Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the brake failed with the ABS warning light, traction control, and emergency brake light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was engaged and failed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The brake pedal was depressed twice before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the traction control module and ABS module needed to be replaced. Additionally, the brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
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. …
ABS will cause complete brake failure when it is engaged. For example, needing to stop quickly to avoid hitting another vehicle and the brakes will lose all pressure and the vehicle will not stop. Several mechanics have not been able to diagnose or fix. Immediately after the incident, there will be minimal brake pressure of about 20%, eventually it will return to normal. Must avoid applying brakes in emergency situations as it will actually be worse than attempting to steer out of it. This has happened about 6 times in 4 years. It happened the first time about 3 days after I bought the vehicle in 2019.
The a.b.s pump module is defective in these vehicles. There are tons of people having issues with them. When they fail it happens suddenly resulting in brake failure, power steering failure, the car does not like to shut off, the vehicle will go into "limp mode" and every light on the dash comes on. The part itself is costing close to $1000 u.s.d . With all of tge effected things tgat go with it i believe it can be very dangerous and should be recalled
Component: ABS Hydraulic Unit; How was safety at risk: The failure of the ABS system clearly poses a risk; Reproduced: The original ABS Hydraulic Unit has a known design flaw that causes it to fail under mild environmental conditions (see, e.g. SB-10053757-3542); Inspected: The problem has been diagnosed by an independent mechanic; Warning lights: The ABS light (and occasionally DSC and BRAKE lights as well) sometimes became illuminated.
The abs (anti-lock braking system) unit module failed and no, the failing component has been replaced. The brake pedal went to the floor and almost caused an accident. Yes, the problem kept occurring, and yes, a dealer did reproduce the problem. Yes, it has been inspected by a dealer, but not the manufacturer. No, there was no warning lamps or problems prior to the failure.
Takata inflators. Highway traffic had come to a stop and while trying to come to a stop my brakes completely failed with the pedal pushed all the way down. The car barely slowed down and rear ended the still car in front at approximately 40 MPH. Even with such a forceful impact the airbags didn't come out.
ABS failure, light came on in early 2015. Problems w/garden city Mazda dealer & service w/shotty business practices, so never went back to any Mazda dealer for service. Did all the required service since purchased new in 2010 until now. Have been in contact w/Mazda Japan, USA, & stevenson Mazda in jacksonville, nc where my daughter drives said Mazda everyday w/her sons, 4 months & 2.5 years old. The ABS system light indicates a faulty system & this vehicle has been determined to have the faulty part. Mazda Japan/USA said they would pay 50% of part cost & stevenson Mazda in jacksonville, nc would pay 50% total cost=$600 of $1200. Family tire & auto service, who alerted us of problem on 12/28/2015 (outside of warranty) would repair for $800. Since this is a safety hazard , disables ABS system, it should have been a recall not a tbs & all consumers would have been notified!!! …
2010 Mazda 3. In an emergency highway incident I was forced to brake and the brakes went to the floor, but I avoided a collision by swerving out of danger. After the incident, the brakes would not effectively stop the car leading me to conclude the brakes needed replacing. No warning lights came on. I took it to the dealership for repair. I was advised that the ABS module failed and eventually the brakes would fail to stop the car. The braking system has been properly maintained since the car was bought new in 2010. Further research revealed that this issue has been known by Mazda for several years and a TSB was issued. As this is a significant safety issue, a recall should have been issued since the ABS system is critical to the safe operation of a vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal while attempting to avoid hitting a dog. The contact had experienced numerous braking issues with the vehicle including the brake pads, brake booster, and brake master cylinder. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replace the brakes pedal however, the failure persisted. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same independent mechanic and had the brake master cylinder replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the same independent mechanic where the brake master cylinder and brake booster were replaced however, the failure persisted. Carmax (507 simons run, lynchburg, va 24502) [phone]) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. …
Brake complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, 6% of the model year's 686 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda Mazda3 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Mazda Mazda3 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.