5.4

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,126 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #5

Jul 102011

MAZDA3

  • 19,500 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. It went from the normal 2900 RPM in 6th gear at about 65 mph and shot up to 3500 way to quickly then dropped back to 2900 and slowly rose how it shouldve to get me to 70mph...it continued doing this when I got off the highway for about 15 minutes, growing steadily worse until I was unable to get into any gear at all. There was never a smell of clutch inside the car the entire time, no odd noises, no grinding, and the clutch was about half as stiff as it normally was. So I called dealer, they towed my car(course it took forever because they sent the truck to the wrong location haha). It took 2 days before they even got to glance at the car to see what needed to be done(not take apart mind U, just looked), and said the clutch was "smoked" no other specifics but wanted me to authorize them for 525 worth of labor plus parts -_-. so now im stuck fighting them to repair this under warranty(I know theres usually not a warranty unless manufacturers defect..but this is definitely defective). Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Saxonburg, PA, USA

problem #4

Jan 032011

MAZDA3

  • 41,000 miles
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 spor with 41,000 miles and the clutch totally went. Clutch, flywheel had to be replaced for $1800 dollars. Mazda refused to admit any defect.

- Windsor, CT, USA

problem #3

Dec 162010

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 20,100 miles
I purchased my 2010 Mazda 3 in August 2009. In December 2010, I was driving home from work and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I engaged the clutch and I felt a pop under my foot and the clutch became stuck. When it finally came back up it vibrated and jerked itself before going back to starting position. I put the car in first gear and attempted to accelerate. The car accelerated but the vehicle did not move. To see if the clutch was catching, I put the car in first gear and took my foot off the clutch without giving it gas. The car did not turn off as it normally would if I did not give it gas while in first gear. The clutch failed without warning at 20,100 miles. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and I was advised that the entire clutch needed to be replaced and I might have to replace the flywheel. I was advised the clutch was considered a wear item and could not be replaced under warranty. However, due to the sudden and premature nature of the failure, I am speaking with Mazda in an attempt to have the vehicle fixed under warranty.

- Miami Shores, FL, USA

problem #2

Dec 152010

MAZDA3

  • 5,000 miles
At 5000 miles clutch started to make squeaking sound and vibration when engaging.

- Broomall, PA, USA

problem #1

Oct 152010

MAZDA3

  • 30 miles
2011 Mazda speed3. New off the lot and clutch fails in 30 miles...same day! after "repair", clutch again fails next day, ~120 miles. 2 clutch failures in 2 days of use, ~150 miles. Failed while driving. Dealer/Mazda claim "wear" item...our fault! fighting via lemon law and mechantability.

- Ventura, CA, USA