The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 is a compact car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl engines. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars, Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S5), Manual 5-spd, Automatic (S6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 20–28 city / 28–39 highway / 23–32 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,100–$2,900 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 278–386 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 2,913 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,898–4,237 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 8 configurations: 3, 3 DI 4-Door, 3 DI 5-Door |
| Age | 14 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2012 Mazda Mazda3. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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…
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Owners have filed 226 complaints about the 2012 Mazda Mazda3 with NHTSA. 9 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 5 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | 10.9% |
| 5 Hb, FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | 10.9% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 446 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Mazda Mazda3. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal M
Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Re
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inope
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
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2012 Mazda Mazda3.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2012 Mazda3s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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