DecodedCars2012 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 25% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 32
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 DI 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +25% | $2,100 | 278 |
| 3 DI 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +30% | $2,150 | 287 |
| 3 DI 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 296 |
| 3 DI 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +26% | $2,250 | 296 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 317 |
| 3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +5% | $2,500 | 329 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| 3 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mazda 3.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda 3 (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →