2012 Mazda MAZDA3: jerking or lurching

7 of the 226 complaints about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 8,300
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 63 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2023
1
2021
3
2020
1
2019
3
2018
4
2017
4
2014
1
2013
3
2012
7
2011
4
2010
13
2008
6
2007
6
2006
10
2004
4

What owners say

Filed Jun 23, 2024 · Transmission · PA

Car started jerking and on the way home, the car lost all power to the transmission. The check engine light came on as well as the AT and traction lights. Absolutely no power to the transmission. codes P0780 and P0751.

Filed Jun 28, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 95,000 miles · NC

When decelerating, I'll push in clutch, apply brake, and shift to a lower gear. As I let out the clutch, car will sometimes lurch forward (as if I'm depressing accelerator even though I'm not). I must immediately depress clutch again and let out slowly to prevent the sudden surge in acceleration. Most often happens when I am coming out of a turn and begin to let out clutch. Also, at 3 1/2 years old, with 95,000 mostly highway miles, manual transmission has started popping out of 4th gear while driving. I'll be driving along and for no reason shifter will pop out of gear. Independent transmission shop said cause is likely bad bearings inside transmission and recommended replacement with manufactured transmission. I never had problems with my 2010 mazda 5 with 5 speed manual transmission. I've reported problems to mazda service and of course they can never get problem to repeat itself while they are driving.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 1,600 miles · CA

While downshifting from 4th to 3rd and/or 5th to 4th to slow down without having my foot on the gas pedal (only on the clutch) my 2012 mazda 3 touring 6 speed mt accelerates very rapidly and jerks about. It happens for several seconds and then stops. It's almost every time I downshift. I brought it to the attention of the mazda dealer on the first service appointment at 5000 miles in april 2013. However, the service advisor informed me that mechanic checked the problem and found no issues with the car that would be causing this problem.

Filed Dec 27, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · 100 miles · FL

Approximately two or three times a week when downshifting out of a right or left hand curve or turn, my 2012 manual transmission mazda 3 hatchback will accelerate on its own. This is characterized by a varying increase of rpms: 2100 rpms to 4500 rpms, depending on the incident, and a sudden lurching or surging forward of the vehicle itself. When approaching curves or turns, at 30 or 40 MPH, that do not have to be taken at a complete stop, I engage the clutch, apply the brakes, and slow the vehicle to 15-20 MPH. Upon coming out of the turn I shift the vehicle into second gear. When I slowly release the clutch, without depressing the gas pedal at all, the car's engine will rev, rpms will surge to as high as 4000 - 4500, and the car will lurch forward until the clutch is once again depressed. These incidents are random and are not dependent on speed, weather conditions, or location. These incidents have only been duplicated with a minimal increase of rpms and no lurching forward when a mechanic is present. These incidents can not be duplicated for the dealership at their fullest and most dangerous.

Filed Dec 9, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 10,200 miles · GA

When downshifting (manual transmission) from 3rd to 2nd as I was slowing down because of a red light, the engine RPM went way up, maybe around 4,000 RPM. I pressed the clutch to avoid the car jerking forward and hitting the car in front of me. This was the third time this actually happened. I bought the car new and have only owned it 5 months.

Filed Jul 4, 2012 · Transmission · 8,300 miles · CA

Driving home last night (on the freeway) at approximately 9:45 pm I attempted to accelerate to make a lane change. I noticed the car wasn't moving any faster the only thing I heard was the engine gunning. The car was slowing down in very fast traffic and I immediately put my hazards on while trying to move the gear shift which was stuck. Its a miracle that I didn't get hit trying to get tnate to have it apoenhis vehicle over to the right shoulder which I eventually did. I removed a small cover beside the gear shift inserted a screwdriver in the hole and was able to release the shift. I put it in park, turned the car off for about a minute. Started the car and shifted it to drive but the car jerked back and the gear shift is stuck again. I had to be towed home. This was a very dangerous and frightening situation for a male adult and would hate to have this happen to a single mother with children in the car. This is not the only time the gears have locked. I was fortunate to have it happen in my driveway and was able to unlock with the method I described above. I feel this really should be looked into.

Filed May 4, 2012 · Fuel system · 1,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the fuel system was defective and that there were spiders in the fuel system area. The vehicle also began to jerk when accelerating. The dealer would not inspect the vehicle, stating that bugs and spiders were not covered by the warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 11,000.