This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION 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. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Mazda Mazda5 brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda5 (this page) | 6 |
| 2013 Mazda5 | 4 |
| 2014 Mazda5 | 3 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 6 brakes complaints filed for the 2012 Mazda Mazda5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Mazda Mazda5 we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 6.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
2012 mazda5. Brought the car to the dealer, told them about the vibration and thumping noise coming from the brakes / tires. They said the tires balances fine and could not find any issues. Driving down the highway, at 70 MPH. Had to hit the brakes hard, had a terrible vibration from the hitting the brakes/tires. I had the tires look into at 18,000 miles, they said no problem, then at 22,000,…
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda MZ5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mazda 5. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the anti lock brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not…
During July of 2021 brake pedal went all the way down with no braking. Pumping the pedal restored braking. After the 3rd incident, had the master cylinder replaced on July 30, 2021 by certified mechanics. Brakes seemed fine, but on Aug 11, 2021 brake pedal went all the way down producing no braking on 3 occasions. Pumping the pedal restored braking. Took vehicle back to garage. Mechanics…
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 in a flat area with no unusual stress on the brakes. I was on vacation for a few months and did not…
The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a deer wandered into the middle of the road, and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the wheels locked up, causing the tires to slide. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch, spun around, and struck another object, causing the vehicle to land back into the ditch where…
Had brakes trouble with your 2012 Mazda Mazda5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2012 Mazda Mazda5?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 102,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Mazda/Mazda5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.