2012 Mazda MAZDA3 engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 36 complaints for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3, 11% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 36 11% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 19,000 miles 35 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 18 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 7 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 35 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 19,000 miles, and 86% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the engine complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
The car sometimes surges during downshifting. I will be driving in moderate traffic in third gear. The traffic slows, and I let in the clutch and apply the brake. When the traffic starts to pick up again, I am going too slow for third, so I shift into second and let the clutch out. My right foot is just resting lightly on the gas pedal. The car has not been idling fast, but as soon as the clutch is engaged, the engine suddenly roars and the car leaps forward, even though I have not pressed the gas at all.
After taking a left hand turn onto a local road,I noticed that my car was decelerating despite the fact I was pressing on the gas. The traction control light on the dash came on and the car appeared to be stuck in 1st or 2nd gear; I could not go faster than 40 MPH without the rpms going too high. This car has automatic transmission. I tried turning off the traction control by pressing its button, but this did not work.
Other problems reported for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
- Drivetrain & axles 39 complaints
- Lighting 31 complaints
- Electrical system 25 complaints
- Fuel system 22 complaints
- Cruise control 20 complaints
- Air bags 18 complaints
- Body & structure 17 complaints
- Seats 16 complaints