Mazda · Mazda6 · 2012
2012 Mazda Mazda6
6
Recalls
99
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 has 6 recalls and 99 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (25 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 25, 2026
- Vehicle
- 2012 Mazda Mazda6
- Recalls
- 6
- Complaints
- 99
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 18V717000December 10, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
NHTSA ID: 14V114000November 03, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 2.5L engine. 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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 19V782000Unknown date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.
NHTSA ID: 19V323000Unknown date
STRUCTURE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Remedy Status
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.
NHTSA ID: 17V457000Unknown date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-012.
NHTSA ID: 13V425000Unknown date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, through August 24, 2012. The door latch mounting screws may become loose.
Remedy Status
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will apply a thread locking adhesive to the door screws and retorque them, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2013. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number is 7013I.
Owner Complaints
99 totalSUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 29, 2025
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 an appointment coming up on the 21 of January which is ridiculous that I have to wait 3 weeks to have it looked at. . Thank you for your time. The only reason I found the problem with the car was a stick got stuck in the rusted out parts and when I took it out a bunch of rust fell on the ground.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Sep 2, 2024
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 failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension), which included the VIN. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the contact was advised that the VIN was included in a recall, and the contact was advised that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the dealer had not diagnosed vehicle in a month. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact to work with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer and dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Jul 23, 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 the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; and the diagnostic test determined that the cross member had corroded and caused the tire failure. The contact was then notified that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension) and that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was 204,000.
SUSPENSION
Jul 12, 2024
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 on this car, there is nothing more they can do, once and done. Unfortunately their fix didn't take care of the issue.
STRUCTURE
Jun 3, 2024
My 2012 mazda 6 Subframe is is unsafe to drive due to over-time corrosion My local mechanics said Madzda Corp. should fix it.
SUSPENSION
May 15, 2024
Rear sub frame, critical fail- rusted through. Needs new rear subframe. Wheel pulling to right, unable to align. I bought this car 2 weeks ago for my 16 year old daughter and was told today it needs to be scrapped. She is devastated . We are out 4500 with no recourse. I bought a Mazda because I trusted the safety. I am so disappointed. If the front was recalled the rear should have been too.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 28, 2024
THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED IN LAYERS AND IS SPALLING OFF.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 6, 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 9, 2023
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
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 15, 2023
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.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 15, 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. POLICE OR INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE WERE NOT CONTACTED BUT CAN BE IF NEEDED.
SUSPENSION
Dec 10, 2022
Severe rusting of the rear frame and suspension
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE
Aug 2, 2022
The passenger side Dash on my 2012 Mazda 6 that I just purchased 3 years ago is melting and deteriorating and it's cracked and its leaves a real bad glare on the windshield and I think they said it was a recall that was back in 2015 but this car was never fixed and that recall wasn't fixed so how do I go about getting that recall fixed because when I talk to [XXX] at Mazda direct and Fostoria they said that there was nothing they could do and it is a real bad safety hazard. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 29, 2022
Sun/moonroof exploded. My own and others' safety were at risk due to falling broken glass The problem was not confirmed by a dealer yet The vehicle will be inspected from glass company/dealer No warning messages or lights indicated the failure.
STRUCTURE
Nov 25, 2021
Hello, I have 2012 Mazda6 was involved in a previous Safety Recall in regards to a rusting engine subframe. I was informed to bring my car in my local Mazda Dealer. My car has serious rusting issues with my subframe, Mazda decided in lieu of replacing the subframe they attached a subframe brace. While having my car serviced the mechanic and I noticed SEVERE rusting at the subframe which this recall was suppose to taken cared of. Ive attached a couple of pics but I have more that details the severe rusting. I feel a little disheartened that this recall fix the issue adequately. I want to 100% confident that the car is truely safe to drive for me and my family.
SUSPENSION
Jul 21, 2020
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN TOWN AND WENT TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN A SPRINGING NOISE. I MYSELF LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND JUST ASSUMED I RAN OVER SOMETHING AND IT HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK UNDER IT ALSO AND HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING EITHER. I JUST FOUND THIS OUT YESTERDAY WHEN IT FAILED INSPECTION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 27, 2020
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 PROBLEM I AM CURRENTLY HAVING NOW. MY CAR HAS SHUTDOWN A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES, THE LAST TIME BEING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY MAZDA THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. ARE YOU WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE IN AN ACCIDENT? THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 8, 2020
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!
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 12, 2020
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS OF MY CAR AND I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE RECALL THAT WAS FOR APRIL 2019. HOW CAN THIS BE FIXED?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 26, 2019
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.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 have?
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 has 6 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has received 99 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 are air bags (25 reports), exterior lighting (20 reports), unknown or other (9 reports).
Does the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 6 recalls on record for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.