2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Mazda MAZDA5 has 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 35. The most common issue is fuel system problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda 5. the contact stated that the fuel tank overflowed when filled up. this was a recurring issue. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 42,000.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
45
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
FUEL SYSTEM
8 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK OVERFLOWED WHEN FILLED UP. THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
- • VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2014 WITH APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES. FOR THE ENTIRE TIME OF OWNERSHIP, WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK, IF AN AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF NOZZLE FEATURE IS USED, GASOLINE WILL SPILL FROM THE TANK WITHOUT TRIGGERING THE AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF. THIS HAPPENS IRRESPECTIVE OF STATION OR PUMP.
- • WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 50 MPH THE FUEL LEAKED FROM THE TANK. IT TOOK ABOUT 40 MINUTES FOR HALF A TANK EMPTY. I NOTICED THE LEAK AFTER REACHING HOME WHERE I COLLECTED REST OF THE GAS BELOW THE CAR.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK OVERFLOWED WHEN FILLED UP. THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Based on 40 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BRAKES
BODY/STRUCTURE
TIRES
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Mazda MAZDA5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda MAZDA5 Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2012 MAZDA5, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 45 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK OVERFLOWED WHEN FILLED UP. THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TIRES: CPSC: I1280026A. 2012 MAZDA 5. CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS CAR WOULD HYDROPLANE WHEN HE DROVE IN RAIN, DUE TO THE TYPE OF TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. *LN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIRES NEEDED A BETTER DESIGN TO CHANNEL THE RAIN OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THEM. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A NEW SET OF TIRES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: FINDING MULTIPLE YELLOW SPIDERS IN THE CAB OF THE OF OUR CAR. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: STARTING A FEW MONTHS AGO, MY STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED AS I WAS BRAKING. IT WAS INTERMITTENT. IN MAY, THE SHAKING DISAPPEARED BUT A SLIGHT GRINDING SENSATION(NO NOISE) COULD BE FELT WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL. I DIDN'T THINK IS WAS A BRAKE WEAR PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS RELATIVELY NEW AND I LIVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda MAZDA5 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 5
- Injury reports
- 9
- Segment avg
- 35
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Mazda MAZDA5