Model year guide

2012 Mazda CX-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Mazda CX-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1,250 on record.

2012 Mazda CX-5 — representative photo
Representative photo

2012 Mazda CX-5 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints1

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Mazda CX-5 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Mazda CX-5.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Mazda CX-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 22

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 22.

Speedometer replacement procedure

Bulletin 09-016-23 · Electrical System · Feb 2023

Some customers may experience a squeaking noise may be heard from the exhaust manifold when the idle speed drops from fast idle to normal idle speed during cold start. This is caused by a variable valve being stuck in the closed position. When returning from f…

Bulletin 01-010-22 · Power Train · Sep 2022

Some 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 guideli…

Bulletin 02-004-22 · Suspension · May 2022

Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.

Bulletin SA-014-22 · Equipment · Mar 2022

The 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 batter…

Bulletin 01-003/22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Mar 2022

There have been warranty claims submitted for growling or bearing whine noise in differentials, transfer units and transmissions where the source of the noise was a wheel bearing. This misdiagnosis can lead to multiple repair attempts, warranty debits, and add…

Bulletin SA-006-22a · Power Train, Wheels, Equipment · Mar 2022

Some vehicles may exhibit the inner cloth (A) falling down at the rear end causing a poor appearance and obstructing the view of the back window.

Bulletin 09-034-21-3850 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2021

The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM 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 ba…

Bulletin 01-005-21-3778 · Electrical System · Feb 2021

This 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, in…

Bulletin 01-006-21-3779 · Electrical System · Feb 2021

Mazda 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 perform…

Bulletin 00-001-21-3768 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Wheels, Power Train · Jan 2021

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CX-5. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mazda since 2012, a successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7. It is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. It debuted in 2011.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2012 Mazda CX-5 vehicles on record

Other Mazda CX-5 model years

2012 Mazda CX-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mazda CX-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2012 Mazda CX-5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda CX-5?

Across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.