Mazda3 (BL)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LFX Federal
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
L5X California
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda Mazda3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L3T Federal
2.3L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
L3V
2.3L / 144 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
L3V (2.3L) Federal
2.3L / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda Mazda3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3
On a used 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (221), the seats, seat belts and interior (191) and the electrical system (151). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 221 owner complaints on the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 about the body and structure.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 191 owner complaints on the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 151 owner complaints on the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 115 owner complaints on the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints on the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 about the exterior lighting.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
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. A SHORT-CIRCUIT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND/OR POOR SHIFT QUALITY.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 complaints?
Owners have filed 1,206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the interior and the electrical system.
Is the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 have?
NHTSA has 1,206 owner complaints on file for the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the interior and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Mazda3?
The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 3 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,206 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.