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    GREEN CHOICE

    Mazda 3

    EPA MPG: 32 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 3 has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Mazda 3 has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Mazda 3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "The ORIGINAL catalytic converter is finally wearing out/leaking."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Exhaust leaks

    "The 2012 Mazda 3 appears to have a design problem. According to the dealer it uses two oxygen sensors, one on each side of the catalytic converter. As the car ages pinhole leaks develop resulting in EGR lights leading to unnecessary replacement of oxygen sensors and repair shops who have no idea that the problem is actually due to exhaust from leaks in the manifold/muffler. The first time it happened it took the dealer over a week to diagnose the problem. The second time it hapened non-Mazda mechanics initially had no idea what was happening and sent me to the dealer. The deal saw no repairs other than a complete exhaust replacement. Mazda needs a better system."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Exhaust manifold

    "Part of the previously described problem."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Muffler

    ""Needed replacement. It is a good car, so it is wear and tear from many miles and years of driving.""

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other exhaust system problem

    ""I already explained. I never noticed the problem until the car failed a smog check. I had it repaired (I thought), it failed again, had it repaired again, and it finally passed. It registered on the electronic tester as a "minor leak", and did not affect performance in any noticable way, but I needed to pass the smog check to renew my registration.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "(1) Drivers side door lock for all 4 locks works only sometimes. (2) Electronic sensor for low tire pressure is always on, even when they are full to recommended level."

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Sport Unsure)

    "the rear passenger window stopped. had expensive repair. we should have e used it more which would have prevented the problem"

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Had to replace one of the coil packs"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Pipes

    "Same thing - wear and tear from many years of driving."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    ""The rear control blade bushings have finally failed. Replacing them is a serious job, with over $800 quoted in labor alone.""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Power steering

    "Experienced leakage from the power steering high pressure line that required replacement of the line."

    Anonymous, OR (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    "The mount for the right rear shock absorber was broken"

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Experienced power steering fluid leakage from the rack-and-pinion seals. It was less expensive to replace the entire rack-and-pinion assembly than to replace the individual seals."

    Anonymous, OR (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "After 190,000 miles we had to replace the front and rear wheel bearings."

    Anonymous, MA (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "When I turn on the lights the screen that shows GPS date becomes very dim."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Door lock button does not work"

    Anonymous, CO (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "I was never abler to pair my iPhone with the car."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    ""Battery has died twice within the past 3 months, alternator needs to be replaced""

    Anonymous A., NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Headlights

    "Headlights would flicker or dim when braking. Problem was resolved with reprogramming."

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "The keyless entry fob quit about a year after I purchased the car(around 2020). It was a 7 year old car which was out of warranty and I didn't want to spend $200.00 for a new fob. I lock and unlock the car with the key."

    Anonymous A., KY (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "We've noticed a puddle of water on the back seat floor after it rains but can't determine the source of the leak"

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "The anti-sway bar needed repair."

    Anonymous A., ON (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "When going over bumps the front suspension rattles loudly."

    Anonymous A., MB (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Dashboard separated from display screen"

    Anonymous, CO (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    ""Starting 2023, the outer layer of paint on the edges (trunk, roofline, doors) has begun peeling off the primer, it appears to be a paint defect. The patches are much too large to touch up, the trunk (largest) is about a foot in diameter. I see there is a recall on body paint for this model, but the recall ended six years ago. There is some rust starting due to the paint being compromised.""

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Mazda 3 Sport Unsure)

    "The paint is starting to fade in a few areas. I keep it waxed but sun and wear and tear are starting to win."

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    ""It was wear and tear leakage, just needed to be replaced""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Mazda 3 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "After bringing it in for a serious grinding noise was told suspension was worn and needed replacing."

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    ""local mechanic replaced master cylinder and ABS module 1.5 years ago and also billed for front pads and rotors. 0.5 years ago, a front rotor broke into a ring and puck. AAA service feels I got ripped off.""

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "You asked the same question 2 boxes ago"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    "Had to replace first fuel injector a year and a half ago and then a year later had to replace the other three fuel injectors. Two ignition coils have also been replaced. Have to use fuel additives going forward on a monthly basis to avoid carbon build-up. Not cheap."

    Anonymous, BC (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Gear selector or linkage

    "It does not appear to be smooth shift."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Accessory belts or pulleys

    "Belts broke without warning."

    Anonymous, WA (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Unsure)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "Carbon build-up is an issue. Need to use additives on a monthly basis to avoid carbon build-up."

    Anonymous, BC (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "To whom it may concern: New New Problems with 2012 Mazda3 check engine light just came on testing showed minor problem. But when I drove it home the engine started shaking. And I had to get it towed!! Transmission does not give you a smooth shift."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2012 Mazda 3 Touring 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STRUCTURE
    Sep 06, 2016
    If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V644000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 580455
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