2012 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Owners have filed 328 complaints about the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 12.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 9.8%.
Complaints328
Crashes12
Fires1
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 12.2% · 40
Engine 9.8% · 32
Exterior lighting 9.5% · 31
Electrical system 7.6% · 25
Vehicle speed control 6.1% · 20
Air bags 5.5% · 18
Fuel/propulsion system 5.5% · 18
Unknown or other 5.5% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Mazda Mazda3 in this data, 2012 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2010 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 26 in the last three years against 51 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 37,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda, Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph the vehicle downshifted independently, causing the vehicle decelerate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 22,000. Updated 12-30-13 Power train · reported at 22,000 miles
While driving on four lane highway, car slowed and failed to respond to gas pedal. Could not shift gears in manual transmission. Pulled to side of roadway and called for tow to dealer. Dealer found front surface of clutch disk to be completely worn away, thus allowing clutch to slip. Danger was inability to maintain flow with heavy traffic. Due to low mileage, suspect defect in parts or assembly. Power train · reported at 3,602 miles
When downshifting (manual transmission) from 3rd to 2nd as I was slowing down because of a red light, the engine rpm went way up, maybe around 4,000 rpm. I pressed the clutch to avoid the car jerking forward and hitting the car in front of me. This was the third time this actually happened. I bought the car new and have only owned it 5 months. Power train · reported at 10,200 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…