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Service bulletins for the 2012 Mazda Mazda3

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

446 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

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Bulletins, newest first
02-001-19-35502019-02-19. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. 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 guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
01-005-19-35482019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light on with DTC P0456 stored in the PCM memory. P0456: EVAP system leak detected (very small leak). The concern is most likely the result of the customer not getting the fuel cap completely closed after fueling the vehicle. This causes a small fuel vapor leak and turns DTC P0456 on.
01-004-19-35582019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system.When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur tooxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
01-002-19-35522019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 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. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. 2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps):CCA ratings are normally located on a sticker affixed to the top of the battery to indicate a battery's Cold Cranking Amps. CCA rated batteries are supplied with domestically produced vehicles. NOTE: If an incorrect CCA rating is entered into the Mazda GR8-1291, it will result in a false result and invalid Warranty Code from the tester. This will also result in unnecessary replacement of batteries.
01-001-19-35512019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
00-002-19-35612019-02-19. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims are subject to denial or debit. Tool Number Description Pricing PC1923MAZ Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe Check eStore or call for current pricing OBTAINING TOOLS This tool can be ordered through Mazda eStore. You can log on to eStore at: http://dealers.mazdausa.com CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION For warranty or product information contact Mazda Authorized Service Equipment at 877-768-6657. Customer service representatives are available from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday. SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) PART NAME: OVERVIEW Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe PART NUMBER: PC1923MAZ APPLICABLE MODELS: All USAGE: To machine brake rotors on the vehicle.
00-001-19-35602019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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 performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
MT-009-182019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. If an oil pressure inspection is needed on a SKYACTIV-G engine, use the Special Service Tool (SST) set shown below and refer to the instructions on MGSS online: CX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), MX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), Mazda6: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), Mazda3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), CX-5: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5 (WITHOUT CYLINDER DEACTIVATION)] ). If the Special Service Tool (SST) set above is not available at your dealership, an aftermarket Engine Oil Pressure Gauge can be used along with a locally sourced Oil Pressure Switch Adapter, like the one shown below.
04-002-19-35452019-02-19. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
MT-009-182018-12-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. If an oil pressure inspection is needed on a SKYACTIV-G engine, use the Special Service Tool (SST) set shown below and refer to the instructions on MGSS online: CX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), MX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), Mazda6: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), Mazda3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), CX-5: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5 (WITHOUT CYLINDER DEACTIVATION)] ). If the Special Service Tool (SST) set above is not available at your dealership, an aftermarket Engine Oil Pressure Gauge can be used along with a locally sourced Oil Pressure Switch Adapter, like the one shown below.
09-034-18-3430a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. In 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 dealer's 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 Mazda's 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 SPECMO's 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.
09-020-18-3458b2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following procedure.
09-014-18-3443a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
00-003-18-3480a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; EQUIPMENT. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims are subject to denial or debit.
00-001-18-3446a2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. 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 performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
SA-045-182018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all terminals used in SKYACTIV® vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a good know terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
03-002-18-3505a2018-10-09. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the drive shaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been increased.
01-016-18-35222018-10-09. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system. When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.
MT-004-182018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
SA-037-182018-09-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.
09-034-18-34302018-09-10. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. In 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 dealer's 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 Mazda's 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 SPECMO's 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.
03-002-18-35052018-09-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the driveshaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been increased.
MT-004-182018-08-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. ELECTRICAL CONCERN AND/OR MULTIPLE DTC'S DUE TO AFTERMARKET DEVICE: If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
02-003-18-35012018-08-20. Service bulletin. WHEELS. Some vehicles may have aluminum alloy type wheel(s) with one of the following paint damage conditions shown in the sample photos below. The damage extends to the front surface of the aluminum wheel partly or entirely.
09-020-18-3458a2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010.Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following procedure.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.