2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,972miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 8% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,972 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On the dashboard in the center front windshield area, part of the car seems to have come detached. There is a large gap above the ventilation/radio and it seems to continue pulling further away. I am not sure if it is directly affecting the ventilation/air system but I was hearing some strange noises. It has been happening for a while (approx. 3+ years) but continues too progressively worsen.”
NHTSA complaint #11387508, filed 2021-01, 45,000 miles“About a year ago, I had to replace my tires at just under 30,000 mi because the treads wore improperly. Fast forward a few months, my axle wore out and had to be replaced. However, the real problem comes when about 3 weeks ago, I was driving at about 75 miles an hour on a major highway, four lanes of traffic, and the engine starts jumping. The rpms go up and down, but the car won't accelerate. I get the car to the side of the road on pure momentum. The car then turns completely off with the key in the on position, but not lights come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10892307, filed 2016-08, 37,000 miles“The clear coat was not properly applied during manufacturing of the vehicle leading to extensive paint loss and corrosion beginning on the roof of the vehicle and hood. Eventually the failure of the paint will lead to rust and corrosion of the roof and support system of the vehicle which can cause bodily harm if the vehicle is involved in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11394794, filed 2021-02, 55,000 miles“Vehicle was parked in the drive way when for no reason, the moonroof exploded. The glass had no previous impact from rocks, etc. It was a mild day, not hot and not cold.”
NHTSA complaint #10991994, filed 2017-05, 60,000 miles“Drivers door cannot be opened from the inside. Dealer reports latch cable is broken. This is the second occurrence of the drivers door latch cable breaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10485308, filed 2012-11, 12,681 milesRelated recalls
- 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8…Covers: Mazda MAZDA3 2010–2013, CX-5 2013–2016, MAZDA5 2012–2015 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's…
- 11007022Aug 15, 2024Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's…
- 10243569Sep 13, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Jul 6, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10225724Oct 17, 2022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10208567Feb 10, 2022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10182131Oct 27, 2020SSP99 - 2010 MAZDA3 - DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL STICKY SURFACE: For certain 2010 Mazda3 vehicles, the warranty coverage for dashboard replacement for sticky surface condition only is…
- 10154139Dec 11, 2018If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or…
- 10148068Oct 10, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of…
- 10134702Mar 22, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 17% |
| 2023 | 1 | 8% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 6 | 5% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 17 | 8% |
| 2011 | 13 | 10% |
| 2010 | 169 | 25% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 8 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
40 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsAir bags
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