2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 6%of 686 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3, 6% of the 686 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down the road all the sudden my car stopped and would not engage. Apparently my clutch just randomly went out. I have to completely replace the entire thing $1000. Mazda said its a normal wear and tear at 67000 miles we should not be doing a complete replacement of the clutch. It should not just randomly go out without any warning.”
NHTSA complaint #10588018, filed 2014-05, 67,000 miles“For these incidents there was friends who was in my vehicle during and even witness these incidents happen while in the vehicle. On the way to work I tried to downshift on the sport mode like I usually do. But it continued to stay in 5, then all of sudden it jumped to 3 as I slow down a bit then all of sudden to 1 which made the car jerk a bit both times due to gear drop and cause the car to rev at a higher RPM. Which almost cost an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11244569, filed 2019-08, 90,000 miles“I was driving and felt the car down shift on the highway, at light came on and some sort of traction control light came on. Rpm would go crazy sometimes while this happened. When I got home and put it on park it shifted really hard tried to put it on drive and shifted hard. As well so I let it be. I heard about this happening to other mazdas as well please investigate this supposedly its a issue with the transmission control module.”
NHTSA complaint #11035391, filed 2017-10, 143,000 miles“Clutch failed at 19.5k miles. Ive only had her since november, and with the way I drive theres no way in hell the clutch should go out this soon... Now as to explain as to what happened, I was driving on the highway when my engine started reving a bit oddly when I barely pressed on the gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10412395, filed 2011-07, 19,500 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10189953Mar 2, 2021Csp09 - 2010-2013 - mazda3 2.5l clutch reimbursement program (no repair with this program)
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10136777Apr 2, 2018Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission…
- 10092549Aug 25, 2016Some vehicles may experience the check engine light on with dtc p2096:00 (target a/f feedback system too lean). This is caused by improper control logic of the pcm. To eliminate…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 9% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 18 | 15% |
| 2012 | 40 | 18% |
| 2011 | 12 | 9% |
| 2010 | 40 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
169 complaintsOther or unknown
135 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
109 complaintsSeats
106 complaintsWheels
54 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsTires
48 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsEngine
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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