2012 Mazda Mazda6 Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 30 4 crash 6 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A COLLISION, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (RENT TO OWN OUTLET, 1027 WESTBANK EXPY, GRETNA, LA 70053) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED LEFT SHOULDER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FACIAL AND ORAL INJURIES. MEDI…”
NHTSA complaint #11090226, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ON APRIL 20 MY SELF AND MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT AND NEITHER ONE OF OUR AIRBAG DID!!!! NOT COME OUT AND MY MYSELF ND MY CHILD WAS HURT I WAS RUSH TO THE HOSPITAL AND I'VE BROUGHT MY MY CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2017. AND IT HAPPEN ON CITY STREETS”
NHTSA complaint #11089542, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA6. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, LEGS, HIP, AND NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11157345, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 28 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BURN OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SOCKETS TWICE ON EACH SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE AREA WAS MELTING AROUND THE FRONT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY SOCKETS. RUSS DARROW MAZDA OF MADISON (5234 HIGH CROSSING BLVD, MADISON, WI 53718, (877) 369-8081) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11156611, 2018 · fire

“MY LOW HEADLIGHT BEAMS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE. THEY WERE LAST REPLACED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS OUT AGAIN. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT FOR THE LOW BEAMS IT HAS TO BE TAKEN TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO BE REPLACED. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND EXPENSIVE!”
NHTSA complaint #11317621, 2020

“HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS BURNING OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH NEEDING REPLACED. RECENTLY CHANGED HEADLIGHT AND THE BULB IS FINE BUT THE ADAPTER INSIDE THE ASSEMBLY IS BURNED AND CHARRED. JUST WENT TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. GOOD BULB BUT THE ADAPTER TO ATTACH BULB IS BURNED. READING MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS BEING A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2012 MAZDA 6. INCLUDING ISSUES OF LIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING AND HAVING TO TAP ON THE HEADLIGHT TO GET IT TO TURN ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11271225, 2019

Unknown Or Other 20

“The rear subframe and suspension parts are rusted so bad that the car is not safe to drive. Looked up recalls and found out the front subframe had a recall and was taken care of before I bought the car. Also found recall for my model of car that were registered in state that use salt on there roads which is one of the state i live in. Was told my Mazda corporation the only certain 2012 mazda vehicle's vehicle's were covered for rusting issues with the rear . If the front of the car is recalled and the same problem happens with the rear of the car shouldn't it be covered for something? I have…”
NHTSA complaint #11710529, 2025

“THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED IN LAYERS AND IS SPALLING OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11575655, 2024

“The passenger dash board is melting. It covers the passengers air bag. I would like to know if a recall is still possible for my vehicle. I understand that there was a recall in 2015-2017, but unfortunately I did not received the notice since I was moving from Illinois to Kansas and later to Texas and continued changing addresses during that time frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11563908, 2024

Electrical System 12 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BURN OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SOCKETS TWICE ON EACH SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE AREA WAS MELTING AROUND THE FRONT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY SOCKETS. RUSS DARROW MAZDA OF MADISON (5234 HIGH CROSSING BLVD, MADISON, WI 53718, (877) 369-8081) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11156611, 2018 · fire

“I OWN A 2012 MAZDA 6, VIN#[XXX], THAT I BOUGHT IN 2012. FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. FOR A FEW YEARS I WAS JUST DEALING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY GOING OUT EVERY 3 OR 4 MONTHS. AT FIRST I WAS THINKING THE LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT AFTER SOME RESEARCH I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A MORE THAN A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THESE CARS. THIS IS THE MAIN COMPLAINT. IT HAS BEEN LINKED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID WAS THE ISSUE. IT ALSO MENTIONED THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSING THE CAR TO SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WHICH IS THE PROB…”
NHTSA complaint #11326448, 2020

“BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING”
NHTSA complaint #11266444, 2019

Structure 12 1 crash 1 injury

“ON JULY 18, 2018 I WAS IN FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. I WAS ALONE AND DRIVING I DID NOT HAVE A PHONE IN MY POSSESSION OR IN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS TRAVELING AT LEAST 40 MILES AN HOUR. THE UPPER AND SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEFLATE, THE FRONT AIRBAG DEFLATED SIDEWAYS AND MISSED MY FACE COMPLETELY. MY TORSO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY STERNUM WAS FRACTURED. MY RIGHT ANKLE WAS BRUISED, SCRAPED AND SPRAINED. BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE PAIN I WAS IN, I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE ON MY OWN. I CARRIED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND LAID ON T…”
NHTSA complaint #11120095, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and crossing a bridge, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly after driving over several expansion joints. The contact stated that the vehicle had not stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the passenger’s side front wheel was slanted into the wheel well. The contact inspected the wheel well and noticed that the control arm had sheared off at the cross member. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the steering wheel had turned slightly to the right. The contact researched online and related the fa…”
NHTSA complaint #11698215, 2024

“The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake violently, with the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact's father was called to the scene and the spare tire was placed on the vehicle. The contact then drove to an independent mechanic where both the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to…”
NHTSA complaint #11605371, 2024

Suspension 8

“The rear subframe and suspension parts are rusted so bad that the car is not safe to drive. Looked up recalls and found out the front subframe had a recall and was taken care of before I bought the car. Also found recall for my model of car that were registered in state that use salt on there roads which is one of the state i live in. Was told my Mazda corporation the only certain 2012 mazda vehicle's vehicle's were covered for rusting issues with the rear . If the front of the car is recalled and the same problem happens with the rear of the car shouldn't it be covered for something? I have…”
NHTSA complaint #11710529, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and crossing a bridge, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly after driving over several expansion joints. The contact stated that the vehicle had not stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the passenger’s side front wheel was slanted into the wheel well. The contact inspected the wheel well and noticed that the control arm had sheared off at the cross member. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the steering wheel had turned slightly to the right. The contact researched online and related the fa…”
NHTSA complaint #11698215, 2024

“The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake violently, with the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact's father was called to the scene and the spare tire was placed on the vehicle. The contact then drove to an independent mechanic where both the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to…”
NHTSA complaint #11605371, 2024

Steering 4

“I was driving down the road when my steering, suddenly and with out warning began pulling very hard to the right and the steering wheel began turning to the left. My car made loud noises when I tried to straighten out the steering wheel and when I tried to turn. Its also appeared to be rubbing on the inside of the wheel well. Further inspection revealed that the support where the control arm is connected to the frame had torn away from the frame due to oxidation. There is significant oxidation on the frame and there are large areas that no longer appear to be solid.”
NHTSA complaint #11518399, 2023

“I FELT SOMETHING WAS WEIRD WITH THE STEERING ONE DAY SO I WENT TO MAZDA DEALER BECAUSE I NOTICED CORROSION ON FRONT DRIVER CROSS AND REAR COMPONENTS WHICH HAVE CORROSION AND BASEBALL SIZE HOLES. INSPECTED BY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER IN EARLY 2022 WAS TOLD "WE SEE A LOT WORSE THAN THIS" SO NOTHING WAS FIXED OR REPLACED BY DEALER. OCTOBER 2022 FAILED PA STATE INSPECTION FOR SUBFRAME RUST SAFETY CONCERNS. 2023 GOT ANOTHER MECHANIC TO LOOK AND THEY ESTIMATE OVER $6,000 REPAIR COST (DOCS. ATTACHED). SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS CAUSES VEHICLE TO SIT UNUSED WHICH MAKES IT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ANYTIME. POLI…”
NHTSA complaint #11501876, 2023

“VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE OR WARNING LIGHT. MAZDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT FIX. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING IN SUMMER WEATHER, NO RAIN, NO UNUSUAL CONDITIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #11124386, 2018

Fuel/Propulsion System 3 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.”
NHTSA complaint #10824835, 2016 · fire

“CAN SMELL STRONG GAS FUMES, AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. ALSO, GAS TANK LEAKING, AFTER PUTTING GAS IN TANK, AT HALF FILL OR FULL TANK, GET GAS SMELLS AND LEAKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND MOVING, CAN SMELL GAS FUMES. HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND DURING RAINY WEATHER. HEADLIGHTS ADEQUATE ONLY IN HIGH BEAM MODE.”
NHTSA complaint #11155498, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. AFTER REFUELING THE FUEL TANK, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AT 3/4 FULL, THE FUEL ODOR WOULD DISSIPATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10786270, 2015

Engine 2 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UNOCCUPIED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A WALL WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10505948, 2012 · crash

“WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE GEAR INDICATOR ON THE DASH I WILL FLASH IN AND OUT. WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND WHEN IT COMES BACK ON THE VEHICLE WILL REV UP CAUSING AN UNSAFE SPEED. THE ECM WAS REPLACED AND TWO MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG”
NHTSA complaint #10825296, 2016

Service Brakes 2 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UNOCCUPIED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A WALL WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10505948, 2012 · crash

“I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 2 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR 2/2014. IT'S CRAZY CAUSE ONCE GOT OUT .THEN YOU CAN HIT IT AND IT WON'T COME BACK ON ONLY FOR LIKE A WEEK OR SO THEN THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT NOW I'M DRIVING AROUND TOWN WITH NO HEADLIGHTS ONLY GOT HIGH BEAMS SOUNDS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF OR THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS ABOUT TO GO OUT REPLACE THE BRAKES 2 TIMES ALREADY SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR JUST TERRIBLE”
NHTSA complaint #10980562, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 2

“MI VEHICULO ESTA CON EL DASHBOARDS DERRETIDO ME AFECTA EL REFLEJO DE ESTE CUANDO MANEJO.LLEVO YA 6 MESES ESPERANDO A QUE LA COMPAA ME LO CAMBIE Y NADIE SE QUIERE HACER RESPONSABLE DE ESTO. NECESITO QUE ME AYUDEN YO COJO A DIARIO EXPRESSWAY Y ME DA MUCHO MIEDO TENER UN ACCIDENTE PRODUCTO DE ESTE PROBLEMA PUES ME MOLESTA A LA HORA DE MANEJAR , POR FAVOR AYUDENME, GRACIAS”
NHTSA complaint #11035995, 2017

“MELTING DASHBOARD CAUSING GLARE ON FRONT WINDSHIELD”
NHTSA complaint #11033548, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS NORMAL TAIL LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS CUTOUT AND OFF OUT OF NOWHERE MELTING WIRES CAUSING LIGHT OUTAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11150668, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SEAL RING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10649784, 2014

Fuel System 1

“GAS TANK VENT CLOGS BECAUSE OF SPIDER WEBS AND CAUSES GAS TANK TO LEAK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10577715, 2014

Seats 1

“THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. DOES NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN OR BACK AND FORTH. MY RELALATIVE IS SHORTER THAN ME SO SHE HAD IT TOO MUCH TOWARDS THE FRONT. I'M THE OWNER AND CANNOT ADJUST IT. WILL NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON MY PROPERTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11051253, 2017

Wheels 1

“THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE MILESTAR TIRES, NOT THE CAR. I HAVE MILESTAR MS 932 TIRES AND THESE TIRES HAVE ABOUT 5,000 MILES ON THEM. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE TREAD OF THE FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. THE TREAD WAS WHIPPING AROUND AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL WELL AND I LOST MY BRAKE FLUID. I WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE IN THE CAR WAS INJURED. I DON'T THINK I HIT A FOREIGN OBJECT OR A POTHOLE. I WENT TO THE TIRE RETAILER TWICE BUT HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I SENT A LETTER AND AN E-MAIL TO TIRECO, THE PARENT COMPANY OF M…”
NHTSA complaint #11002677, 2017