Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 upon opening the driver's side door, she noticed that the front driver's side seat had independently moved closer to the steering wheel. The contact stated that the seat failed to move back to the original position after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to squeeze herself into the seat and drove to the dealer, who informed the contact that the driver's side seat bolts needed to be broken to move the seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V082000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the adhesive tape on the instrument panel was melt, making it difficult to see the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of failure. The contact was informed that an Extended Warranty for the failure had expired. The failure mileage was 105,000.
NHTSA Complaint Narrative I am filing this complaint regarding a 2010 Mazda 3, VIN [redacted] . 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. …
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) has gone out on my car, causing it to shift to 2nd gear while doing 75mph with cars around me, and would no longer shift out of 2nd gear, or into reverse. It was an extremely dangerous situation that made me come very close to wrecking into a car, as well as the many cars behind me that had to emergency brake due to my rapid deceleration, especially without and brake lights coming on because it was engine braking. Doing a simple google search show that this is an extremely well-known problem effecting almost every Mazda 3 that used this TCM in 2010-2011. Any mechanic will tell you it's a known problem, and that it was due to where and how Mazda placed the computer, which causes it to overheat and fail without warning. …
TCM has failed to communicate in engine. Car doesn't not shift properly or has hard shifts if it is able to get back into gear. Car may experience AT engagement making it hard to steer and control vehicle. Can happen in the middle of driving. Independent service Auto mechanic shop Vehicle has no warning lights indicating failure until hard shift when driving 50miles per hour and engine would no longer speed up AT light then came on. Once parked for two days check engine light came on and vehicle no longer would shift into gear.
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
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.
On Multiple occasions the Power Steering goes out and warning light on dash comes on. Very hard to steer without the PS on. This has happened on highways as well as in town in traffic. Sometimes it comes back in a few seconds on its own. Other times the car must be turned off and restarted, if you can get to a safe place. No codes appear when checked.
Electrical system drains battery, have purchased several new batteries annually. With a new battery, the car while being driven, shut off, lost power steering and abs on road. Car has been parked since and battery drain still occurring while car is parked
My Mazda 3 will not start. I took my vehicle to a Mazda dealership and they gave a me a description of my issue and resolution (my issue: battery cable shorted and split in half due to a default wire harness). I googled the part number and I noticed a recall on my car related to the same exact part. Recall # 09v12600 Mazda is now telling me my issue is not covered under the recall because my VIN does not show it has been recalled. My confusion is as follows; the issue is the same, the resolution is the same, the part number is the same, the vehicle is the same (model and year). I really need your help in resolving my issue. Mazda is charging $1400 for the fix, I am looking any help from NHTSA please, to help resolve my issue and have my issue be covered under a recall. The recall states potential impact of 25,400 vehicles (leaving the door open for more or less vehicles). …
Related recalls
Electrical system
Mazda is recalling 25,400 my 2010 mazda3 vehicles. A clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor May be insufficient. Due to this, the covering of the harness May be damaged through vibration during operation possibly causing a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing.
Remedy: Dealers will have the engine harness inspect and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired. This service will be performed free of charge.
Electrical complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, 7% of the model year's 686 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-126 (electrical system, Apr 16, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Mazda Mazda3 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.