Wiring system problem with front headlights results in loss of lighting, potential could cause fire.
2012 Mazda Mazda6 lighting problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 21 lighting complaints filed for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Mazda Mazda6 we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 21.
Reported failure mileage clusters in the 50,000-75,000 mi band — 5 of 8 complaints with an odometer reading on file land there.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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.
Passenger side low beam light does not come on (high beams work fine). I've change the bulb but problem persists.
I noticed my passenger side low beam was out on my 2012 mazda6. After searching online for how to change the bulb, I found hundreds of people who had fixed the issue by lightly hitting the side of the headlight cover. I tried it and it fixed it! Since it has gone out again (just a week later) and came back on when I went over a bumpy area in the road. I live in an area with a light ordinance…
Seems to have happened overnight. Noticed just last night that neither of my low beams will turn on. Thought it was a weird coincidence that normally you notice when one light burns out but both? I have read online that this is an ongoing issue with a lot of Mazda makes and models and the fix is neither cheap nor time friendly. I will call a Mazda dealer tomorrow to find out their recommendation…
When driving on the highway my driver side low beam headlight randomly went out. I tried changing bulb, wiggling cables to see if there was a lose connect and headlight would not turn back on. Went to the dealership and they said no know issues and I would have to make an appointment to look into the wiring but would not be able to make an appointment until monday. I then started searching the…
Front headlights have been replaced 3x in 1 year.I have purchased upgraded bulbs which have now gone out within 2 months of the change, they did not supply any additional light and have not lasted any longer before burning out than the cheaper lights. Headlight causing difficulty with night driving. Lights appear to be facing downward and beam is very low causing poor visability, almost causing…
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…
Had lighting trouble with your 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 36,000 and 71,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 71,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Mazda/Mazda6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.