Most common 2012 Mazda Mazda5 problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda5 complaints by model year
Best Mazda5 years: 2015, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2006, 2008. Compare all years →
2012 Mazda Mazda5 recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
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…
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.
What 2012 Mazda Mazda5 owners say
Wheels & tires
Sentury Touring (Discount Tire) 205/55/R16. Both front tires have inner wear to the point of shredding in the same location on *both* front tires. Both tires went out at the same time and could have caused a serious accident. Discount tire stated it was an alignment issue. The alignment shop (30 minutes after new tires were installed after dual blowout) stated that my alignment was perfectly within spec and also stated there was no indication of tire rub on any portion of the vehicle.
After purchasing the vehicle I noticed from day one, there was something wrong in the rear tires for brake assembly. Each time I'd visit the shop I was told everything was fine. I believe somewhere around 12,000 miles I noticed the tires were getting bald. They check the alignments shortly after the car was purchased and said everything was fine. Later I had another alignment done because the vehicle seem to pull more to the left. They said it was a little bit out of alignment but everything was okay. When I questioned him on the tires which by the way I had to replace one while on the trip. Their reply with the same these are cheap tires put on by the manufacturer and should not last anymore 12,000 miles. After getting nowhere I finally went to tire kingdom and replaced all four tires at my cost. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The Mazda5 has a TSB on the issue, 01-013/15. What I am attempting to find out is why this isn't a recall. When the failure occurs, the fuelling of the vehicle doesn't shut off the nozzle. What happens is fuel comes spraying out of the opening, getting over the ground, the vehicle, and in most cases the person fueling the vehicle. My vehicle has been dong this almost since new. When I reported it early on, Mazda blamed the fuel pumps in my area. The next time I went in I presented the TSB but they still wanted me to pay for diagnostic procedures and even potentially for the repair. I think that's ridiculous. From what I understand, it's very common, common enough to have a TSB. Since it does cause environmental issues and safety issues by splashing gasoline on skin, clothing, and potentially could be ignited, well, why isn't this a recall? …
This vehicle ejects a significant amount of fuel from its fuel filler port during every refueling. The volume of fuel and the distance the gasoline travels in a hazardous environment poses an avoidable risk that can result in a catastrophic event with potential fatalities. In addition, the cumulative quantity of fuel needlessly spilled negatively impacts the environment at a time of heightened environmental concerns. For these reasons, this known issue should be elevated from a simple technical service bulletin (#01-013-15-3048) to a safety recall before fatalities result from a known manufacturing defect.
Brakes
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 ditch, spun around, and struck another object, causing the vehicle to land back into the ditch where it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A bystander called 911, and the contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact bit his lips hard during the crash, which caused the bottom two front teeth to pierce through the bottom lip. The contact sustained a severe cut to the right leg, which led to excessive bleeding. The contact also sustained pain in the neck and lower back. …
During July of 2021 brake pedal went all the way down with no braking. Pumping the pedal restored braking. After the 3rd incident, had the master cylinder replaced on July 30, 2021 by certified mechanics. Brakes seemed fine, but on Aug 11, 2021 brake pedal went all the way down producing no braking on 3 occasions. Pumping the pedal restored braking. Took vehicle back to garage. Mechanics have not gotten it to fail. Possible new parts are bad? Could anti lock brake system cause this? Its been a really good car for 155,000 miles, but now I'm afraid to drive it.
2012 Mazda Mazda5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mazda5 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda5 at the same age. 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 Mazda5?
The wheels & tires — 8 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (8) and brakes (7).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda5, the most recent from September 6, 2016 (hatchback/liftgate). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2008. See the full Mazda Mazda5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Mazda Mazda5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 52% 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.