Is the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 reliable?

The 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2?

Top problems: BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (3 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2?

No recalls have been issued for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Mazda MAZDA2?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Mazda MAZDA2

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2012 Mazda MAZDA2 has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 15. The most common issue is brakes problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: 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 manuf.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

3 complaints

23%

• 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 MANUF
• I PURCHASED A MAZDA2 ON APRIL30TH 2012. AT APPROXIMATELY 850 MILES, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT AT (TOWSON MAZDA), BECAUSE OF A SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEN BRAKING. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY EVERY 5,000
• 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 BARR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 MANUF”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Mazda MAZDA2

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDA2 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2012 MAZDA2, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: 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 MANUF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
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 I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: MY 2012 MAZDA HAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED IT USED IN 2013 WHEN IT HAD 35,570 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A RENTAL-CAR SALE LOT, I NOTICED A SLIGHT "HITCH" IN THE STEERING IF THE WHEELS WERE TURNED FAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. BUT THE ANOMALY WAS VERY SLIGHT AND THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I BOUGHT MY MAZDA 2 NEW FROM RICART MAZDA, AND TAKE IT THERE FOR SERVICE. AS I DRIVE AT A STEADY SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL LAMP AND ENGINE LAMPS LIGHT AND STAYS LIT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I CANNOT ACCELERATE. THE CAR IDLES HIGHER, JUST LESS THAN 2000 RPMS. I MUST TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)