2012 Mazda 6 problems
The 2012 Mazda 6 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the Skyactiv-D and the Skyactiv-G. The Skyactiv-D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as recall over DC-DC converter failure with fire risk.
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2012 Mazda 6 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 11 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.2From 4.5 to 8.0 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension5.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 2.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes7.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system7.11 fault
- Headlights and lights8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment9.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.42 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
Skyactiv-D engine in the 2012 Mazda 6
Names: 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 · 2.2 Skyactiv-D 175 · 2.2 Skyactiv-D 184
- With caution
2.2 Skyactiv-D 150/175 (SH-VPTS, 2012-2017)
150–175 hp · SH-VPTS, SH-VPTR
The first CX-5s (built up to January 2013) had higher oil dilution than expected, which Mazda corrected with a free dipstick and software campaign; German-language Wikipedia also documents insufficiently hardened camshafts on 2013-2014 models that damaged turbos. A reasonable buy if you verify that the 2013 campaign was carried out and check the oil change history.[1][3][4]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubricationThe two-stage sequential turbo of the 2.2 Skyactiv-D appears as one of the most cited faults by CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, especially when the oil has lost lubricating ability through dilution or when the camshaft on 2013-2014 units sheds metal particles.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingOil pump chain breakage and camshaft wearIn the worst cases, lack of lubrication on the 2.2 Skyactiv-D (from diluted or degraded oil) can end up breaking the oil pump chain or damaging the camshaft, cutting off oil pressure and potentially destroying the engine; fiches-auto.fr documents this breakage on the CX-5, the Mazda6 and the Mazda3.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsUrban use and short journeys encourage carbon build-up in the intake manifold, EGR valve and injectors of the Skyactiv-D, with loss of power and uneven running; it is documented on the CX-5, the Mazda6, the Mazda3, the CX-3 and the CX-30.
Skyactiv-G engine in the 2012 Mazda 6
Names: 2.0 Skyactiv-G · 2.5 Skyactiv-G
- Buy
2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)
155 hp · PE-VPS
According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[6][7][8]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsIntake shut-off valve software issue and engine stallingOn Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018, incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve to the point of suddenly stalling the engine; Mazda fixed it with a software update.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 Mazda 6
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemRecall over DC-DC converter failure with fire riskYes: an electronic component in the DC-DC converter could fail and, in the worst case, burn; the 2013 European alert covers Mazda6 GJ cars built between July 2012 and March 2013.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesRecall over water ingress in the handbrakeYes: the EU alert system recorded in 2018 a campaign under which water can enter the handbrake of Mazda6 GJ cars built between July 2012 and November 2014 and reduce its holding force.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFragile Mazda 6 bodywork paintAccording to fiches-auto.fr, 4 of the 33 accounts about the Mazda 6 (2012-2022) point to fragile paint. It is owner data, with no confirmation from the press or the manufacturer.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFailure of the electric mirror folding mechanismPolish owners on AutoCentrum.pl describe the mirror folding mechanism often jamming or failing on the Mazda6 GJ, frequently replaced under warranty; there is no campaign or confirmation from the manufacturer.
- Low severityFrequency: RareElectronics and infotainmentMazda 6 multimedia system and radio faultAccording to the accounts gathered by fiches-auto.fr, some Mazda 6 models of this generation suffer radio and multimedia system faults (GPS, USB, Bluetooth), with restarts or freezes at start-up. No official campaign on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda 6 reliable?
The 2012 Mazda 6 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the Skyactiv-D and the Skyactiv-G. The Skyactiv-D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as recall over DC-DC converter failure with fire risk.
What is the best year for the Mazda 6?
According to our score, the best is 2023 (8.0/10). The year with the worst score is 2012 (6.2/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Mazda 6 have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: oil pump chain breakage and camshaft wear (Skyactiv-D, critical severity), recall over DC-DC converter failure with fire risk (electrical system, critical severity), oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations (Skyactiv-D, high severity), turbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication (Skyactiv-D, high severity) and recall over water ingress in the handbrake (brakes, high severity).
Own a 2012 Mazda 6? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2012-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Aviso a todos los propietarios de Mazda CX-5 Dieselkm77 · Motoring press · published 22 May 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German