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2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 is transmission and drivetrain. Its complaint count is close to a typical Mazdaspeed3 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
27
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 1

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

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 27

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 27 bulletins for the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

What 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 27, 2017 · Seats · 68,000 miles · CA

While driving, specifically while slowing down on an exit ramp from the highway, the seat made a loud popping noise and my seat began to move back and forth freely under acceleration and braking. Upon further inspection, I found that the metal connector between the seat height adjustment and the seat rail had snapped. The vehicle has 68,xxx miles on it and this is an unacceptable failure for the amount of miles. How am I supposed to feel safe in the event of an accident if the seat cannot stay securely connected to the car through normal driving conditions?

Filed Dec 11, 2016 · Lights · 60,000 miles · MD

Headlights voluntarily and uncontrollably flickering during routine driving straightaways, turning, or encountering bumpy road. Issue arises at varying rates of speed. Had vehicle since 2012 and never had issue. End of nov. 2016, took car in for 60,000 check-up. Dealership installed new battery. Issue began shortly thereafter. Definite safety issue and concern. While driving behind another vehicle one evening, my vehicle lights flickered and prompted the driver ahead of me to move into another lane. It gave them the impression that I was flashing lights to encourage them to move. This issue can result in potential claims of "road rage" and loss of life.

Filed Jul 19, 2015 · Transmission · 18,000 miles · OH

End of 2013, the vehicle began randomly popping out of 2nd gear and back into neutral. Dealer rebuilt trans under warranty and all was okay until october 2014 when the same issue began again. Dealer replaced trans under warranty but advised transmission warranty was no longer valid. Currently, july 2015, the same issue is happening again. Vehicle will be in gear then out of gear causing me to be unable to accelerate, and causing a major accident risk.

Filed Dec 26, 2014 · Brakes · 25,100 miles · IL · crash

Driver attempted an emergency braking event. Brake pedal failed to maintain form-bent under moderate pressure, allowing brake pedal cover to fall off resulting in driver's foot to lose contact with brake pedal. Driver lost control of brakes and resulted in a collision.

Filed Jun 3, 2013 · Transmission · 12,500 miles · NY

Went to shift from 3rd to 4th, and the knob fell into two pieces while driving.

Filed Oct 28, 2012 · Transmission · 21 miles · NV

Recently purchased a brand new 2012 mazda speed3. 17 miles off the lot. In the 4 mile drive to my house 15 minutes after signing paperwork, the clutch blows out. Had it towed back and was told we were lucky they fixed it under warranty because this item is a "wear & tear" item because going 4 miles is apparently too long. We were told to "break the clutch in" for about 400 miles. Well, we made it to 125 miles on the odometer and the same exact thing happened. Except this time, I was driving about 40mph on a busy road when the clutch went out. Luckily my three young children were not in the car. There is no possible way in owning a vehicle for a mere 2.5 days in our hands we have blown two clutches or the vehicle have any wear or tear. Now they want our money to fix a car I have had for 2.5 days. This is a load of crap on mazdas part and they need to fix this not only on my vehicle but whatever other ones are out there with the same problem.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Is the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 reliable?

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, close to a typical Mazdaspeed3 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have?

1 recall, covering structure.

What year does the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 have bad transmission?

The Mazda Mazdaspeed3 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (23 complaints) and 2007 (17 complaints).

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