PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated April 2026
226
complaints filed for the 2012 model year
2010–2016
Model years affected
$990 – $3,000
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Seat rocks back-and-forth during driving
Check engine light: Off
Owners explicitly describe this as the same defect as the 2010-2011 model-year recall — welds break, causing the seat to rock back-and-forth during driving — but the 2012 model year was excluded from that recall.
Tied to an alternator control software issue
Check engine light: On
A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-01-019/13) exists for headlight flickering tied to alternator control software, but Mazda charges owners $990 - $1,156+ for the diagnosis/fix rather than covering it.
Welded fuel tank nipple connectors cracking
Check engine light: On
Welded fuel tank nipple connectors crack, causing leaks especially when the tank is overfilled or the vehicle is parked on a slope.
Visible panel gaps and sticky residue affecting windshield glare
Check engine light: Off
The dashboard separates and warps with visible panel gaps and a sticky residue that affects visibility and windshield glare. A 7-year extended warranty exists for this but coverage is frequently disputed by dealers.
Requires repeated pumping, tied to a faulty ABS module
Check engine light: On
A soft and sometimes unresponsive brake pedal requires repeated pumping, tied to a faulty ABS module — master-cylinder replacements have been reported as ineffective.
Skipped gears, loss of power, failure to shift properly
Check engine light: On
Transmission control module (TCM) failures cause skipped gears, loss of power, and failure to shift properly.
The airbag warning light illuminates
Check engine light: Off
The airbag warning light illuminates. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 179 owner reports on file.
A vibration is felt at approximately 55 mph
Check engine light: Off
A vibration is felt at approximately 55 mph. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 153 owner reports on file.
A rattle from the rear suspension occurs due to loose stabilizer bar links
Check engine light: Off
A rattle from the rear suspension occurs due to loose stabilizer bar links. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 123 owner reports on file.
The check engine light comes on due to a stuck open thermostat
Check engine light: On
The check engine light comes on due to a stuck open thermostat. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 86 owner reports on file.
The rear brakes squeak
Check engine light: Off
The rear brakes squeak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 47 owner reports on file.
A defective engine mount may cause excessive vibration or noise
Check engine light: Off
A defective engine mount may cause excessive vibration or noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
The vehicle is difficult to start in extremely cold weather
Check engine light: Off
The vehicle is difficult to start in extremely cold weather. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 28 owner reports on file.
An ignition switch failure may cause the key reminder to chime continuously
Check engine light: Off
An ignition switch failure may cause the key reminder to chime continuously. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.
A noise occurs due to the brake rotor grinding against the caliper bracket
Check engine light: Off
A noise occurs due to the brake rotor grinding against the caliper bracket. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.
The engine stalls at lower speeds
Check engine light: Off
The engine stalls at lower speeds. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.
Steering effort becomes heavy due to a power steering fluid leak
Check engine light: Off
Steering effort becomes heavy due to a power steering fluid leak. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.
Owners describe a driver seat lifter bracket defect identical to the 2010-2011 model-year recall, but the 2012 model year was excluded from that recall. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
Owners report a driver seat lifter bracket breaking at the welds, and describe it as the same defect covered by the 2010-2011 model-year recall. The 2012 model year was left out of that recall.