The Lemon Index2012 Mazda6.
The 2012 Mazda6 is better than average by owner complaints: 24 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mazda6 year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 99 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda6 year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 40K to 96K miles on the car (51 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 35K–73K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- body structure 2019
The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- fuel system, gasoline 2014
In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.
- latches/locks/linkages 2013
The door latch mounting screws may become loose.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda6 told dealers about
Mazda6 sent dealers 247 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Mil on with dtc's p0123 and / or p0222
- In certain vehicles, within the engine harness, there are some abnormal electrical noises
- Due to an abnormal electrical noise, within the engine harness, certain vehicles experience mil
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I have had to replace my front driver side low beam headlight 4 times. No other light has gone out on the car. I have read multiple stories about people having this issue.
2012 Mazda6 owner · NHTSA complaint 10717778
More owner reports
Passenger side low beam light does not come on (high beams work fine). I've change the bulb but problem persists.
NHTSA complaint 10807344
Wiring system problem with front headlights results in loss of lighting, potential could cause fire.
NHTSA complaint 10808230
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mazda6 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda6 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2012 Mazda6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (67%), electrical (25%) and brakes (4%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda6 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mazda6 get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Mazda6 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Mazda6 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 40,100 and 96,000 miles. The middle report was at 66,000 miles, from 51 complaints.
Does the 2012 Mazda6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Mazda6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mazda6 have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
What Mazda6 year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2011 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works