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
- 226
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
18% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 226 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 145 |
| 2005 | 97 |
| 2006 | 166 |
| 2007 | 222 |
| 2008 | 303 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2012 | 226 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 130 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
18% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The car started to stall, hesitate and even stop completely for no apparent reason.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-17
Engine
14% · 32 reportsExterior lighting
14% · 31 reportsShow 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, 2011-12-06
Electrical system
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Headlight flickering and turns off and on randomly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-07
Vehicle speed control
9% · 20 reportsShow 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, 2020-02-14
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, 2012-10-25
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, 2012-09-25
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 226 complaints filed for this model year.
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2017-03-08Structure16V644000 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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Mazda MAZDA3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 31 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V644000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 18% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.