RoadVitals

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Mar 9, 2021
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
7%
of 226 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structureVisibility
Filed Mar 9, 2021

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. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED IN ANYWAY AS IT AFFECTS MY EVERYDAY LIFE AND IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SUN IS AT HIGH NOON. I HAVE ATTACHED SOME PHOTOS TO SHOW HOW THE INTERIOR PANEL HAS BECOME NATURALLY. IT'S CURRENTLY A CLOUDY DAY SO THE GLARE ISSUE IS NOT SHOWCASED AS MUCH. I HAVE TEMPORALLY LAID A TAN CLOTH OVER TO REDUCE SOME OF THE GLARE BECAUSE IT'S LESS SHINNY THAN THE MELTED INTERIOR (WHICH SEEMS TO REDUCE THE GLARE PROBLEM BY 50%). THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND I HOPE TO HEAR BACK SOON.

NHTSA ID
11399991
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
850,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 5, 2021

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 ID
11394794
Incident
May 1, 2018
Mileage
55,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 11, 2021

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 ID
11387508
Incident
Jul 20, 2016
Mileage
45,000 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CAMBER WAS SET AT A NEGATIVE ANGLE, WHICH MADE THE REAR TIRES WEAR OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD AND THE DESIGN WAS SET UP FOR RACING RATHER THAN NORMAL DRIVING. AN UNKNOWN DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL THEM BACK WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11245193
Incident
Jul 1, 2019
Mileage
15,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. NORTH POINTE MAZDA DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY WOULD BE PROVIDED ONCE THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID
11001949
Incident
Jun 28, 2017
Body & structure
Filed Jun 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (COREY FAIRBANKS MAZDA) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND A SECOND LETTER ONCE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11000358
Incident
Jun 21, 2017
Body & structure
Filed Jun 21, 2017

I GOT A NOTICE FROM MAZDA TELLING ME MY CAR HAS A RECALL ON A LIFT GATE DAMPER THIS HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS AGO AND THEY FAIL TO REPLACE IT

NHTSA ID
11000353
Incident
Oct 13, 2016
Body & structure
Filed May 28, 2017

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 ID
10991994
Incident
May 28, 2017
Mileage
60,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 15, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10966041
Incident
Sep 6, 2016
Body & structure
Filed Jan 24, 2017

WE RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT OUR VEHICLE HAD A SAFETY RECALL FOR LIFT GATE STAY DAMPERS IN OCTOBER 2016. AT THIS DATE 1/24/2017. THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. BASED ON THE SAFETY RECALL THAT THE LIFT GATE COULD CORRODE AND FALL WE BELIEVE THIS IS NEEDING A MORE SPEEDY RESOLUTION THAN THAT WHICH IT IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10947334
Incident
Jan 24, 2017
Body & structureEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 1, 2016

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. I REMOVE THE KEY, WAIT 5 MINUTES AND THE CAR TURNS BACK ON. IT DIED AGAIN A FEW MIN LATER SO I HAVE IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. 5 MIN AFTER LEAVING THE MECHANIC'S SHOP, MY CAR STARTS JUMPING AGAIN; I BARELY MADE IT BACK. THE MECHANIC IS AT A LOSS AND RECOMMENDS THE DEALERSHIP SINCE THERE ARE NO CODES. THE DEALER GETS IT AND WORKS WITH IT FOR A FEW DAYS AND SAYS THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR (MAFS) WAS CLOGGED, WHICH WAS TURNING OFF THE CAR, AND THE BEARINGS WERE ALSO CAUSING PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY WERE WORN OUT (FROM THE AXLE BEING IMPROPERLY INSTALLED). THEY REPLACED THE BEARINGS, CLEANED THE MAFS, AND RESET THE COMPUTER, UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS OK. 2 DAYS LATER, I'M DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTS JUMPING AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO BARELY MAKE IT OUT OF TRAFFIC BEFORE THE CAR DIED AGAIN. THE CAR STARTS UP AGAIN 5 MIN LATER AND I TAKE ABOUT 10 MIN TO GET TO SAFETY AS THIS REPEATS. THE DEALER HAS MY CAR FOR ALMOST 3 WKS, MAZDA'S FIELD ENGINEERS GET INVOLVED, THEY-CHECKED THE FUEL COMPONENTS, THE COMPUTER, FILTERS ETC, AND THEN MAZDA RECOMMENDS CHECKING THE WIRING HARNESS. A CLIP HAD BROKEN ABOVE THE AXLE ON THE ENGINE THAT ALLOWED THE WIRING TO WEAR OUT. THEY HAD TO REDO THE WIRING IN A DIFFERENT WAY SO IT WOULDN'T WEAR--THIS SEEMS LIKE IT HAS HAPPEN TO OTHERS W/O RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ID
10892307
Incident
Jul 4, 2016
Mileage
37,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 5, 2015

DASHBOARD POPS OUT IN TEMPERATURES OVER 90 DEGREES.

NHTSA ID
10703775
Incident
Apr 3, 2015
Mileage
34,944 mi
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Dec 10, 2013
Crash reported

CAR HIT COYOTE AT 75MPH. CAR NEVER WAVERED FROM WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. IT SAVED OUR LIVES THAT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT NOT HIT BY COYOTE BUT BARES A LARGE "BLIND SPOT" ON DRIVERS SIDE MAKING CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER DARK. CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP SAYS HEAD LIGHT IS WITHIN SPECS AND WAS COMPARED TO ANOTHER CAR OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL YEAR AND THE "BLIND SPOT" IS NORMAL. THIS PARTICULAR MAZDA 3 "DOESN'T LIKE TIRES". THAT IS WHAT THE GUY WHO PUT ON THE 3RD FULL SET OF TIRES TOLD ME. MILEAGE 46,000 THE CAR KEEPS BREAKING MOTOR MOUNTS AND MAZDA CLAIMS THIS IS ALL FROM THE ACCIDENT NOW 15 MONTHS AGO. THEY REFUSE TO FIX HEADLIGHT AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AFTER DARK AS MY INSURANCE COMPANY MAY FIGHT IF I SHOULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAULTY HEAD LIGHT. I HAVE NEVER KNOW A CAR MANUFACTURER TO OFFER HEADLIGHTS WITH BLIND SPOTS BUT I HAVE AN INVOICE FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THIS IS NORMAL ON THE MAZDA 3. THESE CARS ARE NOT MADE TO TAKE THE IMPACT OF A COYOTE SO I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE MAZDA 3 SHOULD IT HIT SOMETHING LARGER THAN A DOG. *TR

NHTSA ID
10555504
Incident
Jun 29, 2012
Mileage
12,048 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 20, 2012

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10485308
Incident
Nov 20, 2012
Mileage
12,681 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 5, 2012

THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. BROKEN INNER DRIVERS DOOR CABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10454264
Incident
Apr 4, 2012
Mileage
4,164 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .