VehicleVerdict

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.5 times the median Mazdaspeed3 year — the 2010 model ranks #2 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seats issues account for 41% of all reports (18 of 44), far ahead of body & structure at 5.

44

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Mazdaspeed3 years?

Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted48 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 41 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 3 complaints
Mazdaspeed3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats1841%
Body & Structure511%
Other49%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Airbags37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Transmission25%
Engine25%
Suspension12%
Fuel System12%
Lighting12%
Speed Control12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V082000SeatsFebruary 9, 2017 · 173,859 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 for this recall is 0917B.

16V644000Body & StructureSeptember 6, 2016 · 580,455 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING, THE SWING ARM WHICH ATTACHES THE ADJUSTMENT BAR UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT CUSHION TO THE LEFT SEAT SLIDER BROKE. THE SEAT ROCKS FREELY APPROXIMATELY 1 FOOT, MAKING THE SEATBELT USELESS AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY. I HAD TO REMOVE THE SEAT AND RE-WELD THE SWING ARM. THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 15, 2017

“I HAVE A 2010 MAZDASPEED 3. AT ONLY 5 YEARS OLD THE CLEAR COAT IS ALREADY PEELING HORRIBLY ON THE HOOD AND NOW STARTING ON THE FENDERS AND TRIM GOING ALONG THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE THE VELOCITY RED PAINT AND CANNOT BELIEVE THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING THIS BADLY WITHIN ONLY 5 YEARS. VEHICLE IS KEPT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 1, 2015

“DASHBOARD IS MELTING, THE GLARE FROM IT MAKES IT HARD TO SEE TRAFFIC UP AHEAD AND IS VERY DISTRACTING AT TIMES. DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS A COMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA VEHICLES, USING VISORS TO COVER THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT STOP THE MELTING. INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD IS EXTREMELY STREAKY DUE TO THE DASH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 1, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR BRUISE TO THE RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (FAIRWAY MAZDA OF SAVANNAH 10101…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 4, 2015

“DASHBOARD IS MELTING, THE GLARE FROM IT MAKES IT HARD TO SEE TRAFFIC UP AHEAD AND IS VERY DISTRACTING AT TIMES. DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS A COMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA VEHICLES, USING VISORS TO COVER THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT STOP THE MELTING. INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD IS EXTREMELY STREAKY DUE TO THE DASH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 1, 2013

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 — common questions

Is the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 2010 model at #2 of 7 Mazdaspeed3 years. It is one of the Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Mazdaspeed3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (18 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazdaspeed3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazdaspeed3 years to avoid are 2007, 2010, 2008. The cleanest record among Mazdaspeed3 years belongs to 2013.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.