2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,865miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 4% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,865 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had a mechanic rotate my tires and noticed the front tires were making alot of noise. I returned to the mechanic for an inspection and he said that the tires currently on the front that were on the rear have severe cupping probably due to a suspension problem. The mechanic recommended taking the car to the dealer although there is no recall notice for the problem. I had the mechanic rotate the tires back. The tires”
NHTSA complaint #10649362, filed 2014-10, 19,000 miles“My car was t-bone, it should not have been driven. My daughter was made to drive the damaged car home instead of using a tow truck to take it to the nearest body shop. The suspension was bent completely inwards (doughnut tire was used to drive the car home with a bent suspension). I was told by the insurance company to drive the car to the nearest shop they do business with, and I did. I asked the supervisor/adjuster to total the car before ever seeing the internal damage. I knew the car could not be repaired back to the way it was, almost new condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10735022, filed 2015-07, 53,000 miles“I have only owned this vehicle for 10 months and on feb 14, 2014 noticed there is a clunky sound at the back right side of the car. Took it to the dealership and found up that all sway bar bolts were loose. Service manager indicated that the factory did not tightened it properly. Following week noticed that my dashboard above the computer stuff was lifting/warping. They had replaced and the service advisor mentioned that I am the 5th Mazda 3 2012 owner to take it in with the same issue with the dashboard. I hope nothing else will start to fall apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10568816, filed 2014-03, 15,000 miles“My wife was driving her vehicle and the front cv axle completely snapped in half. Still not sure what could have possibly occured being there is no accident report on this vehicle. Perhaps the part was corroded or faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #11354377, filed 2020-09, 110,000 miles“Purchased as certified preowned from local Mazda dealer. Premature tire cupping of rear tires. Result in tire road noise, uneven wear, early replacement. Rear camber setting is possible issue expressed unofficially by Mazda mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10722508, filed 2015-05, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10226814Nov 18, 2022Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10213185May 24, 2022Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10208564Feb 28, 2022There have been warranty claims submitted for growling or bearing whine noise in differentials, transfer units and transmissions where the source of the noise was a wheel…
- 10170656Jan 9, 2020Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10153315Jan 2, 2019Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10134930Mar 26, 2018Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 13% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 14 | 6% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsSeats
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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