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NHTSA Vehicle Research

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

1 Recalls
226 Complaints
4★ Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

Year Overall Front Crash Side Crash Rollover
2012

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (1)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Mazda Mazda3. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2012 Model Year (1 recall)

Campaign #16V644000 06/09/2016
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

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, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

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

Fix: 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.

💬 Consumer Complaints (226)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Mazda Mazda3 owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN 19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 16
AIR BAGS 15
SEATS 14
STRUCTURE 13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12
SERVICE BRAKES 11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9
STEERING 8
2012 model • STRUCTURE • 07/10/2023

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…

2012 model • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • 09/22/2025

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.

2012 model • SERVICE BRAKES • 06/01/2025

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…

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