How many engine complaints does the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 have?

NHTSA lists 44 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, which is 19% of the 226 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 engine surging issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3.

At what mileage do 2012 Mazda3 engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 is 17,124 miles.

Did the 2012 Mazda3 engine issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, with no fires reported.

How does the 2012 Mazda3 compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2012 model's 19% share of complaints tied to engine issues is higher than most other Mazda3 years listed, such as 2011 at 6% and 2015 at 5%, though 2021 shows a higher 41% share.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 44 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, 19% of the year's 226 total complaints, tied to 3 crashes and 1 injury. There are no related recalls filed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 44; 19% of 226
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 17,124 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe unexpected surging or acceleration when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear or 4th to 3rd gear on manual transmission cars.
Several drivers report the RPMs jumping sharply, in one case to around 4,000 to 4,500 RPM, causing the car to lurch forward unexpectedly.
Some report the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive or the vehicle feeling like it went into neutral while turning or braking, with the stability control light coming on.
A few owners note hesitation or a delayed surge when pressing the gas pedal, sometimes paired with cruise control pedal behavior that returns to a resting position.
One complaint describes headlights flashing during braking or downshifting, which a dealer attributed to a known issue with the Skyactiv engine's electronic control unit.
Multiple incidents at very low mileage (some at 100, 200, and 700 miles) resulted in crashes when the accelerator reportedly jammed or the car surged unexpectedly.

When 2012 Mazda Mazda3 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 8, 2012, latest Mar 31, 2021.

44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Mar 2021; peak Oct 2012 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Mazda3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201044 (6%)
20118 (6%)
201244 (19%)
201312 (10%)
201421 (15%)
20157 (5%)
20168 (8%)
20176 (7%)
201814 (13%)
201912 (16%)
20201 (3%)
202120 (41%)
20223 (13%)
20232 (17%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 have?: NHTSA lists 44 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, which is 19% of the 226 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 engine surging issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3.
At what mileage do 2012 Mazda3 engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 is 17,124 miles.
Did the 2012 Mazda3 engine issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, with no fires reported.
How does the 2012 Mazda3 compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2012 model's 19% share of complaints tied to engine issues is higher than most other Mazda3 years listed, such as 2011 at 6% and 2015 at 5%, though 2021 shows a higher 41% share.