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2012 Mazda Mazda3 recalls and problems

The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 has 1 safety recall and 226 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
226
Crashes / fires
9 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Mazda Mazda3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 recalls

Recall 16V-644: Structure

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 580,455 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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.

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.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train40
Engine32
Exterior Lighting31
Electrical System25
Vehicle Speed Control20
Air Bags18
Unknown or Other18
Fuel/Propulsion System18
Structure17
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)16
Seats16
Steering15

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Mazda Mazda3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 100,000 miles · reported Dec 10, 2025
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 the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 26, 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.
Seats · reported May 7, 2025
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 while driving creating hazardous conditions and does not appear structurally stable if involved in an accident potentially putting the driver's life at risk.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 2, 2025
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 charge my wife $250. Fast-forward to a year later, go for the same state inspection and we get failed. Our mechanic says theres a noticeable gas leak from the fuel tank and to take it to Mazda. There is clearly some issue with the fuel tank parts. The car itself only has 77k miles…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 81,000 miles · reported Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle for the next 5 days, prompting the contact to only fuel the vehicle halfway. The contact observed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle near the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the welded fuel tank nipple fuel line connector. The contact stated that the component was cracked along the bottom of the weld. The contact was informed that the fuel tank…

Other Mazda Mazda3 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3: 16V-644 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mazda Mazda3?

Owners report power train problems most often (40 reports), followed by engine (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.