Owners have filed 328 complaints
about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 83
49% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1050.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
315.0%
Dashboard
210.0%
Status Indicator Lamp/Light
15.0%
Warning
15.0%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
15.0%
Hatchback/Liftgate
15.0%
Clutch Assembly
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
124.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2911.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
6022.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6625.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3914.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3212.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
186.9%
150,000+ miles
62.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD
10.9% risk
2012 Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD
10.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2011peak 12Dec 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016431183,808 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the anti-corrosion treatment of the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may be insufficient. Over time, the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may corrode and break off, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace both rear door stays.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 160,000 milesKosciusko, MSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact woke up to the fire department extinguishing a fire in the vehicle. The fire department stated that the fire began under the hood and that the fire was due to the electrical system. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A police report and a fire report were filled out. The vehicle has not been towed yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, INCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I was coming up on a car waiting to make a left turn. While attempting to move to the right-hand passing lane, five lights lit up and the power steering went out. The five lights were "Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light", "TSC/DSC Off Indicator Light", "Security Light", "ABS Warning Light", and "Seatbelt Warning Light" (even though my seat belt was on and buckled). Realizing I could not turn in time, I attempted to stop instead and could not stop in time to avoid striking the other vehicle. There had been no indication of problems with any of the indicated systems prior to this incident. The vehicle is currently in possession of our insurance company, as it was deemed a total loss, and no inspection for defects has been performed.
NHTSA complaint #11431182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesGreenwood, INCrash
SEATS
MY MAZDA3 HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME MANUAL SEAT LIFTER FAILURE ISSUE AS ADDRESSED IN NHTSA RECALL 17V-082. I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 WHICH CAUSED ME TO EXPERIENCE WHIPLASH DUE TO THE SEAT BECOMING LOOSE. THE COLLISION CENTER FOUND THE SEAT IS MISSING THE PUSH NUTS AND THE LIFT BRACKET HAS BROKEN AT THE WELDS WHICH IS IDENTICAL DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES STATED IN THE ABOVE RECALL. MAZDA STATES THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED DUE TO THIS. MY CAR WAS GOING SLOWLY BEFORE I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND WHICH PUSHED THE CAR FORWARD ON A STANDARD CITY STREET IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. I WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11355002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD AND HITTING THE BACK OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ON A HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11309258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Valley City, UTCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR IS AUTOMATIC, AND I HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT OFF THE STREET IN FRONT OF A STORE, AND WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO THE PARKING SPOT, AND WAS PUTTING ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SURGED, AND WENT FORWARD, STILL AS I AM PRESSING ON THE BREAK, AND WENT THROUGH A STORE WINDOW. THEN ONCE IT STOPPED INSIDE THE STORE I PUT IT IN PARK, AND STARTED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK, AND IT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD, SO I PUT ON THE BREAK AGAIN. THEN TRIED IT AGAIN, TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND IT MOVED AGAIN A BIT, AND STOPPED. SO I TURNED OFF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11280199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN APRIL 2017 HIT FROM THE BACK AND PUSH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS FLASHING EVERY SINCE THEN. WE WERE SITTING STILL AT A STOP WHEN WE GOT REAR ENDED AND PUSH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11014514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 100,000 milesAustin, TX
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was transported from the east to Texas, and the vehicle was bought used. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and that a gap was between the instrument panel and cover. The contact stated that a small to medium bubble had started to form. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11704211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car leaks gas when the tank is full and if the car is inclined slightly. I've noticed the problem several month ago with an occasional odor but finally saw the gas leaking recently when it was parked on a sloped street.
NHTSA complaint #11689933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pedal is soft and sometimes unresponsive unless it is pumped repeatedly. There have been several times where I have been concerned if I would come to a complete stop. I have had both sets of brake pads replaced in the last year, and have on driven 9,000 miles. Two independent service centers diagnosed the problem as a faulty master cylinder. However, upon replacing the master cylinder and doing three brake flushes, and inspecting my brake pads and calipers, the problem persisted and is unresolved. They directed me to order a new ABS module, believing that that is the only other part that could be causing the cars brake problems. This part (BFY1437AZCO) is on backorder until November 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11667217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkland, WA
SEATS
The Seat Lifter on the driver's side seat frame broke, the metal has a clear stress fracture right near the bracket where the frame connects to the rail. This is the same part that was recalled in the 2010 and 2011 Models by Mazda in 2017. NHTSA Campaign No. 17V-082 It causes the driver side seat to change positions while driving creating hazardous conditions and does not appear structurally stable if involved in an accident potentially putting the driver's life at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11659410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Our fuel tank is leaking for no reason. Brought it in last year (2024) for state inspections and let them know we smell gas when we park sometimes. They poke around and find nothing, but note there is a faint gas smell and to bring it to the dealer. We take it to Mazda to see if they can fix, they find nothing and charge my wife $250. Fast-forward to a year later, go for the same state inspection and we get failed. Our mechanic says theres a noticeable gas leak from the fuel tank and to take it to Mazda. There is clearly some issue with the fuel tank parts. The car itself only has 77k miles and it is 13 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11652352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesErie, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle for the next 5 days, prompting the contact to only fuel the vehicle halfway. The contact observed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle near the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the welded fuel tank nipple fuel line connector. The contact stated that the component was cracked along the bottom of the weld. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Saint Louis, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2012 Mazda3i 5dr hatchback. Persistent issue with headlights, both low beam and high beam, as well as interior lighting and other lighting. The headlights flicker for several seconds any time the brake pedal is applied. Interior lighting also flickers when brake pedal is applied. Headlights sometimes flicker when vehicle is decelerating and no brake pedal is applied, most notable when vehicle is traveling downhill. Further, the luminosity (brightness) of the headlights visibly dims, but does not flash, when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is applied. A high volume of others report the same issue, including documented complaints. These vehicles are unsafe, defective as designed, and do not conform to FMVSS No. 108. NHTSA must investigate further. Many other owners are not aware of the cause of the issue and attempt to fix it by replacing headlights, alternator, etc. Mazda was aware of issue prior to July 2013, when it issued TSB 01-019/13. This document states, "Some vehicles may exhibit the headlights flickering when the vehicle is decelerating (by applying the brakes) with the headlights on. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output (controlled by the PCM) when the battery is under a heavy load. To correct the problem, the control logic of the PCM has been changed." This appears to be at best a temporary fix. Bommarito Mazda in Missouri required payment of $199.88 to "diagnose" this problem and address it in the manner prescribed in TSB 01-019/13. This service was not covered under warranty. Service Manager M.D. claimed to have never heard of this issue before and that it would need to be diagnosed, despite being informed by the owner of the precise issue, that others reported experiencing the same issue, and that others reported the issue was addressed by reprogramming the PCM. Immediately following this service, the headlights continued to visibly dim when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal applied.
NHTSA complaint #11640975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Saint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2012 Mazda3i 5dr hatchback. Persistent issue with headlights, both low beam and high beam, as well as interior lighting and other lighting. The headlights flicker for several seconds any time the brake pedal is applied. Interior lighting also flickers when brake pedal is applied. Headlights sometimes flicker when vehicle is decelerating and no brake pedal is applied, most notable when vehicle is traveling downhill. Further, the luminosity (brightness) of the headlights visibly dims, but does not flash, when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is applied. A high volume of others report the same issue, including documented complaints. These vehicles are unsafe, defective as designed, and do not conform to FMVSS No. 108. NHTSA must investigate further. Many other owners are not aware of the cause of the issue and attempt to fix it by replacing headlights, alternator, etc. Mazda was aware of issue prior to July 2013, when it issued TSB 01-019/13. This document states, "Some vehicles may exhibit the headlights flickering when the vehicle is decelerating (by applying the brakes) with the headlights on. This concern is caused by inadequate alternator output (controlled by the PCM) when the battery is under a heavy load. To correct the problem, the control logic of the PCM has been changed." This appears to be at best a temporary fix. Bommarito Mazda in Missouri required payment of $199.88 to "diagnose" this problem and address it in the manner prescribed in TSB 01-019/13. This service was not covered under warranty. Service Manager M.D. claimed to have never heard of this issue before and that it would need to be diagnosed, despite being informed by the owner of the precise issue, that others reported experiencing the same issue, and that others reported the issue was addressed by reprogramming the PCM. Immediately following this service, the headlights continued to visibly dim when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal applied.
NHTSA complaint #11640975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Mazda dealership reported to me the push rod was broken, that it ‘just snapped’. The car was towed by Zaben towing company courtesy of the auto insurance company associated with the vehicle to the Mazda dealership, however the towing company was on its way to another Mazda dealership per their app despite a clear address location given by the purchaser of the auto insurance. I found one of the hubcaps missing and placed in back seat of the Mazda after delivery and the Mazda not parked properly at Mazda dealership. The hubcap was not in back seat prior to the drop off. The clutch snap, as described by Mazda, did not happen while I was driving the vehicle. It was working perfectly fine two days prior to the discovery of collapsed clutch when I was driving around town. The clutch was found not working, collapsed after the car was parked for two days. Also, Texas Mazda dealership recommended another eight hundred dollar worth of work totaling near two thousand dollars yet I have between ninety and ninety six thousand miles on a twenty twelve Mazda three sport sedan. I mainly drive it in the city. The Mazda dealership recommended the valve cover and slave cylinder be replaced as well. They need to clean out air system, ‘bleed system’ too.
NHTSA complaint #11619491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Falls Church, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
Weak braking and spongy brake pedal created near accidents at highway speeds. Brake pedal needs to be pumped to get firmness. But the check engine warning light did not come on, either. So I had mechanics replace front rotors, front disc pads, and bleed/refill system with fresh brake fluid and inspect system for leaks. But spongy brake pedal problem was not fixed. So when I researched the problem on the internet, it appears that it's a systemic, long-time (10 model years or more) safety issue with Mazda that they failed to recall nationwide. Totally irresponsible. Among Mazda owners, after replacing all other brake system components and not solving the spongy brake pedal issue, it turned out to be a faulty ABS System Module, a $2,000 to $3,000 repair at Mazda dealerships.
NHTSA complaint #11601244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilkes Barre, PA
POWER TRAIN
Car started jerking and on the way home, the car lost all power to the transmission. The check engine light came on as well as the AT and traction lights. Absolutely no power to the transmission. codes P0780 and P0751.
NHTSA complaint #11596026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
AIR BAGS
Passenger side door airbag is open
NHTSA complaint #11590729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colbert, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My issue is with computer firmware updates the manufacturer (Mazda) needs to have done occasionally to help w/traction control and other issues, that the consumer is stuck paying for it, I had a check engine light come on and took it to the dealer. The dealer said that the TCM (traction control module)and the PCM (power control module)needed to be updated. And being the car was out of warranty that I was going to be responsible for paying $330. I would think that if a manufacturer decided to make new updates to help with safety and performance that it shouldn’t fall on the consumer as we bought the car thinking they had this stuff already figured out. Like our smart phones when there updates we the consumer don’t pay for the updates to help protect our phones from security issues and other things…. So why is it acceptable for consumers to pay for auto industry’s updates to help with safety.
NHTSA complaint #11585563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
AIR BAGS
The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 years (84 months) from the original warranty start date or April 30, 2018, whichever is later, with no milage limitation. As I read it, 7 years of 84 months from 2018 should extend the warranty for repair of replacement through 2025. Mazda refuses to make repairs, or replacement of this equipment that has an impact on the proper function of the airbag system and impairs the driver's vision because of the constant windshield glare. This is an issue. that needs to be addressed as an important safety.
NHTSA complaint #11581837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 years (84 months) from the original warranty start date or April 30, 2018, whichever is later, with no milage limitation. As I read it, 7 years of 84 months from 2018 should extend the warranty for repair of replacement through 2025. Mazda refuses to make repairs, or replacement of this equipment that has an impact on the proper function of the airbag system and impairs the driver's vision because of the constant windshield glare. This is an issue. that needs to be addressed as an important safety.
NHTSA complaint #11581837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dashboard of my 2012 Mazda 3 has separated from the instrument panel causing a gap between them. The dashboard has become very sticky leaving a black sticky film on the surface. This has caused a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times while driving. There is a letter dated May 2017 from Mazda, Special Service Program (SSP) A9. The letter states that the warranty was extended 7 years (84 months) from the original warranty start date or April 30, 2018, whichever is later, with no milage limitation. As I read it, 7 years of 84 months from 2018 should extend the warranty for repair of replacement through 2025. Mazda refuses to make repairs, or replacement of this equipment that has an impact on the proper function of the airbag system and impairs the driver's vision because of the constant windshield glare. This is an issue. that needs to be addressed as an important safety.
NHTSA complaint #11581837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellijay, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
[XXX] covers a safety oriented problem with my car. Jim Ellis Mazda in Marietta refuses to work on my car because it is more than 10 years old. This is a proprietary issue since it deals with the computer system in the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11559286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berryville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Headlight flickering and turns off and on randomly.
NHTSA complaint #11554073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
The car started to stall, hesitate and even stop completely for no apparent reason. The mechanic first recommended a new ECU/TCU which did not help the problem and in the course of duplicating the problem check engine light has come on for the transmission with problems shifting/sticking in a gear and not returning to first gear. My mechanic has stated that there is a known problem with Mazda3 transmission, and I should reach out to Mazda. They indicate there is no recall, but mechanic provided me TSB reference number 0500814 from a service bulletin. The car is a death trap and I have stalled while driving on the streets and freeway so obviously I can't drive the car. The car is still at the mechanics since parts cannot be found. Please help any way possible. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11550320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake pedal became very spongy and soft after the ABS was activated. The brake pedal has to travel all the way to the floor to stop the vehicle. My rotors, pads and other brake parts are checked by experts and there is not any issue found with other brake parts. Even though the brake system is not working properly, there are no ABS lights on the dashboard. I risk an accident every day. I killed a squirrel because the brake system didn’t work properly. Maybe one day I will die or cause to lose someone’s life because of this braking issue. I started to be affected psychologically. I've read many complaints from Mazda users on forums about this problem. In subsequent investigations, Ford has recalled 600,000 2006-2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ midsized cars to fix an ABS problem. The ABS valve reacts with the brake fluid currently used in the vehicles and can significantly slow or stop the action of the ABS valve, leading to braking problems. When I took my car to my mechanic, I just learned these Mazda 3s were equipped with the same ABS Controle Units as these specific Ford models. However, there are no recalls for these Mazda’s. It cannot be a coincidence that the same ABS control module is used and the same problem occurs. It is unacceptable that Mazda did not recall any vehicle while Ford took a step in this regard. This problem needs to be solved urgently before someone dies! This is a big safety issue! All companies using this ABS Controle Unit must Recall!
NHTSA complaint #11546489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKosciusko, MSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact woke up to the fire department extinguishing a fire in the vehicle. The fire department stated that the fire began under the hood and that the fire was due to the electrical system. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A police report and a fire report were filled out. The vehicle has not been towed yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watertown, MA
SEATS
Driver seat rocks back and forth. There was a recall for 2010-2011 models for this exact issue but 2012 and 2013 are not included in the recall. This is an issue for later models and was even an issue for the 2014-2018 as a separate recall was issued for that generation. 2012 and 2013 need to be recalled for the seats rocking back and forth. This is a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11526758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngsville, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After topping off my fuel tank at a gas station, fuel begins to leak from the top of the tank. Prior to noticing the leak, I had noticed a strong smell of gas after topping off and driving home. Symptoms include smell of gasoline, and a gasoline puddle on the ground. The fuel appears to be leaking from the top of the fuel tank, running down the side, and dripping onto the ground. Because of other nearby components that generate heat, this is a very dangerous situation that may lead to fires. Other 2012 Mazda 3 owners have experienced the same exact situation. The following threads shows comments from various people that have experienced the issue. The component that seems to have failed is the vent hose which allows gasoline to seep to the exterior of the tank. Fuel leaks are extremely dangerous as sparks, matches, cigarettes, or other heat sources can ignite the fuel leading to a total loss. https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/fuel-leaking-from-gas-tank-area-after-filling-up.236569/ https://www.mazdaspeeds.org/index.php?threads/resolved-fuel-leak-by-tank.14228/ Quotes for repair seem to vary with some people claiming up to $900.
NHTSA complaint #11523035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, IL
SEATS
driver seat support links are broken and seat rocks back and forth, same as recall for 2010-2011 models
NHTSA complaint #11518401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SEATS
The seat track on the drivers seat has come apart, so now the drivers seat rocks back and forth with every acceleration and brake, and feels like it's about to come off entirely. There was no incident that seemed to cause this, just one day I got in the car and the seat was loose. I took it to the dealership and they confirmed the seat track is coming apart, but there is no recall out for this VIN so I would have to pay $2400 to replace this defective part.
NHTSA complaint #11517801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
