RoadVitals

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Oct 30, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Feb 9, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, most frequently naming the interior & seats, body & structure and visibility categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 27 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure512.5%
  • Visibility37.5%
  • Airbags37.5%
  • Powertrain (other)25.0%
  • Engine25.0%
  • Driver assistance12.5%
  • Exterior lighting12.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Feb 9, 2017
173,859 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 0917BView on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Sep 6, 2016
580,455 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 9916HView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureEngine
Filed Oct 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL FOR TWO SECONDS BEFORE INDEPENDENTLY RESTARTING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12396366785. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ID
11277034
Incident
Oct 23, 2019
Mileage
139,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 14, 2019

BLINKING AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHORTLY AFTER MAZDA SERVICE RECALL FOR SEAT REPLACEMENT. MAZDA DEALER REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE WHICH LATER FOUND TO BE LOOSE CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEAT. CONNECTOR WAS UNCLIPPED DURING ASSEMBLY OF NEW VEHICLE BRACKET AND NOT REINSTALLED PROPERLY. OWNER ALSO HAD U0100 CODE PENDING NO PCM COMM. REFERRED TO WS MANUAL FOUND OUT LOOSE WIRE FROM AIR BAG COULD'VE BEEN THE PROBLEM, BUT LATER FOUND MOISTURE UNDER STEERING COLUMN. LED TO FINDING LEAKING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ONTO ENGINE FIREWALL PCM MAIN HARNESS CONNECTION/PLUG. THIS CAUSED CORROSION, POOR CONTACT WITH GROUND WIRING, AND VEHICLE ELECTRICAL "GREMLINS". SUCH AS HATCHBACK DOOR INDICATING 'OPEN' ON DISPLAY UPON START WITH NO CAUSE. RESTARTING VEHICLE SOLVED THAT.. INTERMITTENT TCS/DSC FLASHLIGHT LIGHT DRIVING UNDER 10MPH IN PARKING LOT. OWNER ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS @ 400 MILES. 1ST AND 2ND GEAR SYNCHRO REPLACED. LATER TURBO @ 15K MILES AND AGAIN AT 40K. DEALERSHIPS INEXPERIENCED WITH HANDLING MS3. MIGHT AS WELL HAVE GONE TO FORD SINCE MAZDA DEALERS WERE OF NO HELP GIVEN "CONVENIENCE" IN MILEAGE. BAD STRUT BEARINGS AT 50K, NEW STRUTS AND SHOCKS AT 35K. ENGINE MOUNT REAR AT 10K MILES. THE OTHER 2 MOUNTS FAILED, DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER. PASSENGER MOUNT LEAKED HYDRAULIC OIL ON TO SERPENTINE BELT AND PULLEY TENSIONER. COME ON! WHEN THE ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED, THE ENGINE TILTED BACKWARDS, CRACKING EXHAUST, CAUSING MISFIRE AND BURNING UP AT LEAST 1 IGNITION COIL. I COULD KEEP GOING..

NHTSA ID
11196097
Incident
Nov 21, 2018
Mileage
60,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 2, 2018

WATER INTERMITTENTLY LEAKS INTO PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT.

NHTSA ID
11124015
Incident
Mar 3, 2018
Mileage
49,500 mi
AirbagsSuspension
Filed Aug 16, 2017
1 injury reported

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 ABERCORN STREET, SAVANNAH, GA, 31406), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT OUT AN ENGINEER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION DAMAGAE, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.

NHTSA ID
11015673
Incident
Aug 4, 2015
Mileage
63,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 15, 2017

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 SOLUTION WOULD BE A COMPLETE SEAT REPLACEMENT COSTING $900. MILEAGE: 71000

NHTSA ID
10954913
Incident
Feb 15, 2017
Mileage
71,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 6, 2017

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BECAME LOOSE. WHEN SITTING DOWN IN THE CAR A LOUD CLUCK WAS HEARD AND THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT MOVED BACKWARD. UPON INSPECTION THE WELD HOLDING THE SEAT TO THE BRACKET HAD SNAPPED. CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME BEEN RENDERED UN-DRIVABLE DUE TO THE MOVEMENT IN THE SEAT.

NHTSA ID
10949697
Incident
Feb 4, 2017
Mileage
84,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 18, 2017

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE AT WELDED ATTACHMENT POINT TO ADJUSTER RAIL. MY SON'S DRIVER SEAT WAS ROCKING, I THOUGHT THAT THE LOCKING WASHER HAD FALLEN OFF AND WENT TO REPLACE, WHEN I REMOVERED THE SIDE COVER I DISCOVERED THAT THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHED THE SEAT TO THE ADJUSTER FRAME HAD BROKEN. SEARCH THE WEB AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MAZDA 3. WHEN TO DEALER AND DISCOVERED THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SUBFRAME WHICH COST $300 FOR THE PART AND $300 FOR THE LABOR TO INSTALL IT. MAZDA NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT AND ALSO REIMBURSE EVERYONE WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE POORLY CONSTRUCTED PART

NHTSA ID
10946271
Incident
Dec 23, 2016
Mileage
71,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 21, 2016

I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 MAZDASPEED 3 ON 10/20/2016. DRIVING HOME FROM WORK I SUDDENLY REALIZED WHILE ACCELERATING IT WAS LIKE SITTING IN A ROCKING CHAIR. AFTER BEING ABLE TO CHECK IT LATER THAT NIGHT I LOOKED UP UNDER THE SEAT AND THE BRACE THAT HOLDS THE SEAT FRAME TO THE SEAT TRACK HAS COMPLETELY SHEERED OFF ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE. THE RIGHT SIDE IS STILL IN TACT... FOR NOW. READING ONLINE IT SEEMS THE DEALERSHIPS ARE WANTED AROUND $700 TO REPLACE THIS. I DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH A HIGH BILL ON A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WHAT'S TO KEEP MY SEAT FROM COMPLETELY LAUNCHING AND IMPALING ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. MAZDA PLEASE STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. TO MAKE AN ADDED NOTE, MY SEAT HAS HAD A SLIGHT ROCK IN IT FOR FROM WHAT I CAN REMEMBER BEING AT LEAST 2-3 YEARS NOW. TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT AND THEY SAY THAT'S NORMAL AND DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. SO, CLEARLY IF THIS IS NORMAL FOR MAZDA, THEN THERE IS GOING TO BE A LOT MORE PROBLEMS COMING OUT OF THE WOODWORK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10917786
Incident
Oct 20, 2016
Mileage
112,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

09-038-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the “Speedometer Replacement Label”. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda’s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO’s services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

09-016-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Speedometer replacement procedure

09-025-21-3824

EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver’s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.

01-005-21-3778

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.

01-006-21-3779

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.

07-001-21-3775

EQUIPMENT

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda Mazdaspeed3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015000
2014000
2013310
2012610
2011520
2010Viewing322042.3
2009410
2008331041.9
2007382145.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.