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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-MAZDA-MAZDA6NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Mazda
2012 Mazda Mazda6 problems
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 has 99 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 has 99 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 30 complaints, typically surfacing around 71,851 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Mazda6?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★3/5
Side crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★5/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Mazda Mazda6? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 71,851 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
lighting — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,972 mi · ~$250 to fix
electrical — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 83,389 mi · ~$850 to fix
suspension — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 176,667 mi · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 71,851 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
body (~$1,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Mazda6· airbagsCrash
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…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2
Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214C.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 30 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,851 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 99 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 71,851 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 30 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,851 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 71,851 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda Mazda6 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 99 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Mazda/Mazda6.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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