repaired · 2018 Q3
Body: hatchback/liftgate
Risk. If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
2012 Mazda MAZDA3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 226 owner complaints about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-644 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 10, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 has problems
226 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Power train
32Engine
31Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
25Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
20Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
18Fuel/propulsion system
17Structure
17Air bags
16Seats
9314 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 40 | 0 |
| Engine | 32 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 31 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 20 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 0 |
| Structure | 17 | 1 |
| Air bags | 17 | 1 |
| Seats | 16 | 2 |
| 14 other systems | 93 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2012 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
20kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 37 power train complaints. 95% were reported before 100,000 miles.
23under 30k miles35under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other MAZDA3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MAZDA3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Mazda MAZDA3 safety ratings
2012 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What MAZDA3 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Car started jerking and on the way home, the car lost all power to the transmission. The check engine light came on as well as the AT and traction lights. Absolutely no power to the transmission. codes P0780 and P0751.
The car started to stall, hesitate and even stop completely for no apparent reason. The mechanic first recommended a new ECU/TCU which did not help the problem and in the course of duplicating the problem check engine light has come on for the transmission with problems shifting/sticking in a gear…
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted from 5th gear to 3rd gear with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started to slide and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle came to a stop. The…
Own a 2012 MAZDA3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.