Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% | 54,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 27,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 7% | 20,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% | 23,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 9% | 12,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% | 32,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% | 88,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% | 76,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% | 47,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While accelerating onto a highway, my engine overheating light flashed then stayed on and my acceleration suddenly throttled back and my car started slowing down. I was able to pull over on the shoulder, but there was a close call with a semi bearing down. I had my car towed to a repair shop, where they told me the water jacket had cracked and the overheating caused a blown head gasket. This was repaired and tested. A week later, I got the car up to highway speeds and the engine overheating light flashed again. When I stopped and looked at the engine, there was foamy tan coolant all over the place. Towed it back again and was told the weld had failed. But in trying to find a used cylinder to replace mine, the shop told me that all of their sources said they had no used ones available because the same crack happened on those as well.
I was turning slowly into a parking space between two parked cars with my foot on the brake. Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the space the car suddenly accelerated (my foot still on the brake). It jumped the curb, crossed over the sidewalk, "took out" 2 pilings and large flower box and then stopped. Engine was still running. It happened in a matter of seconds and I had no time to react in any way. Car had to be winched off of the pilings which now have to be reset approx. 15" - 18" into the ground. I have photos taken by a neighbor, but do not know how to upload them. Tow truck driver took some to show to the insurance adjuster.
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.
I purchased my 2012 Mazda 3 one year ago (2017). I first noticed the issue about a month after owning my car. I turned on my air conditioner at first low, then all the way up, it felt slightly cool, but only as if my fans were blowing and nowhere near what an air conditioner should properly feel like. This was after letting the car warm up, and driving on back roads or highways as well as when parked. I brought the car back and the technician had some trouble figuring out how to fix it. The ac compressor was replaced, and yet I am still now dealing with a car that will not blow cold air! Only semi cool on the highest fan setting ! Also when accelerating and having the air conditioner on my car does not accelerate as well or feel as though it is driving as well as it does without needing the air conditioner on. My car really feels like it is working extra hard to put out semi cool air. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mazda 3. While attempting to park the vehicle, it experienced unintended acceleration even when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle crashed into a pole in a dog park. There were no injuries. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. It had not been determined if the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. The VIN was not provided.
OEM yokohama avid envigor, first set of tires lasted 20,000 miles. Second set lasted 20,000 miles. The middle of the tire keeps the tread very nice, it's the sidewalls that go completely bald. Very dangerous in the snow and wet roads. First I took sts tires (yokohama auth.) dealer to court for lying about tires being still good. Then took yokohama to court....... Don't waste your time doing this..... Yokohama is paying someone off and getting away with murder. Literally the judge didn't even look at the evidence. Got screwed big time. Someone let me know when yokonumbnuts finally gets nailed for selling crap and getting away with it?
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) has gone out on my car, causing it to shift to 2nd gear while doing 75mph with cars around me, and would no longer shift out of 2nd gear, or into reverse. It was an extremely dangerous situation that made me come very close to wrecking into a car, as well as the many cars behind me that had to emergency brake due to my rapid deceleration, especially without and brake lights coming on because it was engine braking. Doing a simple google search show that this is an extremely well-known problem effecting almost every Mazda 3 that used this TCM in 2010-2011. Any mechanic will tell you it's a known problem, and that it was due to where and how Mazda placed the computer, which causes it to overheat and fail without warning. …
Has I was driving my car home from work. Driving about 35mph I started to loose power and then the at, engine, TCS/dsc lights all came on. When I made it home I let it sit. While I looked into the issue on google later that evening I went back to see if my car was still having the issue. I placed the car in reverse and my car jumped/ jerked real hard. As I let go of the break I noticed my car didn't slowly move on its own like prior. I actually had to press the gas down quite a bit. My car revved up to 3 making a loud noise. The car had no power would hardly move. As I researched the problems and light issues it was kinda a surprise how easy it was to figure out what the issue was. Since this is a very very common issue found with the Mazda cars. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda3 years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (20), 2010 (15), 2008 (10), 2007 (9) and 2014 (9) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda3 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Mazda Mazda3 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda3 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles; 77% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cruise control (2 mentions), followed by the accelerator pedal (2).
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.