Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, including Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems?

Owners filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (40), engine (32), exterior lighting (31), electrical system (25).

How much does a 2012 Mazda Mazda3 cost to own for 5 years?

About $34,366 over 5 years ($573/month) at an estimated $5,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 Mazda Mazda3

The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $34,366 to own it for five years, or $573 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 226 complaints.

Recalls: 1
Complaints: 226
5-yr cost: $34k
MPG (EPA): —

Fair

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific Mazda3?

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1 recall may apply

For the 2012 Mazda Mazda3. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $5,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$34,366

$573/month · $0.57/mile

Depreciation	$1,244
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,700
Maintenance	$7,500
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$1,592
Taxes & fees	$1,330

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

226 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire

Power Train40
Engine32
Exterior Lighting31
Electrical System25
Vehicle Speed Control20
Fuel/Propulsion System18

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2012 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD

What to check on a used 2012 Mazda Mazda3

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Paperwork
- Ask for service records and the title. Compare the VIN on the car, the paper and our report.
- Check the odometer against the wear on the pedals and seat.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 a good car to buy?: The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $34,366 to own it for five years, or $573 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 226 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 have recalls?: NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, including Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems?: Owners filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (40), engine (32), exterior lighting (31), electrical system (25).
How much does a 2012 Mazda Mazda3 cost to own for 5 years?: About $34,366 over 5 years ($573/month) at an estimated $5,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.