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2012
Used 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Mazda 5

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 5 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Mazda 5 has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2012 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Mazda 5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

""Because of rust at the pipe where it joins to the converter, the converter had to be replaced.""

Anonymous A., (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Exhaust manifold

"Rusted and was loose"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Loose/rattling heat shield

"Rusted and loose Had to replace whole exhaust system"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Muffler

"We on our third muffler for this vehicle."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Replaced the 2 oxygen sensors to turn the engine light off."

Anonymous A., IN (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Coolant failure. A part failed resulting in an immediate complete coolant loss. It was sudden and without warning."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

"Leak in power steering fluid line replaced."

Anonymous A., TX (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Shocks or struts

"Alloy rear shock mount failed."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Mazda 5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The front suspension is very noisy. My mechanic said it's safe to drive, but very noisy.""

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Tie rods

"The tie rods had to be replaced after 180,000 miles."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"The gear shifter gets stuck in park."

Anonymous A., CT (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission sensor or solenoid

"The backup reverse switch was causing an error code after the clutch was replaced."

Anonymous, OR (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

""The car started making odd noises when pressing on the clutch pedal. Apparently the throw-out bearing ultimately failed and we had to replace the clutch, which was apparently difficult due to the way the failure happened.""

Anonymous, OR (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

"The transmission problem started in March of 2024, and the transmission was replaced in June of 2024."

Anonymous A., CT (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

""Check engine light came on but computer diagnostic codes didn't come up. Replaced gas cap. 3 weeks later, check engine light came on again, no computer code. Replaced fuel cannister purge valve. 3 months later, check engine light on again. replaced cannister purge valve sgain, under warrant, and also replaced sensor.""

Anonymous A., TX (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"The remote lock/unlock of the keylesss entry failed for both keys and they had to be replaced. They were expensive and difficult to replace - a real hassle."

Anonymous A., WA (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The air conditioner was not working. The mechanic fixed the compressor. It still does not work very well."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Mazda 5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

""The sliding door mount broke, so the door fell off when it opened at a store. We were left stranded without a door. The fix was fairly simple with the correct tools and parts""

Anonymous, BC (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Alternator

""Alternator died at around 150,000 km""

Anonymous, BC (2012 Mazda 5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"The entire system had to be replaced. My mechanic couldn't even get the parts so I had to go to a dealer."

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Mazda 5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"It started about 2022 with the clunk and little lurch as we turned the corner. It was in both front tires."

Anonymous, ID (2012 Mazda 5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2012 Minivans & 3-Row SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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03
04
05
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07
08
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10
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12*
13
14
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18
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25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE
Sep 06, 2016
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V644000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 580455
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