FaultScore

FaultScore report

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Owners have filed 920 complaints about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 21 worst.

D

FaultScore 66/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mazda MAZDA3.

How this is worked out

The numbers

920

Complaints

26

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

14

Injuries reported

59,712 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

24%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 26 vs 50 Early failure 41 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA3. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2010 compares with every other Mazda MAZDA3

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 170 18.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,000 mi

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 82,064 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,000 mi

Seats 106 11.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

Wheels 54 5.9%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 82,000 mi

Tires 50 5.4%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 33,000 mi

Brakes 38 4.1%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,121 mi

Steering 32 3.5%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,400 mi

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 76,000 mi

Airbags 26 2.8%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,000 mi

Lights 23 2.5%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 32,000 mi

Median failure at 123,100 miles

Seat Belts 7 0.8%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 7 0.8%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 20,000 mi

Suspension 6 0.7%

Median failure at 12,724 miles

Equipment & Accessories 4 0.4%

Median failure at 24,237 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 0.3%

Median failure at 13,800 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.1%

Median failure at 137,534 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 52 59.1%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 19 21.6%
Manual Transmission 5 5.7%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 4 4.5%
Dashboard 3 3.4%
Valve 3 3.4%
Adaptive Cruise Control 1 1.1%
Software 1 1.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 10 1.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 26 4.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 58 8.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 160 24.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 161 24.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 101 15.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 102 15.5%
150,000+ miles 38 5.8%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Sep 2009 peak 32 Apr 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

Recalls on the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

17V082000

SEATS

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.

16V644000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

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.

09V126000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2017073 86,733 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the push nuts and/or the lifter link which adjusts the height of the driver seat could be of insufficient strength and could become broken or detach from the seat frame. If this occurs, the seat height and inclination position would change rapidly, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the condition of the driver's seat lifter link. If no cracks are detected, a reinforcement bracket will be added to the lifter links, and the number of push nuts will be increased to two per seat lifter link. If any cracks are detected, dealers will replace the entire seat adjuster unit with a modified part.

Recall 2016431 183,808 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, the anti-corrosion treatment of the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may be insufficient. Over time, the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may corrode and break off, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace both rear door stays.

Recall 2009232 5,480 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, a part of the headlight housing where the Daytime Running Light (DRL) bulb is attached may be damage by heat from the bulb when the vehicle is left idling for an extended period or while driving in slow-moving traffic. In the worst case, the housing may be deformed, resulting in bulb becoming detached and loss of DRL functionality. A loss of DRL illumination could render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and to pedestrians during daylight hours, possibly resulting in a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

Recall 2009113 18,006 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, clearance between the engine harness and the housing of the starter motor may be insufficient. As a result, 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. In the worst case, the main fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and inability of restart. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the engine harness and, if necessary, install a protector clip.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 91,220 miles Austin, TX 1 injured

AIR BAGS

AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON MY WAY HOME. THERE WAS NO CRASH. I PULLED OVER LOOKED AT MY VEHICLE THERE WAS ZERO DAMAGE. DROVE VEHICLE HOME CONTACTED MAZDA THEY TOLD ME TO FILE A INSURANCE CLAIM EVEN THOUGH I SENT THEM A VIDEO OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS AND DRIVERS SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED RANDOMLY.

NHTSA complaint #11280978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,220 miles Rock Hill, NY 1 injured

STEERING

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 HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG AND PROMISED TO HAVE THE OWNER OF THE DEALER CALL HER BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK AND TRADED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO SCARED TO DRIVE THE OLD VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,220. *AS UPDATE: THE CONTACT HAS SUFFERED A TORN LIGAMENT DUE TO TURNING WHEEL OF THE CAR WITH NO POWER.

NHTSA complaint #11228692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,220 miles Rock Hill, NY 1 injured

ENGINE

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 HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG AND PROMISED TO HAVE THE OWNER OF THE DEALER CALL HER BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK AND TRADED IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO SCARED TO DRIVE THE OLD VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,220. *AS UPDATE: THE CONTACT HAS SUFFERED A TORN LIGAMENT DUE TO TURNING WHEEL OF THE CAR WITH NO POWER.

NHTSA complaint #11228692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Beltsville, MD Crash

AIR BAGS

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Beltsville, MD Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 171,000 miles Warren, OH Crash 3 injured

AIR BAGS

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 ISSUE THAT HAS YET TO BE DIAGNOSED. PLEASE FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE PAYS DEARLY FOR THIS WITH THEIR LIFE. I WAS FORTUNATE.

NHTSA complaint #11076165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Hanover, PA

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 to catch on fire while we are in this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11729138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington Township, NJ

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 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 signs of dry rot the tire size all around is 205/55r16 and this is completely unacceptable for a business that has been operating for as long as its been operating because all i can think about is how many other cars has this dealership sold with dry rotting tires nor did they show my girlfriend when she bought the car any of the work that had been done by the shop that had done the inspection prior she was told that everything on this car was great and that there weren't any issues when infact that was not the case i found a leak coming from an engine oil pressure sensor and a cv axle boot torn and flinging grease along with the tires with none of this being disclosed to my girlfriend who bought the car shortly after

NHTSA complaint #11723061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Forest Park, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 determination of whether the known wiring harness recall (engine wiring harness chafing affecting control systems) applies to this VIN, nor confirmed recall completion history. Mazda has advised the customer to seek aftermarket or salvage parts, but has not provided an approved repair remedy or goodwill assistance despite the issue affecting drivability and safety. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Mazda has met its obligations regarding: 1.recall applicability determination by VIN, and 2.providing an adequate remedy when OEM repair parts are no longer available for a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11710562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Forest Park, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 determination of whether the known wiring harness recall (engine wiring harness chafing affecting control systems) applies to this VIN, nor confirmed recall completion history. Mazda has advised the customer to seek aftermarket or salvage parts, but has not provided an approved repair remedy or goodwill assistance despite the issue affecting drivability and safety. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Mazda has met its obligations regarding: 1.recall applicability determination by VIN, and 2.providing an adequate remedy when OEM repair parts are no longer available for a safety-related defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11710562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haymarket, VA

STRUCTURE

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11689499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haymarket, VA

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11689499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Savannah, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11683533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ramsey, NJ

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 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 04-002/13 (July 17, 2013), which documents ABS pump motor failures caused by poor motor brush contact. This is a serious safety concern because the ABS system fails without warning, leaving the driver and passengers at risk of brake loss in critical conditions. Why this should be investigated: The defect occurs intermittently, making it difficult to predict or reproduce. It matches a known documented defect acknowledged by Mazda in TSB 04-002/13. Other owners have reported similar ABS pump failures in Mazda vehicles of this generation. The failure compromises safe braking and should be treated as a safety defect warranting investigation and possible recall. Action Requested: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this recurring ABS pump/motor failure in 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles and determine whether a recall should be issued to address this known defect.

NHTSA complaint #11683431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ponca City, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The a.b.s pump module is defective in these vehicles. There are tons of people having issues with them. When they fail it happens suddenly resulting in brake failure, power steering failure, the car does not like to shut off, the vehicle will go into "limp mode" and every light on the dash comes on. The part itself is costing close to $1000 u.s.d . With all of tge effected things tgat go with it i believe it can be very dangerous and should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11655220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ponca City, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

The a.b.s pump module is defective in these vehicles. There are tons of people having issues with them. When they fail it happens suddenly resulting in brake failure, power steering failure, the car does not like to shut off, the vehicle will go into "limp mode" and every light on the dash comes on. The part itself is costing close to $1000 u.s.d . With all of tge effected things tgat go with it i believe it can be very dangerous and should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11655220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gardendale, AL

SEATS

This vehicle is subject to recall #: 17V-082 referring to a drivers seat lifter link than can break. My car has a broken lifter link, was brought to the dealership and instead of replacing the entire seat adjuster unit like the recall states, they simply installed a reinforcement bracket. When brought back to Med Center Mazda they state it has already been repaired and therefore cannot be repaired again. The vehicle still has a broken seat lifter link.

NHTSA complaint #11643478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesterfield, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission slipping. Not shifting correctly.

NHTSA complaint #11636410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Molalla, OR

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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 it says in "49 USC 30122(b)" that "Prohibition.-A manufacturer, distributor, dealer, rental company, or motor vehicle repair business may not knowingly make inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter unless the manufacturer, distributor, dealer, rental company, or repair business reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used (except for testing or a similar purpose during maintenance or repair) when the device or element is inoperative." 205/55 R16

NHTSA complaint #11636355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alexandria, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Tha dashboard is melted causing glares on very sunny days and makes driving difficult.

NHTSA complaint #11586697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richardson, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS or the ABS computer malfunction or wasn't working correctly and almost cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11583638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eugene, OR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eugene, OR

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barrington, IL

AIR BAGS

While driving on the interstate, the driver’s side airbag deployed without any obvious cause. There was no pothole, bump, or clear reason for the airbag to deploy. There was moderate traffic. This put myself and others nearby at risk by causing me to flinch after getting hit by the airbag. I was lucky to not swerve into anything or cause any damage. It caused temporary loss of hearing and a sore neck, but no serious injury. Prior to the failure, there were no dash lights, messages, or other symptoms.

NHTSA complaint #11580329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Missouri City, TX

WHEELS

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Missouri City, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

ABS will cause complete brake failure when it is engaged. For example, needing to stop quickly to avoid hitting another vehicle and the brakes will lose all pressure and the vehicle will not stop. Several mechanics have not been able to diagnose or fix. Immediately after the incident, there will be minimal brake pressure of about 20%, eventually it will return to normal. Must avoid applying brakes in emergency situations as it will actually be worse than attempting to steer out of it. This has happened about 6 times in 4 years. It happened the first time about 3 days after I bought the vehicle in 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11572842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fayetteville, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fayetteville, NC

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nampa, ID

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel is leaking from the top of the gas tank, which is a very dangerous issue.

NHTSA complaint #11561477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.