2012 Mazda Mazda6 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Mazda Mazda6 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear and front subframe corrosion.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions. Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50 share the Skyactiv-G platform.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V717000 · Dec 10, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V782000 · Oct 31, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #19V323000 · Apr 25, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #17V457000 · Jul 18, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #14V114000 · Nov 3, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #13V425000 · Sep 24, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: If all three door latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Mazda Mazda6.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear and front subframe corrosion

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2026-01

The rear subframe and suspension parts are rusted so bad that the car is not safe to drive
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710529
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605371
Front subframe completely rusted out causing loss of steering. I believe this should have been covered by Safety Recall 2818I which addresses the issue
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603117

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Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2022-05

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466654
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING TODAY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914098
ON SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017, WHILE DRIVING IN ARIZONA ON I-10 EASTBOUND NEAR THE CHANDLER EXIT OF WARNER. MY WIFE AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE GLASS BREAKING, WE LOOKED AROUND THE CAR TO SEE WHICH PASSENGER WINDOW MAY HAVE BROKEN AND REALIZED NONE HAD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972137

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Passenger dashboard melting and cracking

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2026-01

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711883
The passenger dash board is melting. It covers the passengers air bag
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563908
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11290372

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Low-beam headlight failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

30 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2020-03

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317621
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD JUST GO OUT PRESENTING A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN MULTIPLE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS, 7 TIMES IN 5 YEARS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967574
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DO NOT GIVE SUFFICIENT LIGHT; THEREFORE, THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS HAD TO BE USED IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10421109

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Takata airbag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2020-01

TAKATA RECALL. I LIVE IN A HIGH HUMIDITY STATE, FLORIDA, WHICH IS A HIGH PRIORITY RECALL. FIRST NOTICE OF AIRBAG RECALL WAS MAY, 2017. STILL WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR FOR FEAR OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITH SHRAPNEL AS STATED IN RECALL NOTICE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11034798
TAKATA RECALL - THE AIRBAG INFLATOR IN MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED ON 1/9/17. OVER 6 MONTHS LATER, THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005209
TAKATA INFLATORS RECALL SOLUTION IS STILL UNAVAILABLE FOR THIS ISSUE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021183

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Air bag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2018-12

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11157345
ON APRIL 20 MY SELF AND MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT AND NEITHER ONE OF OUR AIRBAG DID!!!! NOT COME OUT AND MY MYSELF ND MY CHILD WAS HURT I WAS RUSH TO THE HOSPITAL AND I'VE BROUGHT MY MY CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2017. AND IT HAPPEN ON CITY STREETS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11089542
ON JULY 18, 2018 I WAS IN FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. I WAS ALONE AND DRIVING I DID NOT HAVE A PHONE IN MY POSSESSION OR IN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS TRAVELING AT LEAST 40 MILES AN HOUR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120095

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Engine stall and electrical shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2020-05

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10695376
WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE GEAR INDICATOR ON THE DASH I WILL FLASH IN AND OUT. WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND WHEN IT COMES BACK ON THE VEHICLE WILL REV UP CAUSING AN UNSAFE SPEED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825296
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326448

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Fuel tank odor and leak

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2016-02

GAS TANK VENT CLOGS BECAUSE OF SPIDER WEBS AND CAUSES GAS TANK TO LEAK. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10577715
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. AFTER REFUELING THE FUEL TANK, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AT 3/4 FULL, THE FUEL ODOR WOULD DISSIPATE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786270
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824835

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Mazda CX-50 Turbo and CX-9: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9: 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from front-biased AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Mazda3 and CX-5 front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L. CX-50 Turbo and CX-9 Turbo: 45,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

AWD CX-5, CX-50, CX-9: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

53 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.