2012 Mazda Mazda3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 40

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11596026, 2024

“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 and not returning to first gear. My mechanic has stated that there is a known problem with Mazda3 transmission, and I should reach out to Mazda. They indicate there is no recall, but mechanic provided me TSB reference number 0500814 from a service bulletin. The car is a death trap and I have stal…”
NHTSA complaint #11550320, 2023

“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 vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V072000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11471629, 2022

Engine 32

“MOTOR CYLINDER #1 LOW COMPRESSION TOOK IT TO MAZDA THEY COULDNT FIGURE IT OUT AND LESS THAN 20 MILES AFTER THE MOTOR THREW A ROD AT 70,001 MILES TOTAL. CYLINDER 1 WALLS WHERE NOT MADE CORRECTLY”
NHTSA complaint #11405847, 2020

“WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD.MY CAR SPEEDS UP AND I DON'T PRESS ON THE EXCILERATOR ANY HARDER. THE CARS IDOL GOES UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING AND AT PARK. THIS HAPPENS ON ALL TYPES OF ROAD WAYS. SOMETIMES IT SPEEDS UP ON ME SO FAST I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11351699, 2020

“MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR FAILED AT 38,000 MILES CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL AND WOULDN'T RESTART.”
NHTSA complaint #11121993, 2018

Exterior Lighting 31 1 crash

“CAR HIT COYOTE AT 75MPH. CAR NEVER WAVERED FROM WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. IT SAVED OUR LIVES THAT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT NOT HIT BY COYOTE BUT BARES A LARGE "BLIND SPOT" ON DRIVERS SIDE MAKING CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER DARK. CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP SAYS HEAD LIGHT IS WITHIN SPECS AND WAS COMPARED TO ANOTHER CAR OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL YEAR AND THE "BLIND SPOT" IS NORMAL. THIS PARTICULAR MAZDA 3 "DOESN'T LIKE TIRES". THAT IS WHAT THE GUY WHO PUT ON THE 3RD FULL SET OF TIRES TOLD ME. MILEAGE 46,000 THE CAR KEEPS BREAKING MOTOR MOUNTS AND MAZDA CLAIMS THIS IS ALL FROM THE ACCID…”
NHTSA complaint #10555504, 2012 · crash

“2012 Mazda3i 5dr hatchback. Persistent issue with headlights, both low beam and high beam, as well as interior lighting and other lighting. The headlights flicker for several seconds any time the brake pedal is applied. Interior lighting also flickers when brake pedal is applied. Headlights sometimes flicker when vehicle is decelerating and no brake pedal is applied, most notable when vehicle is traveling downhill. Further, the luminosity (brightness) of the headlights visibly dims, but does not flash, when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is applied. A high volume of others report…”
NHTSA complaint #11640975, 2025

“[XXX] covers a safety oriented problem with my car. Jim Ellis Mazda in Marietta refuses to work on my car because it is more than 10 years old. This is a proprietary issue since it deals with the computer system in the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11559286, 2023

Electrical System 25 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact woke up to the fire department extinguishing a fire in the vehicle. The fire department stated that the fire began under the hood and that the fire was due to the electrical system. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A police report and a fire report were filled out. The vehicle has not been towed yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11533271, 2023 · fire

“2012 Mazda3i 5dr hatchback. Persistent issue with headlights, both low beam and high beam, as well as interior lighting and other lighting. The headlights flicker for several seconds any time the brake pedal is applied. Interior lighting also flickers when brake pedal is applied. Headlights sometimes flicker when vehicle is decelerating and no brake pedal is applied, most notable when vehicle is traveling downhill. Further, the luminosity (brightness) of the headlights visibly dims, but does not flash, when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is applied. A high volume of others report…”
NHTSA complaint #11640975, 2025

“Headlight flickering and turns off and on randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #11554073, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 20 3 crash 1 injury

“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. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER UPPER BACK AND NECK. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REMOVED FROM THE CONTACTS GARAGE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 700.”
NHTSA complaint #10482204, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11309258, 2020 · crash

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/13/12 *CN UPDATED 11/29/2012 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10477070, 2012 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 18

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11689933, 2025

“Our fuel tank is leaking for no reason. Brought it in last year (2024) for state inspections and let them know we smell gas when we park sometimes. They poke around and find nothing, but note there is a faint gas smell and to bring it to the dealer. We take it to Mazda to see if they can fix, they find nothing and charge my wife $250. Fast-forward to a year later, go for the same state inspection and we get failed. Our mechanic says theres a noticeable gas leak from the fuel tank and to take it to Mazda. There is clearly some issue with the fuel tank parts. The car itself only has 77k miles…”
NHTSA complaint #11652352, 2024

“After topping off my fuel tank at a gas station, fuel begins to leak from the top of the tank. Prior to noticing the leak, I had noticed a strong smell of gas after topping off and driving home. Symptoms include smell of gasoline, and a gasoline puddle on the ground. The fuel appears to be leaking from the top of the fuel tank, running down the side, and dripping onto the ground. Because of other nearby components that generate heat, this is a very dangerous situation that may lead to fires. Other 2012 Mazda 3 owners have experienced the same exact situation. The following threads shows comm…”
NHTSA complaint #11523035, 2023

Unknown Or Other 18 1 crash

“MY CAR IS AUTOMATIC, AND I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT OFF THE STREET IN FRONT OF A STORE, AND WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO THE PARKING SPOT, AND WAS PUTTING ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SURGED, AND WENT FORWARD, STILL AS I AM PRESSING ON THE BREAK, AND WENT THROUGH A STORE WINDOW. THEN ONCE IT STOPPED INSIDE THE STORE I PUT IT IN PARK, AND STARTED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK, AND IT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, SO I PUT ON THE BREAK AGAIN. THEN TRIED IT AGAIN, TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND IT MOVED AGAIN A BIT, AND STOPPED. SO I TURNED OFF THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11280199, 2019 · crash

“The Mazda dealership reported to me the push rod was broken, that it ‘just snapped’. The car was towed by Zaben towing company courtesy of the auto insurance company associated with the vehicle to the Mazda dealership, however the towing company was on its way to another Mazda dealership per their app despite a clear address location given by the purchaser of the auto insurance. I found one of the hubcaps missing and placed in back seat of the Mazda after delivery and the Mazda not parked properly at Mazda dealership. The hubcap was not in back seat prior to the drop off. The clutch snap, as…”
NHTSA complaint #11619491, 2024

“My issue is with computer firmware updates the manufacturer (Mazda) needs to have done occasionally to help w/traction control and other issues, that the consumer is stuck paying for it, I had a check engine light come on and took it to the dealer. The dealer said that the TCM (traction control module)and the PCM (power control module)needed to be updated. And being the car was out of warranty that I was going to be responsible for paying $330. I would think that if a manufacturer decided to make new updates to help with safety and performance that it shouldn’t fall on the consumer as we bou…”
NHTSA complaint #11585563, 2024

Air Bags 17 1 crash 2 injury

“WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN APRIL 2017 HIT FROM THE BACK AND PUSH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS FLASHING EVERY SINCE THEN. WE WERE SITTING STILL AT A STOP WHEN WE GOT REAR ENDED AND PUSH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11014514, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 years (84 months) from the original warranty start date or April 30, 2018, whichever is later, with no milage limitation. As I read it, 7 years of 84 months from 2018 should extend the warranty for re…”
NHTSA complaint #11581837, 2024

“Passenger airbag off flashing intermittently while driving on roadway”
NHTSA complaint #11426237, 2021

Structure 17 1 crash

“CAR HIT COYOTE AT 75MPH. CAR NEVER WAVERED FROM WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. IT SAVED OUR LIVES THAT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT NOT HIT BY COYOTE BUT BARES A LARGE "BLIND SPOT" ON DRIVERS SIDE MAKING CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER DARK. CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP SAYS HEAD LIGHT IS WITHIN SPECS AND WAS COMPARED TO ANOTHER CAR OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL YEAR AND THE "BLIND SPOT" IS NORMAL. THIS PARTICULAR MAZDA 3 "DOESN'T LIKE TIRES". THAT IS WHAT THE GUY WHO PUT ON THE 3RD FULL SET OF TIRES TOLD ME. MILEAGE 46,000 THE CAR KEEPS BREAKING MOTOR MOUNTS AND MAZDA CLAIMS THIS IS ALL FROM THE ACCID…”
NHTSA complaint #10555504, 2012 · crash

“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 taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11704211, 2023

“The dashboard on my Mazda3 has popped up and is causing me to be distracted while I drive, and I am concerned that this could have an impact on airbag deployment, as the lifted dash provides an opening to the wiring and airbags within. I became aware yesterday that this is an issue that Mazda tried to remedy by extending their warranty in 2017 for my car model. However, I was never notified, and the warranty has now expired. I spoke with Mazda Corporate (call reference # 1-4144339276) and they would not honor the extended warranty to remedy the issue because the time frame has expired. Had I…”
NHTSA complaint #11423801, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 16

“I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH ON A SMALL RURAL ROAD GOING THROUGH A RIGHT-HAND TURN WHEN THE A/T, ENGINE, AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. I PUSHED THE STABILITY CONTROL SWITCH IN ATTEMPT TO SHUT IT OFF BUT TO NO AVAIL. I STOPPED AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF BUT THAT DIDN'T RESOLVE THE ISSUE EITHER. I DROVE IT HOME BUT IT WASN'T EASY. THE CAR HAD NO ACCELERATION (NO TORQUE) AND COULD BARELY GET UP THE HILL TO MY HOME. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY ARE REPLACING AN ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT COMMUNICATES BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. THE MODULE AND LABOR IS $1,000+. THE CAR HAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11044096, 2017

“CRUISE QUIT WORKING, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. CAR DECELERATED AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND THEN IT WOULDN'T START. WAITED ABOUT 10 MIN AND RESTARTED SUCCESSFULLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STILL ON. DROVE ANOTHER 70 MILES GOING IN AND OUT OF LIMP MODE WITH DASH LIGHTS FLASHING ON & OFF. TOOK TO DEALER AND REPLACED THE ANGLE (SP?) SENSOR IN STEERING WHEEL. DEALER RESET ALL CODES AND IT'S DONE IT TWICE…”
NHTSA complaint #10946508, 2016

“DRIVING AT 70MPH, LOST ACCELERATION AND MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. HAD TO MOVE OVER TO EMERGENCY LANE ON INTERSTATE AND DRIVING TO NEAREST EXIT AT APPROX 40MPH. CAR TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10668639, 2014

Seats 16 2 crash

“MY MAZDA3 HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME MANUAL SEAT LIFTER FAILURE ISSUE AS ADDRESSED IN NHTSA RECALL 17V-082. I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 WHICH CAUSED ME TO EXPERIENCE WHIPLASH DUE TO THE SEAT BECOMING LOOSE. THE COLLISION CENTER FOUND THE SEAT IS MISSING THE PUSH NUTS AND THE LIFT BRACKET HAS BROKEN AT THE WELDS WHICH IS IDENTICAL DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES STATED IN THE ABOVE RECALL. MAZDA STATES THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED DUE TO THIS. MY CAR WAS GOING SLOWLY BEFORE I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHICH PUSHED THE CAR FORWARD…”
NHTSA complaint #11355002, 2020 · crash

“MY CAR WAS T-BONE, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN. MY DAUGHTER WAS MADE TO DRIVE THE DAMAGED CAR HOME INSTEAD OF USING A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST BODY SHOP. THE SUSPENSION WAS BENT COMPLETELY INWARDS (DOUGHNUT TIRE WAS USED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITH A BENT SUSPENSION). I WAS TOLD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST SHOP THEY DO BUSINESS WITH, AND I DID. I ASKED THE SUPERVISOR/ADJUSTER TO TOTAL THE CAR BEFORE EVER SEEING THE INTERNAL DAMAGE. I KNEW THE CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS, ALMOST NEW CONDITION. WE WENT BACK AND FORWARD ABOUT TOTALIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10735022, 2015 · crash

“The Seat Lifter on the driver's side seat frame broke, the metal has a clear stress fracture right near the bracket where the frame connects to the rail. This is the same part that was recalled in the 2010 and 2011 Models by Mazda in 2017. NHTSA Campaign No. 17V-082 It causes the driver side seat to change positions while driving creating hazardous conditions and does not appear structurally stable if involved in an accident potentially putting the driver's life at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11659410, 2025

Steering 15 1 crash

“MY CAR WAS T-BONE, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN. MY DAUGHTER WAS MADE TO DRIVE THE DAMAGED CAR HOME INSTEAD OF USING A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST BODY SHOP. THE SUSPENSION WAS BENT COMPLETELY INWARDS (DOUGHNUT TIRE WAS USED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITH A BENT SUSPENSION). I WAS TOLD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST SHOP THEY DO BUSINESS WITH, AND I DID. I ASKED THE SUPERVISOR/ADJUSTER TO TOTAL THE CAR BEFORE EVER SEEING THE INTERNAL DAMAGE. I KNEW THE CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS, ALMOST NEW CONDITION. WE WENT BACK AND FORWARD ABOUT TOTALIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10735022, 2015 · crash

“I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger front tire. I bought this used at a Ford car dealership in June 2021. thats all i can think of right now. This has happened more than once no just one time.”
NHTSA complaint #11455337, 2022

“my power steering has randomly failed for a second time. It happened once before as I pulled into a store -this time it happened while I was travelling southbound on highway 1 a very curvy road with steep cliffs where the speed limit is 55 so it was very scary when my steering suddenly went to manual steering. Turning the car off and waiting a few minutes seemed to remedy it. I continued to have a check engine light which cleared the next time I turned the car off. The power steering pump is an electric hydraulic pump so no belts involved. No weird noises just sudden scary failure. I res…”
NHTSA complaint #11436698, 2021

Service Brakes 14 1 crash 2 injury

“I was coming up on a car waiting to make a left turn. While attempting to move to the right-hand passing lane, five lights lit up and the power steering went out. The five lights were "Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light", "TSC/DSC Off Indicator Light", "Security Light", "ABS Warning Light", and "Seatbelt Warning Light" (even though my seat belt was on and buckled). Realizing I could not turn in time, I attempted to stop instead and could not stop in time to avoid striking the other vehicle. There had been no indication of problems with any of the indicated systems prior to this inc…”
NHTSA complaint #11431182, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 problem as a faulty master cylinder. However, upon replacing the master cylinder and doing three brake flushes, and inspecting my brake pads and calipers, the problem persisted and is unresolved. They directed me to order a new ABS module, believing that that is the only other part…”
NHTSA complaint #11667217, 2025

“Weak braking and spongy brake pedal created near accidents at highway speeds. Brake pedal needs to be pumped to get firmness. But the check engine warning light did not come on, either. So I had mechanics replace front rotors, front disc pads, and bleed/refill system with fresh brake fluid and inspect system for leaks. But spongy brake pedal problem was not fixed. So when I researched the problem on the internet, it appears that it's a systemic, long-time (10 model years or more) safety issue with Mazda that they failed to recall nationwide. Totally irresponsible. Among Mazda owners, af…”
NHTSA complaint #11601244, 2024

Wheels 12

“I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger front tire. I bought this used at a Ford car dealership in June 2021. thats all i can think of right now. This has happened more than once no just one time.”
NHTSA complaint #11455337, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CAMBER WAS SET AT A NEGATIVE ANGLE, WHICH MADE THE REAR TIRES WEAR OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DESIGN WAS SET UP FOR RACING RATHER THAN NORMAL DRIVING. AN UNKNOWN DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL THEM BACK WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11245193, 2019

“RAN CAR INTO SIDE FENCING PUT UP FOR CONSTRUCTION IN REGARDS TO DODGING DEBRIS ON I295 FROM CONSTRUCTION WORK. MY TIRE BLEW OUT FROM HAVING TO RUN INTO THE GUARD RAIL AND I HAD TO PUT A DONUT TIRE ON. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT IS CORRELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION WORK GOING ON FOR MONTHS NOW AND THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED A NEW TIRE AND RIM FOR MY 2012 MAZDA 3/”
NHTSA complaint #10910762, 2016

Suspension 9 1 crash

“MY CAR WAS T-BONE, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN. MY DAUGHTER WAS MADE TO DRIVE THE DAMAGED CAR HOME INSTEAD OF USING A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST BODY SHOP. THE SUSPENSION WAS BENT COMPLETELY INWARDS (DOUGHNUT TIRE WAS USED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITH A BENT SUSPENSION). I WAS TOLD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST SHOP THEY DO BUSINESS WITH, AND I DID. I ASKED THE SUPERVISOR/ADJUSTER TO TOTAL THE CAR BEFORE EVER SEEING THE INTERNAL DAMAGE. I KNEW THE CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS, ALMOST NEW CONDITION. WE WENT BACK AND FORWARD ABOUT TOTALIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10735022, 2015 · crash

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER VEHICLE AND THE FRONT CV AXLE COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN HALF. STILL NOT SURE WHAT COULD HAVE POSSIBLY OCCURED BEING THERE IS NO ACCIDENT REPORT ON THIS VEHICLE. PERHAPS THE PART WAS CORRODED OR FAULTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11354377, 2020

“THE REAR SHOCKS HAVE AN UPPER ATTACHMENT THAT IS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM. AFTER ONLY 49000 MILES THE SHOCK MOUNT CORRODED AND BROKE. IT ALSO CAUSED THE SHOCK ROD TO BEND.”
NHTSA complaint #11151770, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 5

“The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 years (84 months) from the original warranty start date or April 30, 2018, whichever is later, with no milage limitation. As I read it, 7 years of 84 months from 2018 should extend the warranty for re…”
NHTSA complaint #11581837, 2024

“I RECENTLY HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING VISIBILITY ISSUES WITH MY 2012 MAZDA 3 SEDAN. IT STARTED WHEN THE PLASTIC INTERIOR ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME "GOOPY" AS IT HEATS UP FROM THE SUN. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE AND HAS LEFT BEHIND A SHINY SURFACE THAT REFLECTS ON THE WINDSHIELD IN FRONT OF MY DRIVING PERIPHERAL. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND RECALLS FOR OTHER YEARS OF MAZDA MAKES/MODELS, BUT NOT MINE. THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO AND IT'S BECOMING WORSE MAKING IT SO I CAN BARELY SEE OUT MY FRONT WINDSHILD ON BRIGHT, SUNNY DAYS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED IN ANY…”
NHTSA complaint #11399991, 2020

“HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY DIM WHEN SLOWING DOWN. COULD BE FROM LETTING OFF ACCELERATOR OR APPLYING THE BRAKES. IT IS DISTRACTING AND MAZDA KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE INCLUDING THE FIX YET HAS NOT MADE COMMINICATIONS TO OWNERS.”
NHTSA complaint #11064786, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREEN MAZDA (217-391-2400, LOCATED AT 3760 S 6TH ST, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A CHARCOAL CANISTER FILTER WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11128743, 2018

“UPON TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, THE EXHAUST FUME SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGG SMELL. THE MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MAZDA DEALER SUGGESTED USING ONLY SHELL GAS. THE MAZDA DEALER ALSO REPORTED THAT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INCIDENTS YET FOR MAZDA TO RECALL THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10627644, 2014

“THERE IS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE FROM THE CAR. MAZDA DEALER IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WHEN I WENT BACK FOR SERVICE. I CHANGE GAS TO SHELL AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS COMON PROBLEM AND BLAMED IT ON THE GASOLINE BLEND. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10496642, 2013

Fuel System 4

“The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle for the next 5 days, prompting the contact to only fuel the vehicle halfway. The contact observed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle near the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the welded fuel tank nipple fuel line connector. The contact stated that the component was cracked along the bottom of the weld. The contact was informed that the fuel tank…”
NHTSA complaint #11641769, 2025

“UPON TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, THE EXHAUST FUME SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGG SMELL. THE MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MAZDA DEALER SUGGESTED USING ONLY SHELL GAS. THE MAZDA DEALER ALSO REPORTED THAT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INCIDENTS YET FOR MAZDA TO RECALL THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10627644, 2014

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 MAZDA 3 SKYACTIV AND A COUPLE SPIDERS CAME OUT OF NOWHERE ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. I KNOW, STUPID. I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SPIDERS AS THE SAME SPIDER THAT MAZDA HAD ALREADY RECALLED FOR OTHER MODEL YEARS, YET DID NOT FOR OURS. I'M A LITTLE ANNOYED THERE ARE STILL SPIDERS IN THERE CARE AND MAY CAUSE FUEL PROBLEMS, AND I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM REMOVED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10552975, 2012

Tires 4

“RAN CAR INTO SIDE FENCING PUT UP FOR CONSTRUCTION IN REGARDS TO DODGING DEBRIS ON I295 FROM CONSTRUCTION WORK. MY TIRE BLEW OUT FROM HAVING TO RUN INTO THE GUARD RAIL AND I HAD TO PUT A DONUT TIRE ON. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT IS CORRELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION WORK GOING ON FOR MONTHS NOW AND THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED A NEW TIRE AND RIM FOR MY 2012 MAZDA 3/”
NHTSA complaint #10910762, 2016

“TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR TIRE ROTATION. NOTICED LOUD HUMMING NOISE IN FRONT TIRES AFTER ROTATION. TOOK CAR BACK TO MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT. I WAS TOLD THE FRONT TIRES WERE CUPPED BUT WOULD POSE NO PROBLEM FOR DRIVING. GAS MILEAGE HAS GONE DOWN 2 MPG SINCE THEN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10668227, 2014

“I HAD A MECHANIC ROTATE MY TIRES AND NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE MAKING ALOT OF NOISE. I RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION AND HE SAID THAT THE TIRES CURRENTLY ON THE FRONT THAT WERE ON THE REAR HAVE SEVERE CUPPING PROBABLY DUE TO A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO RECALL NOTICE FOR THE PROBLEM. I HAD THE MECHANIC ROTATE THE TIRES BACK. THE TIRES *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10649362, 2014

Visibility 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TACOMA MAZDA IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE EVER OCCURRING IN THE PAST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11058086, 2017

“OVERNIGHT, THE MOONROOF GLASS BROKE ALONG THE FORWARD LEADING EDGE PARALLEL TO THE METAL BRACE THAT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE GLASS BENEATH IT. UPON CLOSING THE DOOR, THE FRACTURED GLASS BOWED UP AND PIECES OF THE SHATTERED GLASS ENDED UP ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE ROOF. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE, IF NEEDED. NOTE: NO DEBRIS WAS FOUND ON THE MOONROOF SUGGESTING THERE WAS NO IMPACT FROM ANY OUTSIDE SOURCE. NOTE: IT WAS NEGATIVE SIX DEGREES FAHRENHEIT WHEN DISCOVERED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10566584, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND SHATTERING SOUND FOLLOWED BY RUSHING WIND. THE SOUND WAS RIGHT BY MY HEAD AND I SAW SHARDS OF GLASS FLYING IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED ON MY 2012 MAZDA 3. I ONLY HAD ABOUT 20000 MILES ON IT. NO ONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE I HAD THE CLOTH INTERIOR CLOSED, BUT HAD I BEEN DRIVING I COULD HAVE EASILY TAKEN GLASS IN THE FACE AND CRASHED. MY SUNROOF WAS DEFECTIVE AND MAZDA CLAIMS IT HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MATTER. THEY SAY IT MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY…”
NHTSA complaint #10565997, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“MOTOR CYLINDER #1 LOW COMPRESSION TOOK IT TO MAZDA THEY COULDNT FIGURE IT OUT AND LESS THAN 20 MILES AFTER THE MOTOR THREW A ROD AT 70,001 MILES TOTAL. CYLINDER 1 WALLS WHERE NOT MADE CORRECTLY”
NHTSA complaint #11405847, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NELSON MAZDA MURFREESBORO (1214 FORTRESS BLVD, MURFREESBORO, TN 37128) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN PART IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11181615, 2018

Traction Control System 2

“VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY GOING 45MPH WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED SUDDENLY TO FIRST GEAR AND WOULD NOT UPSHIFT. ATTEMPTED TO MANUALLY SHIFT GEARS AND GEAR DISPLAY THAT SHOWS THE GEAR NUMBER WAS BLANK. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WENT ON, NO ENGINE CODES WERE TRIGGERED. CAR OPERATED NORMALLY UPON RESTART. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10550149, 2013

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIT UP ON MY DASHBOARD. WHEN I EXITED THE FREEWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. IT WAS AS IF MY CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. I LOOKED AT THE GEAR SHIFT TO ENSURE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE, AND IT WAS. SOMEHOW I MADE IT THROUGH THE TURN AND INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND THEN WAS ABLE TO LEAVE. IT WAS SCARY AND UPSETTING AS MY CAR IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALER SAID THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THE INDICATOR IS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10479238, 2012

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

Lane Departure 1

“I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger front tire. I bought this used at a Ford car dealership in June 2021. thats all i can think of right now. This has happened more than once no just one time.”
NHTSA complaint #11455337, 2022