2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 11% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving, the headlights flicker severely anytime the brakes are applied. At night, it looks like I'm flashing my lights. This happens at random times, any roadway. We had the car serviced after finding a technical service bulletin (sb-01-019-13). The issue was fixed for a few months, but has returned.”
NHTSA complaint #11160646, filed 2018-12, 75,000 miles“Headlights flicker/pulsate when applying brakes. This is a well known issue with 2012-13 MAZDA3 that requires a software update to remedy. Currently, Mazda is charging a minimum of $99 to 'diagnose' the issue. Since the issue occurs in motion, I do not have photos, but I do have videos. Given that this is a safety issue caused by faulty software that only Mazda can update, there is no reason that owners should have to pay them to fix their own mistake. It's a scam, at best. …”
NHTSA complaint #11056207, filed 2017-12, 85,000 miles“More that one problem with this vehicle. 1) it starts honking while driving, instrument panel and interior lights flash on and off, the car will only make right turns and will not restart when vehicle is turned off. Yesterday, it did it once again immediately as I turned right onto the city street from a parking lot. Luckily there was another parking lot entrance on the right, so I pulled in, parked and turned off the vehicle. It continued to honk, flash interior lights and instrument panel and ignition would not work nor crank. …”
NHTSA complaint #11051795, filed 2017-12, 55,000 miles“The headlight have been flickering since a few months after purchasing the car, & it causes inadequate alternator output, it has also caused issues with losing my power steering. The headlight not only flicker when breaking, but have gotten to the point they will completely go out, & will also flicker all interior lights when braking & turning the wheel. I have been pulled over due to police thinking I am flashing my lights when breaking, but was lucky to be able to show the police officer the service bulletin 01-019/13 & he let me go with a warning & strongly advised me to get it fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11013771, filed 2017-08, 38,000 miles“I drove over bumpy rail road tracks, went to give it gas to go and engine revved but no acceleration. Dash light that normally says 'd' was blank. Shifted to manual mode and attempted to up or down shift but dash light still blank and no shifting possible. The car was running in nuetral but the gear selector was in drive or in manual mode. Had to coast to the side of the road. Noted traction control light was on while shift selector indicator was blank. I put the car into park, turned car off and then on again and seemed to drive ok at this point after this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10690511, filed 2015-02, 35,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS…
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11024999Oct 2, 2025For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007029Aug 26, 2024For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10244679Oct 11, 2023If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 10237216May 24, 2023If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 42% |
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 5 | 21% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 30 | 27% |
| 2017 | 20 | 24% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 27 | 20% |
| 2013 | 32 | 27% |
| 2012 | 25 | 11% |
| 2011 | 15 | 11% |
| 2010 | 50 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 6% |
| 2007 | 19 | 9% |
| 2006 | 21 | 13% |
| 2005 | 17 | 18% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
40 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsSeats
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology