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Engine coolingPart report

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
1%of 686 total for the year
Median mileage
14,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3, 1% of the 686 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“At less than 24,000 miles, my clutch has begun to slip terribly and creates a terrible burning smell. I know there are hundreds of other Mazda owners who have also had to replace their clutches before they've had to replace brake pads. This is a drain on consumers, and a safety issue to boot.”

NHTSA complaint #10441490, filed 2011-12, 24,000 miles

“I am the original owner of this vehicle, purchased brand new. In january 2012 the heater when turning on made a loud clicking sound for approx. 20 to 30 seconds, each time. Upon research on the internet, local mechanics, I found out the heater blend door actuator is the problem. I was going to replace it, but upon further investigation I found that this heater assembly is not only used by Mazda, nissan, toyota, chevy, ford, and lexus. This heater is known to have this design error. I then decided to have the Mazda dealer change it for $130.00. …”

NHTSA complaint #10451085, filed 2012-03, 57,890 miles

“I have had my 2010 Mazda 3s since june of 2010 when I bought it new. I drive to and from work every day. I have 26,000 miles on it, 75% of which are highway miles. I was driving to work last week, and noticed something with the car felt off. Every day of the week it got worse and worse, so I finally brought it to my mechanic who told me, as I suspected, that the clutch was slipping and nearing the end of its life. I have yet to replace the brake pads on this car, and to get told that the clutch is gone before I even replace normal maintenance items is just flat out unacceptable. …”

NHTSA complaint #10447652, filed 2012-02, 26,000 miles

“Smoke came threw the vents of the 2010 MAZDA3 hatchback and then from under the hood. Then flames came out from hood. It burned until the fire department put it out. It was not able to be repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #10331059, filed 2010-05, 3,500 miles

“During the summer there was a toxic smell that was making myself and others who rode in the vehicle ill. Dealership said the smell was probably the purge valve which was normal and that based on the smell my vehicle seemed to be purging more than others but there was nothing that could be done. Summer of 2014 the smell became extremely unbearable while in the vehicle I was suffering severe neurological symptoms, and burning sensations in my eyes and airways. People could smell the toxins just by opening the door. …”

NHTSA complaint #10702659, filed 2015-03

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201822%
201411%
201242%
201122%
201091%
200911%
2008103%
200784%
20061710%
20051920%
20041712%

Other parts of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Body and structure
169 complaintsOther or unknown
135 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
109 complaintsSeats
106 complaintsWheels
54 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsTires
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology