2012 Mazda Mazda6 reliability
Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 over 15 years — 3 per year. The other Mazda6 years sit at about the same rate: their median is 3 complaints per year. NHTSA has 6 recalls on file, including Inflator, Structure, and Fuel system, gasoline.
99
3
6
15
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (30 of 99), then Exterior lighting (28) and Electrical system (12). Those filings include 5 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
The 2013 Mazda6 has 23 complaints, 1 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mazda Mazda6. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (6)
Complaints by component (99 total)
Show 7 more Show less
5
2
4
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Passenger dash has cracked some and dash is very very sticky..why has this happened..I feel if airbag had to deploy it would not because of this situation"
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"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…"
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"Front subframe completely rusted out causing loss of steering. I believe this should have been covered by Safety Recall 2818I which addresses the issue. Mazda inspected and said because the recall was performed in 2019…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 4 stars | 3 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 17V-393 covers certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles where water could enter the electric parking brake actuator and corrode it, so the parking brake may not hold. Recall 14V-170 covers certain 2014 Mazda6 vehicles for a fuel tank that may crack and leak. Confirm open campaigns by VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 over 15 years — 3 per year. The other Mazda6 years sit at about the same rate: their median is 3 complaints per year. NHTSA has 6 recalls on file, including Inflator, Structure, and Fuel system, gasoline.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (30 of 99), then Exterior lighting (28) and Electrical system (12). Those filings include 5 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 Mazda6 has 23 complaints, 1 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 been recalled?
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 has 6 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 with NHTSA.
What engine oil does a Mazda Mazda6 use?
US Mazda6 manuals specify SAE 0W-20 for SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engines (5W-30 where the manual specifies).
What does NHTSA campaign 17V-393 cover on the Mazda6?
Certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles (with 2014-2016 Mazda3): water can enter the brake caliper so the parking-brake actuator shaft corrodes and binds; dealers check and replace corroded shafts.
What tire sizes does the Mazda6 use by generation?
Second gen (2012-2013) lists 215/55R17. Third gen (2014-2021) lists 225/45R19 on this site.