The main objective of this study is to model and analyze a three dimensional inclined semi-elliptic surface crack in a Functionally Graded Material (FGM) coating bonded to a homogeneous substrate with a bond coat. The parametric analyses on FGMs are based upon zirconia-yttria (ZrO2-8wt%-Y2O3) FGM coating bonded to a substrate made of a nickel-based superalloy. It is assumed that there is a nickel-chromium&amp / #8211 / aluminum&amp / #8211 / zirconium (NiCrAlY) bond coat between the FGM coating and substrate. Metal-rich, linear variation, ceramic-rich and homogeneous ceramic FGM coating types are considered in the analyses. The inclined semi-elliptic surface crack problem in the FGM coating-bond coat-substrate system is analyzed under transient thermal loading. This problem is modeled and analyzed by utilizing three dimensional finite elements. Strain singularity around the crack front is simulated using collapsed 20 &amp / #8211 / node quarter &amp / #8211 / point brick elements. Three &amp / #8211 / dimensional displacement correlation technique is utilized to extract the mixed mode stress intensity factors around the crack front for different inclination angles of the semi-elliptic surface crack. The energy release rates around the crack front are also calculated by using the evaluated mixed mode stress intensity factors. The results obtained in this study are the peak values of mixed mode stress intensity factors and energy release rates around the crack front for various inclination angles of the semi-elliptic surface crack embedded in the FGM coating of the composite structure subjected to transient thermal loading.