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2012 Mazda MAZDA3 body problems

17 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
37,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Body
    10
  • Interior panels: dashboard
    2
  • Body: hatchback/liftgate
    1
  • Body: door
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda MAZDA3 body problems in other years

20042010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 body

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sunroof shattered 5

Related recalls

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgateReported September 6, 2016 · 580,455 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Risk
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Recall number 16V644000 · Recall details

What 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Body · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was transported from the east to Texas, and the vehicle was bought used. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and that a gap was between the instrument panel and cover. The contact stated that a small to medium bubble had started to form. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 7, 2021 · Body · CA

The dashboard on my Mazda3 has popped up and is causing me to be distracted while I drive, and I am concerned that this could have an impact on airbag deployment, as the lifted dash provides an opening to the wiring and airbags within. I became aware yesterday that this is an issue that Mazda tried to remedy by extending their warranty in 2017 for my car model. However, I was never notified, and the warranty has now expired. I spoke with Mazda Corporate (call reference # 1-4144339276) and they would not honor the extended warranty to remedy the issue because the time frame has expired. Had I been notified by Mazda and known that this were an issue, I would have had the dash replaced when the warranty was extended. Mazda did not do their due diligence and notify me of their dashboard issue, and denied their failure to notify me when questioned. This places a concern about the practices of Mazda and caring for the safety of their car buyers.

Filed Mar 9, 2021 · Body, Visibility · 850,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Feb 5, 2021 · Body · 55,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Jan 11, 2021 · Body · 45,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Body, Wheels · 15,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jun 28, 2017 · Body · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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

Filed Jun 21, 2017 · Body · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda 3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 21, 2017 · Body · FL

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

Filed May 28, 2017 · Body · 60,000 miles · NJ

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.

Questions about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 body

Does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 have body problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the body of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 body?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V644000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have the most body problems?

The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most body complaints are 2010 (169 complaints), 2012 (17 complaints) and 2011 (13 complaints).

Other 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 problems

Transmission 40Engine 36Lights 31Electrical 25Fuel system 22Acceleration 20Driver assistance 19Airbags 17Seats 16Steering 15Brakes 14Wheels 12Suspension 9Visibility 9Tires 4Seat belts 2

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