2012 Mazda Mazda5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 7 Mazda5 years
The 2012 Mazda5 has 37 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall, with a complaint index of 100 — the worst of the 7 model years with data, ranking #1 in reported problems. Suspension, wheels and tires lead the complaint areas at 24% share, with a median failure mileage of 10,500.
- Complaints
- 37
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2012 Mazda Mazda5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (24%)
- Fuel System8 (22%)
- Structure & Body8 (22%)
- Brakes7 (19%)
- Airbags4 (11%)
- Steering4 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
- Electrical System1 (3%)
- Engine1 (3%)
What owners report
- Steering wheels shake or shimmy when braking at highway speeds, sometimes worsening over time.
- Front seats unexpectedly recline during rear-end collisions, putting occupants and children in danger.
- Tires reported to crack internally well before expected wear, prompting replacement.
- Loss of steering control reported during turns, in one case leading to a rollover.
- Brake rotors found to be out of round, causing vibration and thumping felt through the pedal and steering wheel.
- Vehicles reported hydroplaning in rain, attributed to tire design.
2012 Mazda Mazda5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Structure & Body580,455 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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.
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
2012 compared with other Mazda5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Mazda5 reliable?
- Compared to other Mazda5 model years, the 2012 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 37 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict.
- What is the top problem area for the 2012 Mazda5?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints lead with 9 complaints, a 24% share, and a median failure mileage of 10,500.
- Does the 2012 Mazda5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 16V644000) covers a structure and body issue involving liftgate supports on certain 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles.
- How does the 2012 Mazda5 compare to other years?
- The 2012 has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2010 (83), 2013 (67), 2015 (50), and 2014 (33), making it the worst-ranked year for reported problems.
- Were there any injuries reported for the 2012 Mazda5?
- NHTSA data lists 7 injuries and 4 crashes for the 2012 Mazda5, with no reported fires or deaths.