Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010–2011, 2018Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2012, 2014, 2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 2.0× usual, mostly air bags and structure Extended coverage
58 serious complaints of 99, the most about air bags (30) and structure (12); per car on the road, 2.0× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Dec 2018
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Jul 2024
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Subject: - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. (SSPB3, May 2021)
- Extended coverage Any other condition for dashboard replacement, such as discoloration, warping, or material splitting, is covered only for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for dashboard crash pads on certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles produced from February 4,… (SSPA0, Dec 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
99 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–25 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2012
- Starting prices: +$490 (2 trims; hover for each)
2012 Mazda6 trims
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | s Touring Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||||
| Starting MSRP | $27,310 | — | $23,125 | $24,730 | $29,810 | $27,570 |
| Powertrain | ||||||
| Engine | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 3.7L MZI | 3.7L MZI |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed overdrive | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode |
| Gears | 5 | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 5 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | 5-Speed Sport Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd |
| Size and capability | ||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in |
| Length | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lb | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 3,329 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,272 lb | 3,329 lb | 3,329 lb | 3,574 lb | 3,574 lb |
| Tech | ||||||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Bose | — | — | — | Bose | — |
| Speakers | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Driver assistance | ||||||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Alert | — | — | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Seats | Leather | Cloth | Cloth | Cloth | Leather | Cloth |
| Heated seats | Front | — | — | — | Front | — |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Climate zones | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior | ||||||
| Sunroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | — | — | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof |
| Wheels | 17 in | 16 in | 17 in | 17 in | 18 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (42)
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | s Touring Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation System $2,000 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Technology Package $1,785 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car Cover Cable Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights $360 | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Front Mask | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fuel Door — Chrome | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fuel Door — Pearl Satin | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Illuminated Doorsill Trim Plates | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License Plate Frame | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector $70 | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Wing Spoiler $435 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards (Front and Rear) $170 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Touch-Up Paint | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks (Set of 4) $55 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $100 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ashtray with LED Illumination | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and HomeLink® | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cigarette Lighter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Portable Navigation Devices by Garmin® | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start $350 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roadside Assistance Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Windshield Sunscreen | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3.5 mm Audio Cable | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bluetooth® Car Kit by Motorola | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| iPod® Integration System | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio with Free 4-Month Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Autumn Bronze | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fireglow Red $200 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ingot Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Polished Slate | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Blue Mica | — | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| White Platinum Pearl $200 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Beige Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 17 | Engine (13) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 187–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 187–227 hp | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 2 | Service brakes (1) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 187–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 187–227 hp manual available | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 6 | Unknown or other (2) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 184–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 184–227 hp manual available | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 58 | Engine (32) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 184 hp manual available | FWD | 28–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 60 | Unknown or other (23) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 77 | Power train (11) | No |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 60 | Service brakes (15) | No |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 137 | Electrical system (47) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–24 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 23 | Suspension (5) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 99 | Air bags (30) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 135 | Suspension (50) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 20–24 mpg | Not rated | 9 | 225 | Structure (60) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Head-up displayAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Mazda6 2018–2022 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR AWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 6 |
| 2019 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 6 |
| 2018 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 58 |
| 2017 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 60 |
| 2016 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 77 |
| 2015 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | Optional | 3 | 60 |
| 2014 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 137 |
| 2013 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 23 |
| 2012 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 99 |
| 2011 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 135 |
| 2010 | Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 9 | 225 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2020 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2019 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2018 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2017 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
28–30 |
| 2016 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2015 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2014 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2013 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–24 |
| 2012 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–25 |
| 2011 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–25 |
| 2010 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
20–24 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.