Does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on September 6, 2016 (Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3?

Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (40 complaints), followed by engine (32).

How many 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

9 of 226 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls and problems

1 recall and 226 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3.

recalls

226

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Mazda MAZDA3 recalls

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 580,455 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train40
Engine32
Exterior lighting31
Electrical system25
Vehicle speed control20
Fuel/propulsion system18
Unknown or other18
Air bags17
Structure17
Electronic stability control (ESC)16

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 10, 2025 · Structure · 100,000 miles
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…

Sep 26, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system
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.

Jun 16, 2025 · Service brakes
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…

May 7, 2025 · Seats
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…

Apr 2, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system
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…

MAZDA3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	3	115	11	1
2010	3	686	18	5
2011	2	132	12	2
2012	1	226	9	1
2013	1	117	7	2
2014	4	138	10	1
2015	4	130	8	2

Across all years, the 2010 MAZDA3 has the most complaints (686). All Mazda MAZDA3 years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, the most recent reported on September 6, 2016 (Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3?: Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (40 complaints), followed by engine (32).
How many 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 9 of 226 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 10, 2025.