DecodedCars2012 Mazda Speed 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 345 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 12% below the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mazda Speed 3 is a midsize car offered with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 12% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 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
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Speed 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Speed 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed 3 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,900 | 423 |
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 Speed 3.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda Speed 3 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2012 Buick Regal | 28 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mazda Speed 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mazda Speed 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 Speed 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Speed 3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Speed 3 | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Speed 3 | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Speed 3 | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →