2012 Mazda MAZDA3
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 131 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 107 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: power train — 38 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The car started to stall, hesitate and even stop completely for no apparent reason.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231017
14% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE AIMED TOO HIGH, CAUSING DIFFICULTY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111206
11% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Headlight flickering and turns off and on randomly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231107
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD AND HITTING THE BACK OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ON A HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200214
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND PULLING INTO HER DRIVEWAY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GOT JAMMED AND AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO HER GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121025
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED AGAINST A CEMENT POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120925
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3...
Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Campaign 16V644000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V644000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.