Mazda3 (BL)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
L3T Federal
2.3L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Mazda Mazda3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L5X California
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LFX Federal
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
L5X California PZEV
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L3V
2.3L / 144 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L3V (2.3L) Federal
2.3L / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mazda Mazda3 regardless of engine variant.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 problems?
The 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 has accumulated 1,204 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Interior, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mazda Mazda3 engine is most reliable?
The 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.3L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 a good used car?
The 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,204 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 have?
The 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 has 1,204 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda3?
Before buying a used Mazda Mazda3, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Interior, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 1,204 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.