CarBrief

The 2012 Mazda 3 has 226 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, with the largest groups being power train, engine and exterior lighting[1][2][3][4]. It also has one recall, for lift gate supports that can corrode, and the repair parts were not yet available when the recall record was posted[5].

226owner complaints[1]
1recalls[6]
23–32MPG combined (EPA)[7]
4★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 226 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Nine mention a crash, one a fire and five an injury[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

The biggest groups are listed here, with the number of complaints in each:

We also read a small sample of the complaint texts for four of these groups[2][3][4][9]. That is not enough to say how common any problem is. It does show what owners write about.

Headlights. In the exterior lighting complaints we read, 6 of 12 describe headlights that flicker or pulse when the brakes are applied[4]. Two describe moisture inside a headlight housing and a bulb that failed[4]. Two describe headlights that left a dark area or were aimed so that night driving was hard[4]. In the electrical system sample, 5 of 12 also describe headlights flickering or dimming when slowing down[9].

Power train and engine. In the power train complaints we read, 7 of 12 describe an automatic car losing power or shifting on its own, and 5 of those mention a traction or stability warning light[2]. Four describe a manual car that surges or revs by itself when the clutch is released after downshifting[2]. In the engine sample, 5 of 12 describe that same surge in a manual and 4 describe a sudden loss of power with a warning light on[3].

Electrical. Three of the 12 electrical complaints we read describe the lights, audio or dash cutting out for a moment while driving[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[6].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and the transmission. All of these are front-wheel drive and run on regular gas.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2.5L, Manual 6-spd[13] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
2.5L, Automatic (S5)[14] 22 / 28 / 25 $2,700
2.0L, Manual 5-spd[15] 25 / 32 / 28 $2,400
2.0L, Automatic (S5)[16] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500
3 DI 4-Door 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[17] 26 / 37 / 30 $2,250
3 DI 4-Door 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[7] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
3 DI 5-Door 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[18] 26 / 37 / 30 $2,250
3 DI 5-Door 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[19] 28 / 37 / 31 $2,150

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. The 2.5L versions have the lowest combined ratings of the group[13][14].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives both the 4-door and the 5-door hatchback an overall rating of 4 stars[8][20]. Frontal crash is 5 stars, side crash is 3 stars and rollover is 4 stars[8][20]. The rollover risk is listed as 10.9%[8][20].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L four-cylinder at 148 to 155 hp, depending on version[21]. The 2.5L four-cylinder is listed at 165 to 167 hp[22].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Body Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4-door sedan GT[23] 181 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 3,038 lb
4-door sedan GX/GS/GS-SKY[24] 181 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,875 lb
Hatch GS/GT[25] 178 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 3,058 lb
Hatch GX/GS-SKY[26] 178 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,895 lb
Mazdaspeed3 hatch[27] 178 in 69 in 57 in 104 in 3,221 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

2004: 145 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 97 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 166 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 222 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 303 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 115 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 686 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 132 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 226 complaints, 1 recalls22620122013: 117 complaints, 1 recalls2014: 138 complaints, 4 recalls20142015: 130 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 104 complaints, 6 recalls20162017: 84 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 109 complaints, 4 recalls20182019: 74 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 32 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 54 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 24 complaints, 0 recalls20222023: 12 complaints, 0 recalls2024: 12 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 3 model year. The 2012 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20041452
2005972
20061661
20072222
20083032
20091153
20106863
20111322
20122261
20131171
20141384
20151304
20161046
2017842
20181094
2019746
2020322
2021541
2022240
2023120
2024123
202581
202610

NHTSA has 226 complaints and 1 recall on file for the 2012 model year[6]. Of the 23 Mazda 3 model years listed, only 2010 (686 complaints) and 2008 (303) have more complaints[6]. 2007 is close behind at 222[6]. The years next door are lower, with 132 complaints for 2011 and 117 for 2013[6].

Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they are a rough guide. For recalls, 2012 has one, the same as 2006, 2013, 2021 and 2025[6]. Several years have more, such as 2014 and 2015 with four each and 2016 and 2019 with six each[6].

Should you buy a used 2012 Mazda 3?

The 2012 Mazda 3 has more owner complaints than most other years of the model, led by power train, engine and headlights[6][2][3][4]. The complaint texts we read are a small sample, so they do not tell you how likely any problem is. Ask whether the lift gate recall 16V644 has been done, since parts were not available when the record was posted[5]. On a test drive, check how the car shifts and how the headlights behave when you brake. Compare the engine and transmission too, because combined mpg runs from 23 to 32[13][7].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda 3?
NHTSA has 226 owner complaints[1]. The largest groups are power train with 40, engine with 36 and exterior lighting with 31[1][2][3][4]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe headlights flickering when braking, power loss in automatics and surging in manuals[2][3][4].
Does the 2012 Mazda 3 have any recalls?
Yes, one. Recall 16V644 covers lift gate supports that may corrode and break. The remedy is free replacement of both supports, but parts were not yet available according to the record[5].
What is the gas mileage of a 2012 Mazda 3?
EPA combined ratings run from 23 MPG for the 2.5L manual to 32 MPG for the 3 DI 4-Door 2.0L automatic[13][7].
How safe is the 2012 Mazda 3?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal crash, 3 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover[8][20].
Is 2012 a bad year for the Mazda 3?
It has 226 complaints, more than most listed years, though 2010 has 686 and 2008 has 303[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 226 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Mazda 3 (9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 40 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 36 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 31 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 16V644, filed September 6, 2016: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda 3 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for 3 DI 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 3 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 25 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 20 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 18 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,150). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 17 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for 3, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for 3, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for 3, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for 3, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 3 DI 4-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 3 DI 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 3 DI 5-Door, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 3 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mazda 3 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 148 to 155 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mazda 3 with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 165 to 167 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR SEDAN FWD GT: length 181 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,038 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR SEDAN FWD GX/GS/GS-SKY: length 181 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,875 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR HATCH FWD GS/GT: length 178 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,058 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 4DR HATCH FWD GX/GS-SKY: length 178 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,895 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MAZDA3 MAZDASPEED3 4DR HATCH FWD: length 178 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,221 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.