2010 Mazda 3 MPG
24–28 mpg combined across 4 EPA-rated versions. Best: 3 (FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined; lowest: 3 (2.5L 4-cyl, M6) at 24.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | M5 | FWD | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | A5 | FWD | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | A5 | FWD | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
How it compares
- 2010 Compact Cars: class average 23.6 mpg over 145 versions; best 3 +4.4 (#21).
- 2009: 27 mpg best (+1 for 2010).
- 2011: 28 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,400–$2,800 a year ($400 difference).
- 2026 model: 30 mpg best (+2).
Safety
686 owner complaints: Structure 169, Unknown Or Other 133, Seats 106, Visibility/Wiper 100. Crashes 18, fires 5, injuries 13.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 169 | 25% |
| Unknown Or Other | 133 | 19% |
| Seats | 106 | 15% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 100 | 15% |
| Wheels | 54 | 8% |
| Electrical System | 50 | 7% |
| Tires | 48 | 7% |
| Power Train | 40 | 6% |
Recent owner reports: Structure
“The dashboards should be subject to a recall immediately since badly reduced visibility from glare is a recipe for an accident. The defective (melting) material is so bad that if the sun hits it just right, I can hardly see anything ahead of me; it is an accident waiting to happen. I called my Mazda dealer (Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, TN (423) 303-1333) but said there was nothing they could do now as there was”
“The dash of the car is melting. It causes a reflection that is bright and impairs visibility. Mazda addressed this problem with extending the warranty. When I called the local dealerships, none of them had the dash to replace per warranty. I made several calls throughout the year and each time was told the dashboard was not available and to try again. Then COVID hit and I did not venture out.”
“The dashboard is melting more and more everyday. Its becoming sticky and very reflective. Sometimes whenever I am driving in the morning the sun will reflect off and blind me making it very hard to safely operate my vehicle.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 9, 2017 | Seats | 17V082000 |
| Sep 6, 2016 | Structure › body › hatchback/Liftgate | 16V644000 |
| Apr 16, 2009 | Electrical System | 09V126000 |