2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 4% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,500 miles.
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.
“While traveling approximately 35 - 40 MPH (accelerating) on a long winding wooded rural interstate onramp, no other vehicle traffic nearby, the sunroof (closed at the time) literally buckled upward and exploded outward. It was very loud like a shotgun. At the time it happened, it gave both myself and my daughter the impression that someone had fired a gun at us and we did not stop until we reached the next exit. We were very rattled by the incident. There was definitely no previous damage to the glass and no rock or other foreign object involved. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560435, filed 2014-01, 33,000 miles“Headlights intermittently dim when slowing down. Could be from letting off accelerator or applying the brakes. It is distracting and Mazda knows about this issue including the fix yet has not made comminications to owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11064786, filed 2018-01, 60,000 miles“Driving with no traffic in front of me and moonroof exploded. Did not see or hear a rock, just heard what sounded like a gunshot. Pulled offer right away and moon roof was shattered. It looked like it blew out as opposed to smashed in.”
NHTSA complaint #10694981, filed 2015-03, 50,000 miles“Overnight, the moonroof glass broke along the forward leading edge parallel to the metal brace that is in contact with the glass beneath it. Upon closing the door, the fractured glass bowed up and pieces of the shattered glass ended up on the front edge of the roof. Pictures are available, if needed. Note: no debris was found on the moonroof suggesting there was no impact from any outside source. Note: it was negative six degrees fahrenheit when discovered.”
NHTSA complaint #10566584, filed 2014-03, 21,140 miles“I recently have been experiencing visibility issues with my 2012 Mazda 3 sedan. It started when the plastic interior above the steering wheel became goopy as it heats up from the sun. It is impossible to remove and has left behind a shiny surface that reflects on the windshield in front of my driving peripheral. I've researched this issue and have found recalls for other years of Mazda makes/models, but not mine. There is nothing I can do and it's becoming worse making it so I can barely see out my front windshild on bright, sunny days. …”
NHTSA complaint #11399991, filed 2021-03Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 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.
- 10198691Jun 7, 2021Some 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.
- 10198574Jun 1, 2021Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 11% |
| 2018 | 16 | 15% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 6 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 109 | 16% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
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 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