2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The most-reported areas: Power Train (40), Engine (32), Exterior Lighting (31).
Key takeaways
- 226 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 9 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 40 | 18% |
| Engine | 32 | 14% |
| Exterior Lighting | 31 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 25 | 11% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 | 9% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 8% |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 | 8% |
| Structure | 17 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 17 | 8% |
| Seats | 16 | 7% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 16 | 7% |
| Steering | 15 | 7% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Structure - filed 2025-12-10
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was transported from the east to Texas, and the vehicle was bought used. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and that a gap was between the instrument panel and cover. The contact stated that a small to medium bubble had started to form. The vehicle was not...
Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2025-09-26
The car leaks gas when the tank is full and if the car is inclined slightly. I've noticed the problem several month ago with an occasional odor but finally saw the gas leaking recently when it was parked on a sloped street.
Service Brakes - filed 2025-06-16
The brake pedal is soft and sometimes unresponsive unless it is pumped repeatedly. There have been several times where I have been concerned if I would come to a complete stop. I have had both sets of brake pads replaced in the last year, and have on driven 9,000 miles. Two independent service centers diagnosed the pro...
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More for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.