2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced for the 2007 model year by Mazdaspeed and produced until 2013. The Mazdaspeed3 is a performance-enhanced version of the 5-door Mazda3.
Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. The vehicle is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.3 litres (2,261 cc) turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine. The Mazdaspeed3 was designed prior to the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Ford Focus ST, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI. The engine produces a power output of 263 hp (196 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The Mazdaspeed3 also features a limited slip differential.
The Mazdaspeed3 is the company's first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X of the early 1990s.
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Common 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems
The Mazda Mazdaspeed3 2012 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:
- Power Steering Problems: Some owners have reported that they experienced a loss of power-steering assistance, which was fixed by Mazda as part of a nationwide program for some 2007-2008 models. However, some later Mazda 3s, including the Mazdaspeed3, have also experienced the same problem. The power-steering fluid may become thick and unable to flow properly, and the only real fix is to replace the power-steering pump, hoses, and fluid.
- Electrical Faults: Some owners have reported electrical faults that cause power-steering problems, which may be caused by a loose battery terminal or other electrical issues. However, these issues may apply to later cars with electric power-assistance, which did not come to the Mazda 3 in Australia until 2014.
- Intermittent Electronic Problems: Some owners have reported intermittent electronic problems that affect the car's performance, such as power-steering faults. These issues may not show up on a computer scan, making them difficult to diagnose and fix.
- O2 Sensor Malfunction: Some owners have reported O2 sensor malfunctions, which can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency. These sensors may need to be replaced to fix the issue.
- Windshield Wiper Linkages: Some owners have reported that the windshield wiper linkages broke and needed to be replaced. This issue was resolved after the replacement.
- Passenger Door Handle: Some owners have reported that the passenger door handle broke and needed to be replaced with a new cable.
- Brake System Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the brake system, including a faulty speed sensor, low brake fluid, and total brake failure. These issues require immediate attention and should be checked by a professional.
It is important to note that not all 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 owners have experienced these issues, and some may have had positive experiences with the car. However, these are some of the common problems reported by owners based on complaints and reviews.
What problems does the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 have?
Common problems found on the 2012 Mazda3 include grinding gears, splitting dashboards, as well as some engine surging issues. Overall, these problems along with the repair costs are average compared to other compact cars. Grinding gears are the most widespread complaint at around 20,000 miles.
How long does a MAZDASPEED3 engine last?
When properly maintained, a Mazda3 can easily reach 100,000 miles without any serious problems. Many owners even report mileages of 200,000 to 300,000 miles with no serious issues. Obviously, the Mazda3 engines can last a very long time.
How long does a 2012 Mazda 3 engine last?
You can expect at least 150,000 to 200,000 miles from Your Mazda3 s engine.
What is the most common problem with Mazda 3?
Mazda 3 Reliability and Common Problems
- The Mazda 3 is one of the most reliable compact sedans, with a high reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
- Common problems with the Mazda 3 include lightning issues, infotainment problems, faulty brakes, and sway bar links that need to be replaced.
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Seats problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-23
- VIN: JM1BL1L47C1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-26
- VIN: JM1BL1W70C1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-29
- VIN: JM1BL1L31C1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1BL1L38C1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-24
- VIN: JM1BL1L44C1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WENT TO SHIFT FROM 3RD TO 4TH, AND THE KNOB FELL INTO TWO PIECES WHILE DRIVING. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-16
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 car reviews
Positive 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 car reviews
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I got my MS3 with Tech Package a year ago. Coming from a 96 5series/ 01 Infiniti, I had high expectations for features, quality interior, ample power, and utility. The MS3 delivered all of this and more, at an affordable price of only $25k. I compared it to the WRX (poor interior) and GTI (lacking features and low power), and the MS3 won hands down. I love every minute of driving it, even a year and 6k miles later. While the ride is firm and you feel a lot of the road through the seat, bumps can shake your soul out, but it corners like it's on rails and steers like a go-cart. The torque steer is very manageable, and is only a minor bother in 1st gear. The audio system is great, and the climate control works like a charm. Mazda did a great job!
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I'm so glad to hear that you upgraded from a 2010 GTi to the 2011 Speed3 and found it to be worth it! The Speed3 is definitely a blast to drive, with smoother acceleration and better content included in the package. Plus, it's significantly more solid. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I've owned a 2007, 2010, and now a 2012, and I must say, they have all been fantastic! If you're considering buying a hot hatch, don't just rely on reviews or word of mouth - take one for a test drive and see for yourself. One thing that bothers me is when people say the seats are uncomfortable, but as someone with a bad back and over 300 lbs, I find them to be just perfect. I've driven back and forth from TX to CA several times without any issues. As for torque steer, it can definitely get your heart pumping if you're not expecting it, and the throaty sound from the engine is simply to die for. And let's not forget about the price - good luck finding a better deal!
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I have been a fan of VW since I was 16, but my recent experience with this Mazda car has been a game changer. Despite owning 3 GTI's, including an 07 Turbo, and investing a lot of money into them, I faced a lot of problems with them. On the other hand, Mazdaspeed is an awesome car that offers great tuning options for enthusiasts. It is a fun car to drive, although it can be a bit rough at times. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves driving. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 Black Mica that I bought brand new from Cerritos Mazda in January 2011. The performance is excellent, but I did want to give you a heads up that you may need to replace your tires around 15,000 miles. Each tire can cost around $250 or more, so it's definitely something to keep in mind. Additionally, I found that I needed an alignment because my tires were wearing out from the inside. Unfortunately, the warranty doesn't cover poor alignment or early tire wear, so it's something to keep in mind. I hope this information is helpful to you!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 problems:
MazdaSpeed 3/6 RELIABILITY Issues/COMMON PROBLEMS Part 2 ...
Dec 25, 2020 ... The MZR engine in the Mazdaspeed 3 and Speed 6/ MPS, apparently it is unreliable and has lots of issues. The Speed 3 and Speed 6 do have ...
Mazdaspeed 3 common problems : r/mazda
Feb 15, 2022 ... I'm going to buy a Mazdaspeed3 (mazda 3 MPS). I wanted to know the common problems with these cars before buying them. Thanks.
How Reliable is a MAZDASPEED3? | Common Problems! - YouTube
Mar 2, 2022 ... Mazdaspeed3 vs. Focus ST vs. GTI. Cameron ... MazdaSpeed 3/6 Reliability Issues/ Common Problems ... 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 Review. Shooting Cars•10K ...
Top 5 Common Problems with the Mazdaspeed 3 ...
Jan 25, 2021 ... Top 5 Common Problems with the Mazdaspeed 3 · 1. VVT Actuator · 2. Blown Turbo Seals · 3. High Pressure Fuel Pump (hpfp) · 4. Clogged Injectors / ...
Reliability of the mazdaspeed 3. Looking to buy one as a fun daily ...
Jul 12, 2022 ... I just bought a 2012 with 100k on it, I'm ... Turbo seals are also a common failure ... More posts you may like. Related Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Cars and ...
Other years of Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Are you having problems with your 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed3?
Ernesto Hauck 2024-11-24
Hi there! I have a 2011 Mazdaspeed3 and I was hoping to get some feedback from the Mazda dealership. Unfortunately, I didn't receive the help I was looking for. I asked about the service intervals for my car, specifically when it comes to cleaning out the carbon, but was directed to the owners manual which didn't provide the information I needed. I ended up taking my car to a mechanic I trust, but unfortunately, the carbon cleaning didn't work as my car is Direct Injection and two intake valves broke a year later, costing me $2500 to repair. Additionally, my shocks blew out six months later, which was another $1000 repair. Despite these issues, I still find the car fun to drive if you don't mind the occasional repair for a turbocharged engine.