FaultScore

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 other reported problems

133 of the 920 complaints about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 are about the other systems — 14% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 82,064 miles.

B

133

Complaints

2

Crashes

2

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 133 100.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Mazda MAZDA3 year

2008 11 3.3%
2010 133 40.2%
2011 18 5.4%
2012 18 5.4%
2013 10 3.0%
2014 27 8.2%
2015 26 7.9%
2016 21 6.3%
2017 27 8.2%
2018 25 7.6%
2019 15 4.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

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.

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.

Chesterfield, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission slipping. Not shifting correctly.

NHTSA complaint #11636410 — 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.

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.

Portal, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

These vehicles have a foam based dash board which is falling off in pieces and sections . This can cause choking hazard in small children adults etc also if air bags where to deploy this section would more then likely explode in many hundreds of pieces causing blinding .As well as it decays or falls off in these pieces children may place objects in there mouths or chew or eat on .The dash board does not seem to be able ro handle a air bag deploy situation . I would have thought this would have been replaced or recalled prior to my intation of this matter. Also dash may contain harmful or chemical agents I'm it that would not be safe to child nor adult.

NHTSA complaint #11519053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Silver Spring, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to file a complaint regarding the defective dashboard of my Mazda 3. The dash of the car under the windshield has become melty and shines excessively, making it extremely difficult to see when the sun is shining on the dashboard. The reflection on the windshield is so intense that it affects the visibility of the road and makes it hard to see clearly. I was informed by the dealership that there was an extended service available for this issue, but it expired after 10 years. I was never informed of this extended service and only now, after my dashboard has become extremely affected, did I find out about it. This is extremely concerning as the dashboard is an important safety feature of the car and the reflection from the dashboard is affecting my visibility, putting myself and other drivers on the road in danger. I am extremely frustrated with the lack of transparency and communication from the dealership regarding this extended service and the fact that my dashboard has become defective despite proper maintenance and upkeep of the car. I demand that Mazda take responsibility for the defective dashboard and rectify the issue as soon as possible. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigates this matter and ensures that Mazda takes the necessary actions to resolve this issue for all affected car owners.

NHTSA complaint #11506921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pacific Palisades, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Mazda, had issued a recall in 2020. however, I was out of the country and due to covid was unable to get the recalled part fixed. Now Mazda is refusing to fix it. I have contacted them multiple times and they just give me the run around and say that the date has passed and they will not fix it anymore.

NHTSA complaint #11492872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clovis, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Said vehicle has 2 Recall issues that are listed as expired. 1. It has not had the defective Takata Air Bags replaced Campaign SSPB3 started 12/1/2017. 2. It has a Sticky Dashboard Campaign SSP99 started 11/30/2015. A third recall for a Seat Lifer Link was completed for Campaign 0917B on 9/13/2017. I would like Mazda to take responsibility for the 2 expired Recalls for the Air Bags and the Sticky Dashboard. Mazda had the vehicle in one of their service centers 9/17/2017 when the Seat Recall was completed. Mazda’s policy of checking for recalls failed otherwise these Recalls would have been completed. Both Recalls impact the safe operation of said vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11490885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burbank, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has a sticky-melting dashboard problem. When the sunlight hits it, the reflection on the windshield makes seeing ahead difficult. The dealer inspected it but they say there's nothing they can do about it.

NHTSA complaint #11486989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Bern, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard in my 2010 Mazda 3 has melted significantly throughout the years. It has become hazardous and tough to operate this vehicle. The dashboard is glossy, sticky, and believe a slight odor. I tried to slow its deterioration by using a sunshade when parked. It not only did not help, the dashboard just ruined each shade with a sticky, tar-like, black residue. No dealership has offered to help me without trying to charge me the total price of replacement, plus their labor costs. I regularly check to see if there has been a new recall, but there has not. I can not sell this car without feeling guilty for endangering others. I am unlikely to return to Mazda as a paying customer since they shy away from treating my family like one. I hope this issue is fixed adequately for me and anyone else suffering from this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11463293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Hill, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When we were cleaning the car we took off the dash cover. The dash was all cracked and sticky.we don't know when it occured.we bought it in 2010 new.

NHTSA complaint #11453199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

my dashboard is melting creating an extreme glare impacting my visibility.

NHTSA complaint #11437003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mt Vernon, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Glare from sticky dashboard is a safety hazard. It is very difficult to see through windshield with this problem. Mazda dealer did not assist in anyway. Please assist me. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11436147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Babylon, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard is actually melting. It’s sticky and shiny and causes a reflection on the windshield that Makes it very difficult to see.

NHTSA complaint #11426485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have been experiencing unintended acceleration while in D (drive) but stopped with my foot on the brake. For instance, when fully stopped at a light, the car will suddenly experience a small burst of acceleration and propel forward. I see the engine rpm go up when this occurs even though I am stopped. This is very scary and uncomfortable as I feel like I lose control of the car during those times and can potentially hit another car or person in front of me.

NHTSA complaint #11421235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,000 miles Orlando, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MELTING DASHBOARD BLINES ME WHEN I'M DRIVING MY MAZDA 3 AT ALL TIMES WOULD LOVE TO FIX IT WHEN EVER POSSIBLE

NHTSA complaint #11416463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 166,019 miles LA Jolla, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I BELIEVE THAT (RECALL CAMPAIGN 0917B) SAFETY RECALL APPLIES TO MY 2010 MAZDA3 GT, ALTHOUGH IT TOOK OVER 2.5 YEARS TO OCCUR (AUGUST 2017) THE COMPLETE FALLOUTS DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL NOW...(DECEMBER 2020) INITIALLY, FELT A POP IN MY BACK (FROM THE FRAME?) WHILE I WAS DRIVING, PULLED OVER AND THE SEATS MOVED FINE SO DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF. MEANWHILE, A DISTINCT RATTLING OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY BEHIND ME. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (PAID THEIR SPECIAL SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF ($165+) WITH 'MASTER TECHNICIANS' WHO KNOW ABOUT THIS SEAT RECALL, YET, FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT OR EVEN LOOKED IF YOU ASK ME, YET WANTED ME TO CORRECT THE NOISE BY BY INSTALLING BOTH FRONT AND REAR NEW SUSPENSION (~$1000). TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SUSPENSION SPECIALIST AND FOUND ONLY ONE (1) PART OF THE SUSPENSION THAT MAY HAVE REQUIRED CORRECTING BUT WAS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. I ASKED IF THE REMAINING SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WERE SAFE AND IF THEY WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. AND THEY SAID'NO' ONLY ONE (1), AND IT WAS BARELY DAMAGED, BUT I REPLACED IT ANYWAY. TOOK IT BACK FOR AN OIL CHANGE SINCE THEY WERE TREATING ME HONESTLY. TWO DAYS LATER, AS I WAS LEAVING MY WORK, THE SEAT FELL OFF THE RIGHT RAIL AS I WAS DRIVING. IN RETROSPECT, THE PUSH NUTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE POPPED OFF AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME HAS LOST ITS INTEGRITY, SO I SAT ASKEW. UNABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY UNLESS A PIECE OF WOOD IS HOLDING THE SEAT TO THE RAIL. IS IT POSSIBLE TO STILL REPAIR MY CAR'S DRIVER'S SEAT UNDER THE AFOREMENTIONED SAFETY RECALL? I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AND AM WITHOUT OPTIONS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE HELP!!

NHTSA complaint #11384331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,500 miles LA Jolla, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THERE WAS A POP I FELT IN MY BACK AS I WAS DRIVING (JULY 2017) I NEVER THOUGHT MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME. DUE TO MY WORK, I HAD MY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANY DIFFERENT MAZDA DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE HAD MY DASH REPLACED (WESCOTT, NATIONAL CITY, CA) BUT NO ONE MENTIONED THE SEAT PROBLEM THAT I CAN RECALL. NOW IT IS DECEMBER 2020 AND THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT HAS BROKEN? WHILE DRIVING I SIT ASKEW THE RIGHT HALF OF MY BODY IS LOWER THAN THE OTHER. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER SEAT WHEN THIS WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL NO MATTER THE DELAY.

NHTSA complaint #11384041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atlanta, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

OUR 2010 MAZDA3 HAS A STICKY DASHBOARD THAT APPEARS TO BE MELTING. IT SMEARS AND COLLECTS DIRT AND DOG HAIR, ETC. OTHER THAN BEING UNSANITARY AND UNSIGHTLY, I WORRY THAT THERE IS A SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE GLARE. I'M ALSO CONCERNED WHETHER THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING TOXIC COMING FROM THIS MELTED MATERIAL.

NHTSA complaint #11377167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Modesto, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STICKY DASH ISSUE, THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2010 MAZDA3 HAS BEEN MELTING FOR AGES. IT CAUSES GLARE WHEN DRIVING OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW.

NHTSA complaint #11374930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Corona, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I'VE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP SO IT'S BEEN HAVING THIS. I'VE ALSO SEEN THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE AS WELL. THE DASH BOARD ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER IS EXTREMELY STICKY. A LARGE PORTION OF IT. AND MORE TO THE RIGHT, ABOVE THE GLOVE BOX, IT'S CRACKED. I'M ASSUMING IT HAS DO SOMETHING WITH THE SUN.

NHTSA complaint #11374686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Oakland, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

OVER TIME, THE DASHBOARD UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHEILD OF MY CAR HAS MELTED. NOW IT'S STICKY AND VERY SHINY. WHEN THE DIRECT SUN HITS IT, IT CAUSES A DANGEROUS GLARE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE IN FRONT. WHILE MAZDA HAS EXTENDED A WARRANTY ON THIS REPAIR, I WAS NOT INFORMED AS I WAS ABOUT OTHER RECALLS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECAL NOTICE - WITHOUT AN EXPIRATION DATE AS IT IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11364176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vacaville, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PARTS OF DASHBOARD MELTED AND BECAME STICKY AND CAUSES A GLARE WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA complaint #11361295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Media, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STICKY DASHBOARD PANELS CAUSING EXCESSIVE GLARE ON WINDSHIELD; MAZDA ONLY COVERED THIS UNDER A 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION THAT ALREADY EXPIRED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE PROBLEM APPEARED AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN A MORE HUMID CLIMATE IN LOUISIANA FOR 2 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #11354155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,230 miles Bryan, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE DASH FEELING STICKY THIS WEEKEND (LIKE THE DASH IS MELTING). THE STICKY AREA CREATES A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. WITH THE HIGH TEMPS, IT WILL LIKELY ONLY GET WORSE. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. FOUND OUT THERE WAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION THAT LITERALLY EXPIRED FOR ME A WEEK AGO. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ISSUE OR WARRANTY EXTENSION. WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS COVERED SINCE I JUST BARELY MISSED THE WINDOW.

NHTSA complaint #11352494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Merrick, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE HAS RECENTLY STARTED MELTING AND PRODUCING A STICKY SUBSTANCE THAT GIVES OFF A MAJOR GLARE IN MY WINDSHIELD CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD WHEN DRIVING. I CONTACTED MAZDA TO REPLACE BUT THEY ADVISED THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE. BEING THAT IT IS A HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLES AROUND, I BELIEVE THAT MAZDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING ALL DASHBOARDS WITH THIS ISSUE AND IT BE CATEGORIZED AS A RECALL AND NOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #11351774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN STALLING AS I DROVE ON THE FREEWAY. IT STALLS AND FEELS LIKE IT WON'T CHANGE GEARS. TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THE COMPUTER CODE WAS NOT GIVING THEM ANY INFORMATION AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA complaint #11350321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Millburn, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2010 MAZDA 3 HAS THE STICKY DASHBOARD THAT MAZDA IS AWARE OF AND EXTENDED THE FACTORY WARRANTY ON. HAVING SAID THAT MY STICKY DASHBOARD JUST DEVELOPED WITHIN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. WHEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER SHIP ABOUT GETTING IT FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY I WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS A FEW MONTHS OVER THE WARRANTY EXPERATION. THIS STICKY DASHBOARD IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS BECAUSE I GET A GLARE OFF OF IT ONTO MY WINDSHIELD THAT CAN MAKE IT HARD TO SEE THE ROAD PROPERLY. THIS DASHBOARD ISSUE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND NOT A WARRANTY EXTENSION BEFORE PEOPLE START TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT

NHTSA complaint #11349854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,413 miles Gadsden, AL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS YOU CAN DO IT SO IT CAN BE FIX AND DRIVE RIGHT AND I YOU CAN COME AND GET IT AND I NEED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL MY IS FIX

NHTSA complaint #11349152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

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