2012 Mazda 3 Reliability - Consumer Reports

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"failed twice in one year"

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

Exhaust leaks

"The oxygen sensor was causing the CHECK ENGINE light to come on. The sensor was replaced and it came on again in a few weeks. The dealer reset the computer and the CHECK ENGINE light came on again. Dealer could not figure out the problem and had to consult with Mazda engineer in California for two hours to track down the problem. There was a small leak in the exhaust behind a mounting bracket that would accumulate exhaust gas and cause the oxygen sensor to turn on the CHECK ENGINE light. Replacing the exhause solved the problem."

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

"Leak in the connecting pipe after the catalytic converter. Leak was wear the mount is welded to the pipe"

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

Exhaust manifold

"Failed inspection due to small leak"

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

Muffler

"replace muffler"

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

"Car was simply louder. Mechanuc patched it."

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

Other/unsure

"Replaced left front strut"

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

"Car just died, everything off, couldn't even put it in park. Towed to Mazda, after trying local mechanics, even purchased a new battery, no one could fix it. Mazda dealership charged me 2500.00 ,within days it did it again, back to Mazda dealer, wanted $800 more! Towed it home, friend Mechanic for another make dealership came over put in a new water pump, the coolant was leaking everywhere, all over engine etc. The new water pump costs $80 plus a couple 100 for mechanic friend, that was a year ago. Car is running fine."

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

"broken tie rod link end"

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

Pipes

"replaced pipes"

Anonymous, (2012 Mazda 3 Sport 2.0-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

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"Problem began years ago. At first, car alarm would trip only after long drives and would typically sound hours after the car was parked (like in the middle of the night!). Later the alarm began going off all the time. We took the car to a Mazda dealer to have the alarm repaired. They told us repair would be $450/door and there was no way to tell which door caused problem. We left the dealer without repairing the problem. Later, my husband found a work-around online, which has mostly solved the problem. However, the alarm no longer works, which probably would make the car difficult to sell."

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

Keyless entry

"Interior door lock buttons failed at year 7. Keyless Remotes stopped working all together at 10 years old. The key inserted in the exterior door lock and held a certain amount of time will activate automatic door locking or unlocking."

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

Steering And Suspension

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

Power steering

"Power steering hose was damaged by road debris"

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

Shocks or struts

"The unit failed completely and even opened. It was the original."

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

"Oil leak from shock"

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

Wheel bearings

"From wheels started vibrating and the bearings were replaced, then the rear wheels also started vibrating and were replaced."

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

"needed to be replaced"

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

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Rodents chewed through wiring, causing the a/c compressor to short out. 4 moths later, rodents again chewed through wiring, causing the car's CPU to malfunction and making it difficult to drive. I park on the street in DC, so rodents are an unavailable problem, but the fact that this seems to happen to my car more than my neighbors' makes me think that Mazda wiring is particularly appealing to rodents."

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

Blower (fan) motor

"The blower mower is failing, because it is deeply imbedded in the dash, it is extremely expensive to replace."

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

"Blower became noisy and not moving air as in the past. Very costly, (labor) due to location.Four to five hours of labor. Part was inexpensive.Would have done it myself but concerned about the amount of work and that I would be unable to complete it or not have the tools."

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

Refrigerant leaks

"A/C efficacy has been diminishing for several years. 12 months ago, I obtain a new charge of refrigerant. It helped at first. 12 months later (in hot Texas summers) it still works adequately, but not near as well as at first, and not near as well as my family members cars of different manufacturers."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-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

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.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"The passenger-side door electric lock switch stopped working 2 -3 yrs ago, driver side lock switch barely works within last 12 months. Have not sought repairs."

Anonymous, TX (2012 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2.0-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

"CV Joint protective boot not installed correctly from factory. Caused dirt and dust to lodge in the joint and thereby caused damage. Considering the age of the car, this would most likely be expected wear and tear and maintenance."

Anonymous A., VA (2012 Mazda 3)

Driveshaft or axle

"Car makes a rubbing sound when turning a hard right. Mechanic replaced the front axle, but car still makes the noise. Mechanic said not to worry about it."

Anonymous A., TX (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

Speakers

"Bose speakers quit working in the beginning of 2023. Nothing will play."

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

Mazda 3

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

Transmission Major

Engine Major

Paint And Trim

Transmission Minor

Engine Minor

Noises And Leaks

Engine Cooling

Engine Electrical

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability