Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
I am writing to file a complaint regarding the defective dashboard of my Mazda 3. The dash of the car under the windshield has become melty and shines excessively, making it extremely difficult to see when the sun is shining on the dashboard. The reflection on the windshield is so intense that it affects the visibility of the road and makes it hard to see clearly. I was informed by the dealership that there was an extended service available for this issue, but it expired after 10 years. I was never informed of this extended service and only now, after my dashboard has become extremely affected, did I find out about it. This is extremely concerning as the dashboard is an important safety feature of the car and the reflection from the dashboard is affecting my visibility, putting myself and other drivers on the road in danger. …
The dashboard in my 2010 Mazda 3 has melted significantly throughout the years. It has become hazardous and tough to operate this vehicle. The dashboard is glossy, sticky, and believe a slight odor. I tried to slow its deterioration by using a sunshade when parked. It not only did not help, the dashboard just ruined each shade with a sticky, tar-like, black residue. No dealership has offered to help me without trying to charge me the total price of replacement, plus their labor costs. I regularly check to see if there has been a new recall, but there has not. I can not sell this car without feeling guilty for endangering others. I am unlikely to return to Mazda as a paying customer since they shy away from treating my family like one. I hope this issue is fixed adequately for me and anyone else suffering from this issue.
The dashboards should be subject to a recall immediately since badly reduced visibility from glare is a recipe for an accident. The defective (melting) material is so bad that if the sun hits it just right, I can hardly see anything ahead of me; it is an accident waiting to happen. I called my Mazda dealer (Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, TN [phone]) but said there was nothing they could do now as there was a warranty before but it had expired. I try to drive the car but always trying to avoid sunny conditions, but unfortunately, when I leave at 5pm conditions are worse if it's sunny. I wish Mazda would accept responsibility soon (or they are forced to do so by NHTSA, if needed) so that I wouldn't have to take such a risk.
The dashboard adhesive migrates to the surface of the dashboard. Adhesive then sublimates and condenses on the windshield making a glaze on the windshield, making it extremely difficult to see the road in sunrise or sunset conditions. I've repeatedly cleaned the windshield with many different cleaners including acetone, but at best I am only able to improve visibility, not restore it. In the attached photo, the upper portion of photo illustrates the film of adhesive on the glass after it was wiped with a clean paper towel, creating a hazy appearance. The entire windshield was cleaned with acetone and heavy duty degreaser and window cleaner prior to the photo.
my Mazda 03 dashboard is melting, and I am not able to see out the window... I have talked to dealer and manufactory, and they will not pay the whole amount knowing it's a safety issue. I don't understand how they can sell product on car that is malfunctioning and a safety issue. I bought the car brand new in 2010 and didn't have any issues until this year. Please call me back at [redacted] my name is [redacted] . I was not in an accident, just think this is a safety issue.
I purchased a 2010 Mazda 3 in 2009. This year (2015), around April/May, before the summer heat even got bad, I noticed the dashboard was sticky. Since then, it has pretty much completely melted. The dashboard is extremely sticky and soft when you touch it, almost has a putty consistency, but that is not the main issue. The safety issue is my main concern. There is a horrible glare the shine from the dashboard creates on the front windshield. It is almost impossible to see out of the front windshield when the sun is out because of this glare. A dashboard cover is not an option because of how sticky the dashboard is; a cover will definitely get stuck to the dash and destroy it. I have done some research online and there are hundreds of claims for melting dashboards for models between 2009 and 2011. …
Vehicle with continued issue with melting dashboard. Requires very frequent cleaning of the inside of the windshield due to the substance build-up from the daily heating in the florida climate. During the day the glare from the sun reflects back onto the windshield causing it to be very difficult to see. Polarized sunglasses seems to minimize the issue. At night, certain lighting also highlights the problems especially when sunglasses are not appropriate. On December 8th just after sundown a vehicle began to make a left turn into my right of way at an intersection. The star bursting from the windshield made it impossible to see that they were turning in from of me leading to an impact. I believe that this dashboard issue played a very significant issue contributing to this crash. The fault was obviously the other driver but due to the circumstances I was unable to react quickly.
The dash on my vehicle has melted and become shiny and hard to see when driving. It appears this is a known issue and Mazda has "extended" the warranty on the dash, however since my car has a "branded title" from hail damage this excludes my vehicle. Also the issue is outside the 10 year extended warranty. This is a known issues and is listed on the Mazda website. Multiple people have the same issue. After contacting Mazda they will not replace the dash. Since this is a known issue and safety hazard I believe it should be a recall vs them extending the warranty to save costs on not having to replace certain vehicles. Https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/Mazda3-and-mazda6-warranty-extension-statement/
My dashboard is also melting like others have complained about. It started about 36 months in and only gets worse. It's now a sticky mess that reflects on to the windshield which causes glare when looking out the windshield. It seems to be dangerous to drive on sunny days in florida. It's distracting and is unsafe for the driver as well for anything that is in the area of the glare outside the car. This needs to be addressed. When brought to the attention of my service garage the mechanic told me that he had seen it on about 1 of every 5 cars serviced. When I inquired what it would cost to get it repaired/replaced the guy said it would be close to $2000. That's crazy for something that is obviously a manufacturing issue.
I bought my 2010 Mazda 3 brand new. Now that I have paid it off, I've noticed the dashboard starting to melt right above the steering wheel. This started over the summer and has become worse spreading over a rather large portion of my dash. And while this May look like an undesirable black tar mess, it's actually a very large safety issue as it's impeding upon my visibility. The glare on a bright sunny day has been so bad that I've had to put my head out the window in order to see. I could drive perhaps another way, or wait until there is no sun, but that is not how my life works. I don't understand why there is not a recall about this safety issue.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2010 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 108 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, 16% of the model year's 686 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda Mazda3 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.