2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 14%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 14% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving the front headlights will flicker/dim when I touch the brakes. I am driving back roads and highway. Night time with headlights on. Happens pretty consistently and is distracting and greatly reduces my view of the road!! Has been happening for at least 4 months. Replaced the battery and still have the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11181238, filed 2019-02, 70,000 miles“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“While driving at night when you brake the headlights dim significantly and flicker until you go back to the gas or stop. I noticed this when I drove the car I bought for my daughter one night in october 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11301866, filed 2020-01, 120,500 miles“Purchased this vehicle on aug 27th 2014 as a used vehicle and did the initial test drive during the day. A few days later while driving at night I decelerated while on the highway (speed is 55mph) to come to a complete stop at a 4 way intersection. The moment brakes are applied the front headlights flicker and continue to do so until fully stopped. I've tested this at multiple speeds and road types and it happens each time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10748270, filed 2015-08, 40,400 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10154529Mar 15, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10153332Jan 3, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10134701Mar 22, 2018Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10118468Aug 9, 2017When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets (including O-ring), seals and…
- 10111011Mar 9, 2017Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by…
- 10185806Jan 13, 2017Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 36 | 31% |
| 2012 | 31 | 14% |
| 2011 | 10 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
40 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsElectrical system
25 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 30, 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