2012 Mazda Mazda3 Brakes Problems

The brake pedal is soft and sometimes unresponsive unless it is pumped repeatedly. There have been several times where I have been concerned if I would come to a complete stop. I have had both sets of brake pads replaced in the last year, and have on driven 9,000 miles. Two independent service centers diagnosed the problem as a faulty master cylinder. However, upon replacing the master cylinder and doing three brake flushes, and inspecting my brake pads and calipers, the problem persisted and is unresolved. They directed me to order a new ABS module, believing that that is the only other part that could be causing the cars brake problems. This part (BFY1437AZCO) is on backorder until November 2025.

NHTSA ID

11667217

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

Weak braking and spongy brake pedal created near accidents at highway speeds. Brake pedal needs to be pumped to get firmness. But the check engine warning light did not come on, either. So I had mechanics replace front rotors, front disc pads, and bleed/refill system with fresh brake fluid and inspect system for leaks. But spongy brake pedal problem was not fixed. So when I researched the problem on the internet, it appears that it's a systemic, long-time (10 model years or more) safety issue with Mazda that they failed to recall nationwide. Totally irresponsible. Among Mazda owners, after replacing all other brake system components and not solving the spongy brake pedal issue, it turned out to be a faulty ABS System Module, a $2,000 to $3,000 repair at Mazda dealerships.

NHTSA ID

11601244

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

My brake pedal became very spongy and soft after the ABS was activated. The brake pedal has to travel all the way to the floor to stop the vehicle. My rotors, pads and other brake parts are checked by experts and there is not any issue found with other brake parts. Even though the brake system is not working properly, there are no ABS lights on the dashboard. I risk an accident every day. I killed a squirrel because the brake system didn’t work properly. Maybe one day I will die or cause to lose someone’s life because of this braking issue. I started to be affected psychologically. I've read many complaints from Mazda users on forums about this problem. In subsequent investigations, Ford has recalled 600,000 2006-2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ midsized cars to fix an ABS problem. The ABS valve reacts with the brake fluid currently used in the vehicles and can significantly slow or stop the action of the ABS valve, leading to braking problems. When I took my car to my mechanic, I just learned these Mazda 3s were equipped with the same ABS Controle Units as these specific Ford models. However, there are no recalls for these Mazda’s. It cannot be a coincidence that the same ABS control module is used and the same problem occurs. It is unacceptable that Mazda did not recall any vehicle while Ford took a step in this regard. This problem needs to be solved urgently before someone dies! This is a big safety issue! All companies using this ABS Controle Unit must Recall!

NHTSA ID

11546489

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

I've only driven my car 54,000 miles in more than 10 years. Yet, I've had an abundance of brake issues. I've had to replaced my brake pads, brake master cylinder, and brake power booster unit. Now, some mechanics are suggesting that I also need to replace my brake rotors and brake calipers. It's ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11515915

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

Both front brake rotors fractured while braking, resulting in reduced braking distance and the need for evasive maneuvers to avoid collision. Fracture occurred in the casting, between the hub flange and braking pad surfaces. A photo of one of the rotors is available, but the hardware has been disposed of. Inspection of fracture surfaces shows some local evidence of rust, indicating that the rupture was proceeded by fatigue/corrosion cracking. No other advance warning was available.

NHTSA ID

11493343

Incident

Nov 6, 2022

Mileage

125,000 mi

This was my first new car and sometimes when I would brake the brake would go all the way down to the floor. It was random so I didn’t really think about it. It’s been happening since the car was new and I searched up the issue and it’s been something common happening to other people. It recently started happening again.

NHTSA ID

11479143

Incident

Aug 12, 2022

Exactly as described in safety recall "2014-2016 Mazda3 and 2014-2015 Mazda6 Hand-Operated Parking Brake Concern Safety Recall 1217F NHTSA Campaign No. 17V-393" both of the rear caliper parking brakes have corroded and become stuck causing the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place when engaged. The problem has not been inspected or confirmed by any 3rd parties. I currently have 1 of the calipers that failed but will need to return it for a core charge refund. No error or warnings were presented, but noticed the parking brake becoming less effective and eventually not effective at all over the course of a few months. the passenger side failed first and was replaced July 2021, the driver side failed over early summer 2022 and needs to be replaced now.

NHTSA ID

11473706

Incident

Jul 13, 2022

The brakes have to be pressed to the floor in order to break. They were not breaking like normal. The ABS module was deemed faulty and replaced.

NHTSA ID

11451611

Incident

Feb 11, 2022

Brakes became soft. Needed to pump them to stop the vehicle. My mechanic changed pads, rotors and master cylinder. However, it did not fix the problem. I have read several reports of people complaining about the same issue, likely related to a faulty ABS module. Safety issues should be addresses promptly by reputable manufacturers.

NHTSA ID

11439529

Incident

Oct 26, 2021

I was coming up on a car waiting to make a left turn. While attempting to move to the right-hand passing lane, five lights lit up and the power steering went out. The five lights were "Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light", "TSC/DSC Off Indicator Light", "Security Light", "ABS Warning Light", and "Seatbelt Warning Light" (even though my seat belt was on and buckled). Realizing I could not turn in time, I attempted to stop instead and could not stop in time to avoid striking the other vehicle. There had been no indication of problems with any of the indicated systems prior to this incident. The vehicle is currently in possession of our insurance company, as it was deemed a total loss, and no inspection for defects has been performed.

NHTSA ID

11431182

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

HEADLIGHTS PULSATE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED. IT IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE INVOLVING THE ALTERNATOR AND RE-CALIBRATING THE PCM. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU BRAKE WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON.

NHTSA ID

11081443

Incident

Mar 24, 2018

Mileage

56,617 mi

I PARK CAR AND IT STILL MOVES A FEW INCHES FORWARD

NHTSA ID

11020216

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

Mileage

80,000 mi

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. WE LIVE IN A HEAVILY POPULATED AREA WITH PLENTY OF CHILDREN AS WELL AS WILD LIFE AND THIS DECREASES MY CHANCES OF SEEING THEM IF THEY RUN OUT (EVEN WHILE BRAKING, SAY IF I WAS DOING SO SLOWLY A CHILD RUN OUT I CAN E-BRAKE OR APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO BRAKES TO STOP QUICKER...CAN'T DO THAT IF I DON'T SEE THEM IN TIME). IT ALSO IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING AND ANNOYING. I'M SURE OTHER DRIVERS DON'T APPRECIATE IT WHEN IT'S IN THEIR REAR VIEW MIRRORS NOR WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING TOWARDS ME ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HONESTLY I'M SURPRISED I HAVEN'T BEEN PULLED OVER AND TICKETED FOR "ILLEGAL MODIFICATION TO HEADLIGHTS" ETC. I'M NOT SEEING A RECALL ON THIS, HOWEVER THERE IS SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WHY HASN'T THE PCM OR THE ALTERNATOR BEEN RECALLED? THIS PROBLEM AMONG OTHERS I'VE DEALT WITH SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND THE FACT THAT PROBLEMS ARE BEING FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURE MAKE IT TO WHERE I'LL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER MAZDA IN THE FUTURE.

NHTSA ID

10748270

Incident

Aug 29, 2014

Mileage

40,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO START THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED. MOMENTS LATER, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ID

10495047

Incident

Jul 15, 2012

Mileage

16,000 mi