VehicleVerdict

2012 Mazda Mazda5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Mazda Mazda5 sits mid-pack among Mazda5 years: 47 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (8), tires & wheels (8), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Mazda5 years?

Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted103 complaints2006: 103 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 72 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 47 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints
Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Mazda Mazda5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System817%
Tires & Wheels817%
Brakes715%
Body & Structure715%
Airbags49%
Steering49%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Transmission24%
Seats24%
Engine12%
Suspension12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V644000Body & StructureSeptember 6, 2016 · 580,455 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“EVERY TIME I FILL UP THE GAS TANK GAS SHOOTS OUT THE FILLER RECEPTICAL. I MUST ALWAYS STAND AWAY FROM THE FILLER TO AVOID GETTING ANY GAS ON MYSELF. GAS RUNS DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I HAD TO GIVE A DATE BELOW BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 5, 2018

“TIRES: THE 2012 MAZDA 5 GT STANDARD TIRES HAVE DEVELOPED MAJOR SIDE WALL BUBBLE/BLISTERS ON THE TOYO PROXES A18 205/50/R17 ON TWO SEPARATE TIRES WITH ONLY 12,000 MILES. MAZDA AND TOYO REPLACED THE FIRST ONE AND DECLINED TO REPLACE THE SECOND ONE. I REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 12, 2012

“REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED BY TRUCK GOING UNDER 20 MPH. OUR HEADS STRUCK HEADRESTS AND DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS INSTANTLY RECLINED BACK ONTO FRONT OF CHILDREN'S CAR SEATS. THEY'RE LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT THE KNEES IF THEY WERE IN THE ACCIDENT. OUR NECKS WERE SORE FROM WHIPLASH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 29, 2021 · crash

“The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a deer wandered into the middle of the road, and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the wheels locked up, causing the tires to slide. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 28, 2026 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MAZDA 5. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 53 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND MINOR NECK,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 16, 2016 · crash

2012 Mazda Mazda5 — common questions

Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda5: 47 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Mazda5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Mazda Mazda5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda5 years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among Mazda5 years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.