Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

686 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
70

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

premature wear 19transmission slipping 18unintended acceleration 10
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11729138 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
81

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

electrical shorts 18sudden stalling 6
A recent report: 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…
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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)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710562 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
37

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of braking 20software faults 10unintended acceleration 3
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11683431 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
108

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of steering 28corrosion 26
A recent report: 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…
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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

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723061 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
31

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.

software faults 9airbags not deploying 6
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11580329 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
63

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

other issues 63
A recent report: 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…
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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)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11583189 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
296

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

premature wear 54electrical shorts 2
A recent report: See attached document for complaint.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11689499 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 686 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2009 and 2026, roughly 41 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.