,9…”
NHTSA complaint #10364033, 2010

“MAZDA 3 2010 FRONT DOORS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK-NOT WITH KEY AND NOT FROM INSIDE CAR- *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10312518, 2010

Traction Control System 2

“The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the brake failed with the ABS warning light, traction control, and emergency brake light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was engaged and failed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The brake pedal was depressed twice before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the traction control module and ABS module needed to be replaced. Additionally, the brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure m…”
NHTSA complaint #11427148, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE BUT THE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10824811, 2015

Equipment 1

“WHEN JACKING THE VEHICLE UP TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE MAIN ROD THAT SUPPORTS THE JACK BENT CAUSING THE JACK TO JUMP OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FELL ON THE GROUND. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10426416, 2011

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“HORN WORKS ON AND OFF, CAR IS UNABLE TO REVERSE (PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE WAS ABLE TO GO FORWARD,TURNED THE CAR OFF WENT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND NOW THE REVERSE GEAR DOES NOT WORK,TRANSMISSION CLUTCH GETS STUCK AND TAKES OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AT A FAST SPEED WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS”
NHTSA complaint #11394678, 2021

Parking Brake 1

“LIFTED PARKING BRAKE LEVER TO ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE, AND IT CAME UP WAY FURTHER THAN NORMAL WITHOUT OFFERING THE NORMAL RESISTANCE. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS AT RESETTING THE BRAKE, IT ENGAGED NORMALLY. MALFUNCTION OCCURRED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER, BUT THIS TIME, I COULD NOT GET IT TO ENGAGE SUCCESSFULLY EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY WAS INTERMITTENTLY STICKING AND REPLACED LEVER ASSEMBLY. TWO DAYS LATER, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. CAR IS 9 MONTHS OLD, 13,500 MI. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10368671, 2010