Name: 2010 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"L front ball joint removed and replaced due to excessive play"

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power steering leaks

"Fluid leaks in lines. Had to replace lines."

Anonymous, BC (2010 Mazda 3 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Shocks or struts

"Front shocks are leaking and need to be replaced. Problem found 3/22/24. Not yet repaired."

Anonymous, AZ (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The left rear shock mount required replacement, but it was due to damage caused by a pothole on the crappy city street we live on ."

Anonymous, SK (2010 Mazda 3 Unsure)

"Rear upper strut mount broke driver's side. It's a common problem on this generation of Mazda . The mounts are aluminum and corrode, weaken and break with no warning. Not surprisingly, there are steel aftermarket mounts available which are stronger."

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I was informed the struts needed to be replaced as they were broken. I've been going through the local Mazda dealership where I got the vehicle and they have been amazing and also offer a program called SunBit which allows you to put a down payment on repairs and have a monthly payment instead of having to pay it all up front."

Anonymous A., CA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Upper shock mount broke. Easy and inexpensive fix, but without the fix it was unstable to drive."

Anonymous A., AB (2010 Mazda 3 SV 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Replaced both rear shocks and upper shock mounts (shock mount on driver's side was broken). Replaced with steel ones because they last longer. Mechanic said most companies use aluminum (which breaks). He said the originals would be aluminum. He only uses steel ones."

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Multiple battery replacements due to "phantom draw"."

Anonymous, TX (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"Over last 7 years security alarm goes off randomly when parked and locked. have had to have 3 of the 4 door lock assemblies replaced. One replaced in 2020 and 2 in 2024."

Anonymous A., NC (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Alarm goes off randomly when car locked because front passenger door sensor has become ultra sensitive. Have to manually lock the car via the front passenger door locks instead of using the pushbutton lock function on the doorknobs."

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring)

Automatic headlights

"drained the battery"

Anonymous, NJ (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Keyless entry

"Whenever the outside temperature raised above75 degrees, the keyless entry does not work. Some times the passenger side unlocks but the drivers side doesnt. Sometimes it wont lock. Its always unknown what will happen, but the actual key usually has to be used."

Anonymous, WY (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"intermittent cooling, system recharged, problem not solved, further attention needed"

Anonymous, NY (2010 Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Ac completely unreliable. Some days works others doesn't, seemingly randomly. Came to a head this last month but has always been a bit inadequate. Resolution not yet attempted. I'll never buy a black car again."

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Condenser

"hole in A/C condenser - replacement needed; evac and recharge system"

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Refrigerant leaks

"Was leaking from the low pressure test valve, had to replace the valve"

Anonymous A., MA (2010 Mazda 3 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"brake pedal is soft. I haven't repaired it."

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Calipers

"Calipers overheated and smoked."

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Rotors

"Vibrations, worsening, that no one seems able to fix."

Anonymous, OH (2010 Mazda 3 Unsure)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"Simple clutch wear on manual transmission"

Anonymous, CA (2010 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"clutch is slipping"

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"This is now the 3rd clutch on this car. I've always driven with a shift since an MGB back in the 60s. I think I know how to do it. The problem, slipping clutch, came on quite suddenly in city traffic and I thought I could make it the few kms to home. not so there was a loud bang and I had to push it to the curb. Flywheel also damaged. Ironically when this occurred I was driving home from having just passed my 80th birthday test, a mandatory requirement in Ontario."

Anonymous A., ON (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Timing belt or chain

"A rumbling type of rattle when stopped and car is still in Drive. Shift to neutral and it stops."

Anonymous, TX (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Occasionally, in the morning, I put it in reverse to go to work and the car leaps back."

Anonymous, OH (2010 Mazda 3 Unsure)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"The left trans-axle had a leak discovered on inspection."

Anonymous A., CA (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"engine mount had to be replaced. It exploded. However, it is an old car and issues are to be expected. Over the life of the car I've never had to do anything other than regular maintenance."

Anonymous, ON (2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Rubber moulding around driver door is loos I havegluedit successfully once. Need to fo it again. Also both doorson driver side won't hold open properly. Back foor won'thold at all. Front very weak."

Anonymous, SK (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Hatch opening button broke when pressed. Needed entire mechanism replaced. Key plastic part wore out."

Anonymous, SK (2010 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"check engine light on 5/24 @ 100,000 miles, system reset, light came back, inspection due 12/24, will address later"

Anonymous, NY (2010 Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Mazda 3

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Engine Electrical

Engine Minor

Engine Cooling

Noises And Leaks

2010 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability