RoadVitals

2012 Mazda Mazda6 Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
99
Latest Jan 19, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
3
Reports on file since Aug 23, 2011

What this page shows

Our database holds 99 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 99 · page 1 of 4

Filed Jan 19, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11711883
Incident
Aug 9, 2023
Suspension
Filed Jan 12, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11710529
Incident
Dec 29, 2025
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Nov 7, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11698215
Incident
Sep 2, 2024
Mileage
188,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jul 30, 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.

NHTSA ID
11605371
Incident
Jul 23, 2024
Mileage
204,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 18, 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.

NHTSA ID
11603117
Incident
Jul 12, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Jun 10, 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.

NHTSA ID
11593397
Incident
Jun 3, 2024
Suspension
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11588995
Incident
May 15, 2024
Filed Mar 5, 2024

THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED IN LAYERS AND IS SPALLING OFF.

NHTSA ID
11575655
Incident
Feb 28, 2024
Airbags
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11563908
Incident
Jan 6, 2024
Suspension
Filed Jan 1, 2024

Severe rusting of the rear frame and suspension

NHTSA ID
11562915
Incident
Dec 10, 2022
Steering
Filed Apr 22, 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.

NHTSA ID
11518399
Incident
Apr 15, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Apr 17, 2023

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).

NHTSA ID
11517434
Incident
Aug 2, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11501876
Incident
Jan 15, 2023
Filed May 30, 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.

NHTSA ID
11466654
Incident
May 29, 2022
Body & structure
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11441655
Incident
Nov 25, 2021
Suspension
Filed Aug 1, 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.

NHTSA ID
11342664
Incident
Jul 21, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 29, 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

NHTSA ID
11326448
Incident
May 27, 2020
Mileage
149,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 11, 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!

NHTSA ID
11317621
Incident
Mar 8, 2020
Airbags
Filed 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?

NHTSA ID
11298899
Incident
Jan 12, 2020
Filed Dec 20, 2019

THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MAZDA 6 2012 IS LITERALLY MELTING. THE DASHBOARD IS ALL STICKY AND HAS A GLARE THAT AFFECTS MY ABILITY TO SEE OUT THE WINDOW. THE PASSENGER DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND HAS PIECES THAT ARE FALLING OFF. IT IS A HAZARD BECAUSE IT CAUSES A GLARE THAT LIMITS MY ABILITY TO SEE.

NHTSA ID
11290372
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed 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.

NHTSA ID
11271225
Incident
Oct 26, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 20, 2019

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DOOR LATCHES BACK IN 2013 WHICH I GOT REPAIRED. TODAY 10/20/2019 AFTER DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 15 SOUTH DROPPING OFF MY KIDS MY SON WENT TO CLOSE THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR THAT DID NOT CLOSE I HAD TO PURCHASE ROPE AND TAPE TO HOLD IT CLOSE SO I COULD DRIVE BACK HOME GOING ON THE 15 NORTH HIGHWAY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIX ASAP I WILL CALL THE DEALER TOMORROW AND HOPE THEY CAN REPAIR WITHOUT ME COMING OUT OF POCKET

NHTSA ID
11269788
Incident
Oct 20, 2019
Mileage
1,488,817 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 4, 2019

BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING

NHTSA ID
11266444
Incident
Sep 30, 2019
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jul 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DOOR OPEN ICON ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE DOORS; HOWEVER, ALL THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HENNESSY MAZDA (7261 JONESBORO RD, MORROW, GA 30260) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA ID
11231888
Incident
Oct 22, 2018
Mileage
96,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 10, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11157345
Incident
Oct 7, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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