Headlights flicker/pulsate when applying brakes. This is a well known issue with 2012-13 Mazda3 that requires a software update to remedy. Currently, Mazda is charging a minimum of $99 to 'diagnose' the issue. Since the issue occurs in motion, I do not have photos, but I do have videos. Given that this is a safety issue caused by faulty software that only Mazda can update, there is no reason that owners should have to pay them to fix their own mistake. It's a scam, at best. Documentation of others with same issue and consistent software update solution: Https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/Mazda3-26/Mazda-3-headlights-flickering-pulsating-when-braking-34536/ https://www.google.com/amp/S/amp.reddit.com/R/Mazda3/comments/6aaeik/20122013_headlight_flickering_solution/ - this link includes a Mazda Canada service bulletin, indicating that the company is fully aware of the issue https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123843988-2013-Mazda-3-headlights-blink-when-brakes-applied

- Manheim, PA, USA

The headlight have been flickering since a few months after purchasing the car, & it causes inadequate alternator output, it has also caused issues with losing my power steering. The headlight not only flicker when breaking, but have gotten to the point they will completely go out, & will also flicker all interior lights when braking & turning the wheel. I have been pulled over due to police thinking I am flashing my lights when breaking, but was lucky to be able to show the police officer the service bulletin 01-019/13 & he let me go with a warning & strongly advised me to get it fixed. It is now time for my car to go through inspection, & it will not pass with the lights flickering & going completely out. The problem has only continued getting worse to the point the headlight are going completely off while driving during hours when headlights are needed. I have lost my power steering multiple times after starting my car and began driving, with a brand new battery installed by a mechanic, & when I have lost power steering I have almost crashed into the side of my work office & have had to try pulling over to the side of the road due to losing power steering while driving. It is time for action to be taken & this be a recall before someone is killed, GMC can recall for the same computer system upgrade that is needed for my Mazda 3, but have only been told that it is not covered and that I have to pay out of pocket, which I have gotten quotes from several Mazda dealers over the several years I have owned & continue to deal with the issue and it will cost me over $500 to have repaired!! due to not having the money to afford to computer upgrade which I consider a huge safety issue that should be Mazda's problem to fix before they have a class action law suit brought against them, because someone driving a Mazda 3 get seriously injured or serious injure someone else!

- Bridgeville, DE, USA

My headlight housing has condensation and that in turn has caused my hid lights to fail. I have read over an over that Mazda's from 2010-2011 have this particular problem. Why do they not take this issue seriously. I was told by a Mazda in lexington, ky that this would cost me in excess of $600 to replace. Why does this still continue to be a problem. Anytime it rains there is more condensation build up. The passenger side was affected first now it appears as though the driver side is starting to have build up of condensation, which will ultimately cause a failure with the hid. So instead driving with one headlight and fog lights (which the fog lights help) I will have no headlights.

- Winchester, KY, USA

When breaking from a speed of 35 miles per hour the headlights flicker to a very dim degree. It is nearly a strobe light. Apparently there is a software update fix for this from a tsb so why isn't this recalled? it is clearly dangerous and common.

- Marion, OH, USA

When driving, the front headlights will flicker/strobe/dim when the brake pedal is engaged or when my foot is removed from the gas pedal. Usually the lights will have a more pronounced flicker at speeds between 45-60 mph; however, I have noticed the flicker at speeds as low as 30 mph. This has happened every morning/night for a week or so and every dealership I have talked with does not know of this issue. I researched a few Mazda forums and found multiple posts regarding a programming update for the vehicle that would be a fix. I am working on getting in touch with mazdausa for additional support because going to a dealership for diagnostic tests and such is extremely expensive and not at all customer friendly.

- Griffin, GA, USA

Purchased this vehicle on Aug 27th 2014 as a used vehicle and did the initial test drive during the day. A few days later while driving at night I decelerated while on the highway (speed is 55mph) to come to a complete stop at a 4 way intersection. The moment brakes are applied the front headlights flicker and continue to do so until fully stopped. I've tested this at multiple speeds and road types and it happens each time. We live in a heavily populated area with plenty of children as well as wild life and this decreases my chances of seeing them if they run out (even while braking, say if I was doing so slowly a child run out I can E-brake or apply more pressure to brakes to stop quicker...can't do that if I don't see them in time). It also is extremely distracting and annoying. I'm sure other drivers don't appreciate it when it's in their rear view mirrors nor when they are driving towards me on the opposite side of the road. Honestly I'm surprised I haven't been pulled over and ticketed for "illegal modification to headlights" etc. I'm not seeing a recall on this, however there is service bulletins for this exact problem. Why hasn't the PCM or the alternator been recalled? this problem among others I've dealt with since purchasing this vehicle and the fact that problems are being fixed by the manufacture make it to where I'll never purchase another Mazda in the future.

- Fort Campbell, KY, USA

The right front headlamp assy. Get's moisture in it that made the headlamp bulb blow out.

- Lewiston, UT, USA

Car hit coyote at 75mph. Car never wavered from what it was supposed to do. It saved our lives that night. Headlight not hit by coyote but bares a large "blind spot" on drivers side making car unsafe to drive after dark. Car taken to dealership, dealership says head light is within specs and was compared to another car of the same make and model year and the "blind spot" is normal. This particular Mazda 3 "doesn't like tires". that is what the guy who put on the 3rd full set of tires told me. Mileage 46,000 the car keeps breaking motor mounts and Mazda claims this is all from the accident now 15 months ago. They refuse to fix headlight and I have been told not to drive the car after dark as my insurance company may fight if I should have an accident due to the faulty head light. I have never know a car manufacturer to offer headlights with blind spots but I have an invoice from the dealership saying this is normal on the Mazda 3. these cars are not made to take the impact of a coyote so I can only imagine what would happen to the Mazda 3 should it hit something larger than a dog.

- Harvet, AL, USA

While driving at approx. 45 mph with cruise control engaged; the headlights turned off for about 2 seconds then came back on. When the headlights came back on the traction control light illuminated. The whole issue gave the appearance of part of the electrical system losing power and the power then being restored. During the incident the engine did not appear to lose power, nor did the cruise control disengage.

- Francis Creek, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were aimed too high, causing difficulty when driving at night. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but they were unable to repair the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 600. The VIN was unavailable.

- Painesville, OH, USA