Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 2.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
226Complaints
1Recalls
9Crashes
1Fires
5Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Power Train (16.8% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Power Train complaints here are 2.0× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Power Train
38 · 16.8%
not available
—
Engine
32 · 14.2%
not available
—
Exterior Lighting
31 · 13.7%
not available
—
Electrical System
24 · 10.6%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
20 · 8.8%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
18 · 8%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 226 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I DROVE OVER BUMPY RAIL ROAD TRACKS, WENT TO GIVE IT GAS TO GO AND ENGINE REVVED BUT NO ACCELERATION. DASH LIGHT THAT NORMALLY SAYS…”NHTSA complaint 10690511 — filed 02/25/2015 · POWER TRAIN
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A WEEK; THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND TO BRING IT IN AT ANY…”NHTSA complaint 10660499 — filed 11/24/2014 · POWER TRAIN
“WE WERE JUST RETURNING FROM A TRIP OF 9 DAYS WHICH CONTAINED MANY HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY HOURS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. CAR HAS 20000 MILES ON…”NHTSA complaint 10628691 — filed 08/27/2014 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 38 of 226 NHTSA complaints (16.8%), followed by engine (32), exterior lighting (31), electrical system (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have?
226 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 16V644000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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