Hey guys/gals,

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 hatchback. I bought it almost a year ago (Jan 2012). I am currently sitting at the dealership. For the last week I have noticed a stutter/struggle between 3rd and 4th gears. Let me be more descriptive. When I start from a stop. The car shifts fine from first to third gear. At about 40 to 48 MPH the car sounds like its grunting and acts sluggish. It feels in the steering wheel like I am going up hill when I'm on flat ground. The service representative took a test ride with me today and said he noticed it as well.

I am hoping it is something simple. My gas mileage seems to be holding firm at 30-35 mpg. I do mostly highway/turnpike driving with a an average speed of 75-80 MPH.

I am not a Mazda basher like I have read on some other forums. This is my first Mazda. I was just curious if anyone else is having issues.

My wife grew up driving a Mazda 3. My brother in law has 2006 Mazda 6 with 120,000 + miles on it. I know they are reliable cars, I just hope this issue can be resolved.