Model year guide

2010 Mazda Mazda3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Mazda Mazda3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 342 on record.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2010 Mazda Mazda3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints686
Typical price$7,249

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 recalls 3

Seats NHTSA Campaign #17V082000 · 09/02/2017

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.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number …

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate NHTSA Campaign #16V644000 · 06/09/2016

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 …

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #09V126000 · 16/04/2009

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE ENGINE HARNESS INSPECT AND ADD A PROTECTOR CLIP ON THE AFFECTED SECTION OF THE HARNESS. IF NECESSARY, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 686 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2010 Mazda3 5-DR. Hatchback w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2010 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Low
$4,800
Typical price
$7,249
High
$10,000

From 340 comparable 2010 Mazda Mazda3 listings.

2010 Mazda Mazda3 trims & engines on record

Trims
i SV · i Sport · i Touring · s Grand Touring · s Sport
Engines
2.0L · 2.5L

2010 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles on record

Other Mazda Mazda3 model years

2010 Mazda Mazda3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?

Based on 686 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, tires.

What is the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2010 Mazda Mazda3 worth?

Comparable 2010 Mazda Mazda3 listings run roughly $4,800–$10,000, typically around $7,249 (from 340 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.