2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

1 recalls, 328 complaints - 561 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Defect Description

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 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, ... Read more

Consequence

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

580,455 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

Complaint Statistics

328 total complaints 13 crashes 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	40
POWER TRAIN	38
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	26
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	18
STEERING	16
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	16
AIR BAGS	16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15

Incident date: Jul 10, 2023

Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 ford explorer that does not get resolved.

Incident date: Sep 22, 2025

Driver's side mirror wobbles/vibrates at highway speeds causing blurriness of objects and LED light trials. The dealer serviced it with a Subaru provided Service Bulletin #12-268-25 but still have the issue after that initial fix. This is a brand new car purchased in June 2025. My previous 2021 Su... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

Since [XXX], I had my new car for five months and began receiving pre-collision assist not available and park aid malfunction. I have been receiving these since March. I took it into the dealer and they said that there would be a software update by May 1, 2025, this is the middle of June. I contacte... Read more

Incident date: May 2, 2025

1. Subaru 2022 Crosstrek accelerated on its own when foot is on the brake and trying to move the shifter knob to park, instead the car thursted into the parked car in front with such force that ran into the garage. 2. Towed car to Subaru dealer informed to escalate to Subaru of America, opened a... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

Vehicle idles and dies, dashboard error shows manual restart necessary. This happens at red lights, in carpool, on the interstate if traffic has slowed, potentially a huge hazard for being rear ended. You have to put the car in park and manually restart the vehicle. VW is inspecting today but has... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

Does recall supposed to be done under the general motors they’re refusing to do this recall. And it’s the law they have to do this recall not my fault. It’s a sob that was made by Subaru, but it’s GM’s product 05-06.

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

Vehicle manufacture (Volkswagon) has quit supplying/manufacturing a safety guidence parts for my auto. 7P6-907-217-BX-Z1Y Collision Avoidance Camera NOT AVAILABLE i would like my anti Self collision guidance repaired, but no parts for my 8-9 year old car. part was on order (from 2024) and notif... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

On 4 occasions, the car has shut off while moving and in traffic. A dashboard message appears, saying "full accessory mode". After coming to a stop, the car will immediately restart. My obd reader shows no error codes. The car has 18,000 miles on it and this problem occurs randomly. It happened firs... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2024

I previously brought my car in for a recall in 2014 for underbody corrosion and it was repaired; however, now there has been severe corrosion of the underbody, not just the components listed in the recall but nearly the whole underbody is severly rusted and corroded (see pictures below). My mother ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

One of my daytime running lights is out at 50k miles, thinking it was a simple solution I reached out to dealership and have been informed that the entire headlight needs to be replaced at a cost of $2k. Sound unreasonable considering this car is not old, and the way it has been built in makes it im... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2024

*This car was parked in the driveway 2 days without being driven before the following incident* ALSO- there are recalls for this make and model. Honda always said that the recalls do not include my car. Recalls should be expanded to include mine since the car is un drivable at the Honda service cent... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2024

The car is running poorly. Smell of fumes inside the car. Not drive able due to risk of engine damage including fires and exposure to dangerous fumes. Part is on back order and that is not a guarantee that the part will not fail again after fixed. Many people report continual replacement of the part... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2024

The propulsion battery has so much degradation that when I drive on the freeway the "turtle" mode activated not allowing me to do freeway speeds with cars around me. It forced me to slow unsafely while cars were behind me, I had to react quickly to turn on my hazards and try to get the vehicle to sp... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

There was a recall on my 2016, dodge ram eco-diesel for the crankshaft position sensor and tone wheel. I have tried to deal with the manufacture they said this is not in effect anymore, and my vehicle was not in it. I do not understand they recalled certain plants that made certain vehicles. Mine ha... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

When turning my vehicle to the left or right at slow speeds, the steering wheel rattles and wants to auto correct to a straight position. This has caused my wife and I to almost collide with other parked vehicles. The GPS in my vehicle has recently started to go haywire and fail to give any correc... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

Incident date: Dec 9, 2023

2019 Equinox LT. 1.5 litre Vacuum pump clogged and exploded internally. Almost killed my wife and I when brakes failed. There appears to be TSB’s dating as far back as 2015. Chevy has been aware of this issue yet continued to produce vehicles with this defective and dangerous design. It sounds as... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

Yes components available for inspection/ yes sold by dealership with undisclosed problems/ yes problems confirmed by dealer/ no component inspected. 1st noticed foul smell upon starting vehicle/ failure to start/ chugging/ brakes noise/ smell inside cab. Been Verified noted vehicle was in flood??? a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2023

After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

Vehicle has 16,000 miles on the odometer. Fuel gauge on the right side of the panel often blanks out. Sometimes it comes back when tapped with a finger. Sometimes it flickers while driving. This appears to be a very common problem with this vehicle but has not yet been recalled.

Incident date: Jul 18, 2023

Driving at 25 mph and the vehicle alerted "shift to neutral" and came to a complete stop and stalled. Had no warning, couldn't even pull to side of road. Could not start again and had to be towed.

Incident date: Nov 1, 2020

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she had experienced the failure on two se... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

I purchased the vehicle on 2/17/22 and shortly afterwards started noticing problems starting with acceleration car wouldn’t go past 45 mph or lower. The car radio system has static can’t get reception; the battery died requiring a jump. On 9/21/22 and January 10, 2023 I took car to dealer about ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2023

I took my vehicle to the dealership (Doral Toyota) on 22-Apr-23 and spoke to Mr. Rafael Sanchez (title: Toyota Advisor) because the "Engime Maintenance Required" light went off. Mr. Sanchez verified the vehicle and confirmed that the "Enginge Coolant Bypass Valve" was defective but he stated that t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2023

BELIEVED TO BE FRONT POWER TRANSFER UNIT WAS LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER DEALER NOT KIA. FOUND PTU LEAKING FLUID AND HOWLING DURING TESTING. NOT SURE IF IN FUTURE THE UNIT WILL LOCK UP CAUSING UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. . HAS HAD BRAND NEW MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AT THE REQUEST OF KIA DEALER. VEHICLE STILL... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Flashing airbag light appeared. Vehicle taken to dealership and diagnostic charge and service performed. No clear resolution during diagnostic but recommendation to replace passenger side impact airbag. If that doesn’t solve issue, more replacement options will ensue. Concern/issue: The first... Read more

Incident date: Nov 6, 2022

Both front brake rotors fractured while braking, resulting in reduced braking distance and the need for evasive maneuvers to avoid collision. Fracture occurred in the casting, between the hub flange and braking pad surfaces. A photo of one of the rotors is available, but the hardware has been dis... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2022

This was my first new car and sometimes when I would brake the brake would go all the way down to the floor. It was random so I didn’t really think about it. It’s been happening since the car was new and I searched up the issue and it’s been something common happening to other people. It recen... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2022

Exactly as described in safety recall "2014-2016 Mazda3 and 2014-2015 Mazda6 Hand-Operated Parking Brake Concern Safety Recall 1217F NHTSA Campaign No. 17V-393" both of the rear caliper parking brakes have corroded and become stuck causing the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place when enga... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2022

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 v... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2022

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 r... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2022

Incident date: Sep 9, 2019

Headlights flicker when brakes are applied or when slowing down.

Incident date: Feb 11, 2022

The brakes have to be pressed to the floor in order to break. They were not breaking like normal. The ABS module was deemed faulty and replaced.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2021

When driving at night with exterior lights on, when brake and or gas pedal is pressed the exterior lights strobe/flashes. The Mazda dealership has been contacted about this issue and there is a technician service bulletin stating that the ECM needs to be reflashed/programmed. No recall has been set ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2021

Incident date: Jan 4, 2022

Driver seat has become loose and rocks forward in an up and down fashion while driving. Can be rock by hand as well when not sitting in the seat. A prior recall addressed this issue with 2010-2011 Mazda 3's. This is a 2012 that is having the same problem, but the recall does not apply to it. The... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2021

Dashboard melting and warping causing visibility issues, as well as the dashboard should never be melting. This should be recalled as it is a known and widespread issue.

Incident date: Oct 26, 2021

Brakes became soft. Needed to pump them to stop the vehicle. My mechanic changed pads, rotors and master cylinder. However, it did not fix the problem. I have read several reports of people complaining about the same issue, likely related to a faulty ABS module. Safety issues should be addresses ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 6, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while at a standstill, she heard a popping sound coming from the driver’s side seat resulting in the seat moving and not maintaining an appropriate driving position. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. Upon investigation, ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 7, 2021

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 manu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2021

Seat height adjustment lifter link has lost the push nut which retained it to the seat rail. Driver seat, left hand front link.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2021

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"... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 24, 2021

Passenger airbag off flashing intermittently while driving on roadway

Incident date: Jul 24, 2021

Passenger airbag off flashing intermittently while driving on roadway

Incident date: Jul 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the automatic trans-axle warning light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred for a second time that day and she was unable to restart the... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2021

Incident date: Jul 6, 2021

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 trie... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2021

Dashboard is warping creating a gap between the instrument panel and information display. The dashboard was replaced once by the dealer under extended manufacturing warranty. The new dashboard that was installed now have the same issue.

Showing 50 of 328 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

2012 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash, Passenger	2 / 5 ★★☆☆☆
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

561 manufacturer communications from 385 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	83
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	64
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	57
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	40
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	36
100000 POWER TRAIN	25
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	20
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	16

200000 WHEELS

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manu

190000 TIRES

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

010000 STEERING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarke

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

160000 STRUCTURE

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

160000 STRUCTURE

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738).

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738).

117100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Speedometer replacement procedure

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Speedometer replacement procedure

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

When servicing SKYACTIV engine vehicles requiring to replace the Oil Galley Plug and Crush Washer, order the required part numbers below. These parts are not listed in GEPC and were previously listed as "non-serviceable" in the cylinder blo

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some vehicles may experience the Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0171 (Fuel Trim too Lean) and possibly DTCs P030X (Misfire). Vehicles having this concern should use the following Inspection/Repair procedure.

020000 SUSPENSION

Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow th

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses "Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ". Only use "ATF-FZ" to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula

160000 STRUCTURE

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

117100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in st

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.

020000 SUSPENSION

010000 STEERING

Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3??A? even when driving straight on a flat road.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

There have been warranty claims submitted for growling or bearing whine noise in differentials, transfer units and transmissions where the source of the noise was a wheel bearing. This misdiagnosis can lead to multiple repair attempts, warr

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

010000 STEERING

160000 STRUCTURE

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE)

350000 EQUIPMENT

For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV??A? Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV??A? vehicles and compare

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E85: A blend of

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

061540 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:OIL COOLER

Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary:

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738). P0842:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 1 (oil press

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver??A?A?s floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided w

350000 EQUIPMENT

Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section onc

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with a series of flat windows, which act like mirrors, the reflecti

350000 EQUIPMENT

When programming a key or installing a Genuine Mazda Accessory Remote Engine Start system, you may encounter programming difficulty. This may be caused by a customer installed aftermarket decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

140000 AIR BAGS

Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical c

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

CSP09 - 2010-2013 - MAZDA3 2.5L CLUTCH REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM (NO REPAIR WITH THIS PROGRAM)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to t

350000 EQUIPMENT

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is

350000 EQUIPMENT

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer

200000 WHEELS

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH??A? hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH??A? hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a spe

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. R

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some customers may complain of a whining noise from the automatic transaxle when driving at 10 mph and above. The noise: ??A?A? Depends on the vehicle??A?A?s speed only (the more speed, the more noise) ??A?A? Occurs with all types of drivin

350000 EQUIPMENT

Currently, the instructions on MGSS recommend the use of Loctite 962T or equivalent when installing a SKYACTIV cylinder head, but it is no longer available. The following 3 adhesives are alternatives available as an equivalent to Loctite 96

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

SSP99 - 2010 MAZDA3 - DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL STICKY SURFACE: For certain 2010 Mazda3 vehicles, the warranty coverage for dashboard replacement for sticky surface condition only is extended to 10 years (120 months) from the original Warranty

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some customers may complain about an unusual noise coming from the engine compartment for about 20 seconds after a cold engine start. This noise is a normal engine operation for improved exhaust gas emissions. The noise does not indicate a

200000 WHEELS

New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.

199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

350000 EQUIPMENT

When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some vehicles may exhibit one of the following concerns: ??A?A? Sometimes the shifter may jump out of 3rd gear over a road bump when accelerating after deceleration at 25-40 mph (40-65 km/h) ??A?A? Hard to shift into 3rd, 4th, 5th, and/or 6

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

100000 POWER TRAIN

When replacing manual or automatic transmission, make sure to remove the plug from the old transmission (as shown below) and then re-install it to the new transmission with a new washer. The new transmissions (including remanufactured A/T)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

100000 POWER TRAIN

Showing 100 of 561 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, MAZDA MAZDA3

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints in... Read more

MAZDA MAZDA3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MAZDA MAZDA3 across all model years (2004, 2025).

58 Total Recalls

3,997 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

313 Reported Crashes

41 Reported Fires

2 Reported Deaths

MAZDA MAZDA3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	1	View
2025	1	8	View
2024	3	20	View
2023	0	20	View
2022	0	31	View
2021	1	66	View
2020	2	51	View
2019	6	117	View
2018	4	139	View
2017	2	105	View
2016	6	137	View
2015	4	154	View
2014	4	181	View
2013	1	176	View
2012 (current)	1	328
2011	2	179	View
2010	3	920	View
2009	4	140	View
2008	3	387	View
2007	3	301	View
2006	2	224	View
2005	3	127	View
2004	3	185	View

Other MAZDA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
MAZDA6	98	2,911	View
TRIBUTE	65	2,831	View
B-SERIES TRUCK	65	888	View
CX-9	59	1,796	View
626	54	3,892	View
MPV	44	1,157	View
RX-8	42	1,003	View
PROTEGE	38	1,380	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 MAZDA MAZDA3

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, MAZDA MAZDA3

MAZDA MAZDA3 - All Years Overview

MAZDA MAZDA3 - Year by Year

Other MAZDA Models