2012 Mazda MAZDA3 engine problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Motor cylinder #1 low compression took it to mazda they couldnt figure it out and less than 20 miles after the motor threw a rod at 70,001 miles total. Cylinder 1 walls where not made correctly”
filed Mar 31, 2021
“When I drive down the road.my car speeds up and I don't press on the excilerator any harder. The cars idol goes up and down when driving and at park. This happens on all types of road ways. Sometimes it speeds up on me so fast I have to hit the brake while driving on the road.”
filed Aug 27, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s)…
SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2026
Engine problems in other MAZDA3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 MAZDA3 | 2 | 9% |
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 18 | 37% |
| 2020 MAZDA3 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 12 | 11% |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 6 | 5% |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 13 | 9% |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 11 | 9% |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 22 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.