Most common 2012 Mazda Mazda2 problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda2 complaints by model year
Best Mazda2 years: 2020, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2011, 2013. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Mazda Mazda2:
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 burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2012 Mazda Mazda2 owners say
Brakes
Steering has been making a clunking noise when turning. However, on 4/30/2020 upon turning onto the entrance ramp to the interstate, steering and braking both went out and swerved back and forth between the ramp barriers and fortunately made it onto a shoulder with out getting hit or hitting a barrier. Had to be towed to Mazda dealer for service.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mazda2. The contact stated that the brake and accelerator pedals were design too close together. The contact's foot was caught between the brake and accelerator pedal several times while attempting to resume acceleration. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 300. Updated 06/07/12 the consumer stated the metal lever for the brake extended outward toward the accelerator. Her foot became caught under the brake pedal once and her husbands foot was caught under the brake once as well. Updated 06/11/12
Air bags
After 3,000 - 5,000 miles of driving each time, a vibration begins and quickly leads to violent vibration in steering when braking from any significant speed (30 + MPH). Especially violent when braking from highway speeds to an exit ramp. Also, the air bag sensor is on. And the dealer tryin to fix it but came again.
2012 Mazda Mazda2 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 34 / 31 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda2 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mazda2 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda2 at the same age. It is one of the best Mazda2 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mazda Mazda2?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about pedals and linkages. Next are the air bags (3) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda Mazda2 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Mazda Mazda2. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda2?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011 and 2013. See the full Mazda Mazda2 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Mazda Mazda2 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 15,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.