While accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light on a multi-lane roadway, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without prior warning. The engine RPM dropped immediately to 0, causing the vehicle to stall in the middle of an active intersection and creating an immediate risk of a side-impact collision from oncoming traffic. All warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminated upon stalling. To clear the intersection safely, the vehicle was placed into Neutral and restarted. After shifting back into Drive and proceeding out of traffic, the vehicle repeatedly entered a fail-safe/limp mode every 30 to 120 seconds. During these episodes, the Automatic Transaxle (AT) light flashed, the engine shuddered severely, and the engine RPM fluctuated erratically, causing unpredictable acceleration and poor drivability. The sudden stalling in active traffic created a severe hazard to driver and occupant safety. The vehicle had not displayed a Check Engine Light or Transmission warning light prior to the complete stalling event.
The worst 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system8
- Body7
- Brakes7
- Tires7
- Airbags4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system8
- Body7
- Brakes7
- Tires7
- Airbags4
- Steering4
- Transmission3
- Seats2
- Visibility2
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Recalls 1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 226
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Description
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),...
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a...
- When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing...
- Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement
What 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a deer wandered into the middle of the road, and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the wheels locked up, causing the tires to slide. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch, spun around, and struck another object, causing the vehicle to land back into the ditch where it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A bystander called 911, and the contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact bit his lips hard during the crash, which caused the bottom two front teeth to pierce through the bottom lip. The contact sustained a severe cut to the right leg, which led to excessive bleeding. The contact also sustained pain in the neck and lower back. The contact was given an X-ray and a CT scan to check for internal injuries, but none were found. The contact was released the same day. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard, where it remained. The vehicle was destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000.
Sentury Touring (Discount Tire) 205/55/R16. Both front tires have inner wear to the point of shredding in the same location on *both* front tires. Both tires went out at the same time and could have caused a serious accident. Discount tire stated it was an alignment issue. The alignment shop (30 minutes after new tires were installed after dual blowout) stated that my alignment was perfectly within spec and also stated there was no indication of tire rub on any portion of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda MZ5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
This vehicle ejects a significant amount of fuel from its fuel filler port during every refueling. The volume of fuel and the distance the gasoline travels in a hazardous environment poses an avoidable risk that can result in a catastrophic event with potential fatalities. In addition, the cumulative quantity of fuel needlessly spilled negatively impacts the environment at a time of heightened environmental concerns. For these reasons, this known issue should be elevated from a simple technical service bulletin (#01-013-15-3048) to a safety recall before fatalities result from a known manufacturing defect.
During July of 2021 brake pedal went all the way down with no braking. Pumping the pedal restored braking. After the 3rd incident, had the master cylinder replaced on July 30, 2021 by certified mechanics. Brakes seemed fine, but on Aug 11, 2021 brake pedal went all the way down producing no braking on 3 occasions. Pumping the pedal restored braking. Took vehicle back to garage. Mechanics have not gotten it to fail. Possible new parts are bad? Could anti lock brake system cause this? Its been a really good car for 155,000 miles, but now I'm afraid to drive it.
The Mazda5 has a TSB on the issue, 01-013/15. What I am attempting to find out is why this isn't a recall. When the failure occurs, the fuelling of the vehicle doesn't shut off the nozzle. What happens is fuel comes spraying out of the opening, getting over the ground, the vehicle, and in most cases the person fueling the vehicle. My vehicle has been dong this almost since new. When I reported it early on, Mazda blamed the fuel pumps in my area. The next time I went in I presented the TSB but they still wanted me to pay for diagnostic procedures and even potentially for the repair. I think that's ridiculous. From what I understand, it's very common, common enough to have a TSB. Since it does cause environmental issues and safety issues by splashing gasoline on skin, clothing, and potentially could be ignited, well, why isn't this a recall? I do find the TSB to be carefully worded to specifically NOT say what actually happens, making it look like an inconvenience and not a safety issue. ****Video of what happens is available upon request.****
Rear-ended while stopped by truck going under 20 MPH. Our heads struck headrests and driver and front passenger seats instantly reclined back onto front of children's car seats. They're legs would have been crushed at the knees if they were in the accident. Our necks were sore from whiplash.
It's very common in the mazda 5 cars for the emission components to fail often and affects the fuel economy which causes loss of fuel, money etc. It's also a safety concern as the evap leaks could release fuel vapors to the atmosphere and polluting it. As well as fire hazards due to the fuel leaks. I've noticed many customers approaching the dealer due to this problem which kind of gives us the feeling that this a very common issue with the mazda5 vehicles.
While driving my steering wheel got really harden almost impossible to turn. I nearly crash. I was lucky I was going slow. This has happened in more than 1 ocassion. I was driving in city.
Compare the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5
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Questions about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Is the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 reliable?
Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5, close to a typical MAZDA5 model year.
What is the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 year score?
The 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 8 complaints, typically around 62,849 miles. Next is body (7).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 have?
1 recall, covering structure.
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