2012 Mazda MAZDA2

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags3
2. Service brakes2
3. Steering2
4. Seats1
5. Electrical system1
6. Service brakes, hydraulic1
7. Vehicle speed control1
8. Suspension1
9. Fuel system, gasoline1

Latest complaints

• Mar 5, 2024MS
  Seats
  My wife and daughter and I were driving out of the driveway. The driver's seat came completely detached from the frame and I ended up rotated and laying backwards in the driver seat. This is extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. This was a recall for 2010 and 2011 models but…

  My wife and daughter and I were driving out of the driveway. The driver's seat came completely detached from the frame and I ended up rotated and laying backwards in the driver seat. This is extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. This was a recall for 2010 and 2011 models but this was manufactured in 12/11 so it didn't fall into the recall. This is exactly the issue that was described in the recall.

• May 1, 2020TN72,000 mi
  Service brakes · Steering

  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.

• Aug 1, 2019FL
  Air bags · Suspension · Vehicle speed control

  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.

• Sep 19, 2017FL
  Air bags

  Takata recall

• Aug 5, 2017NC
  Air bags

  Takata recall

• Apr 26, 2016CA41,600 mi
  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…

  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 steering otherwise functioned smoothly. lately the "hitch" in the steering got noticeably worse, with "hitches" developing every few degrees of turning left or right. the factory authorized mazda shop that does my routine maintenance advised me to have my steering diagnosed. today, I took it in for diagnosis and was told I need a new steering rack and a steering alignment. in total the work will cost me approximately $1700. I was told the problem IS considered "pretty much normal wear and tear" and that no manufacturer's warranty covers the repair. I've driven several cars over 100,000 miles without needing to have their steering serviced. I believe there IS a defect in the steering of my mazda and that mazda should pay to have the rack replaced and the steering aligned.

• Jun 23, 2014MD850 mi
  Service brakes
  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…

  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 miles for the same issue. over the course of 6-8 visits, the dealer has machined the rotors and actually replaced the rotors twice (or so they said...). 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. I took the vehicle in just short of the expiration of the warranty at 36,000. the regional manager supposedly told the dealership to tell me they would continue to deal with the brake problem on an "as needed basis" after warranty expiration. I took the vehicle back for the exact same issue at approximately 42,000 miles. at which point, I was told that they would split the cost with me on another rotor replacement, and then they were finished with me. I again took the vehicle back at approximately 46,000 miles and was told they were not going to do anything more. I now have 49,000 on the vehicle, and the violent vibration IS worse than ever. 4 weeks ago, at the suggestion of the dealer, I called the mazda customer service line and explained my entire complaint. they finally called back after 5 days only to say there was nothing else they were willing to do, and there was no method by which I could escalate the complaint. I have owned 7 new vehicles in my life. never had brake issues every 5,000 miles with no resolution to the issue. it IS more than annoying. it IS dangerous. I do not know where else I can go to pursue this issue. please advise. *tr

• Mar 4, 2014OH15,173 mi
  Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
  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…

  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 the engine. Once restarted, the traction control lamp IS no longer lit, but the engine lamp remains lit. the car then responds normally. I have taken it to the dealer twice, they say the engine code IS p2299. the dealer (ricart) states they cannot duplicate the problem. the first time I left the dealership, I had no problems going to work (approximately 10 miles - 2/25/2014). when I left work for home, I went approximately 7 miles before a recurrence @ 55 mph. on the way to work the next day (2/26/2014) the problem recurred, after 8 miles @ about 55 mph. on the way home from work, after about 7 miles the problem recurred @ about 55 mph. I took the car to the dealer 2/27/2014. along the way to the dealership, and after approximately 9 miles @ about 65 mph, the problem recurred. I left the car for the weekend, and picked it up 3/2/2014. the dealer (ricart) stated they could not duplicate the problem, but replaced the oxygen sensor. on my way to work from the dealership the problem recurred after about 7 miles @ about 35 mph. the same evening, on my way home from work, after about 5 miles @ about 40 mph the problem recurred. I did not drive the car 3/3/2014. in every incident (twice per day after the car has not run for at least 8 hours), the traction control lamp lights and stays lit, after a few miles (5 -10 thus far). in order to proceed normally, I must get out of traffic, pull to the side of the road, turn off the ignition and restart. upon restarting, the traction control lamp no longer lights, but the engine control lamp remains lit. *tr

• Apr 26, 2012TX300 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
  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…

  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*lj 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

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  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…

  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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 11007019If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10244679If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10237216If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
• 10226924If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Cell phone charger/accessory in 12V socket (engine no start or unable to turn off) 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay/ Android Auto will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location)
• 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10225724Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
• 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
• 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10213430Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion
• 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
• 10213427HandsFree bluetooth module and/or text messaging troubleshooting procedure
• 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
• 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
• 10213421Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
• 10213417Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
• 10213403Correct Application for ATF MV (Type M5), Mercon V, Mercoin LV, and JWS3309 (TIV) Automatic Transmission Fluids
• 10213399Brake noise, judder and dragging diagnosis and servicing
• 10213398Clunk/bang/buzz noise during first forward movement after sitting
• 10213387Shock absorber replacement guidelines
• 10213385Stains appear on wheels
• 10213378Engine Oil seepage from engine oil pressure switch
• 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
• 10213332Battery Maintenance
• 10213331Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
• 10213330PreMixed long life "FL22" Engine Coolant
• 10213329Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed
• 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
• 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10210902Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3 even when driving straight on a flat road.
• 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
• 10208567Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

Every Mazda MAZDA2 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.