Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Mazda Mazda6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased this vehicle for my 16 yr old daughter 1 yr ago. The car has a clean carfax and has had no accidents. Upon purchasing the car the headlights continue to burn out. Taking it to a Mazda dealership i learned the headlight assembly unit was melting. I had to purchase 2 used headlight assembly because new from the dealership are 1,000 a piece. 2 used but perfectly working headlights were installed and within a yr the headlights had burned out again. I went to change the bulbs only to learn the headlight assembly were once again burnt. I have to purchase 2 new headlight assembly again but the mechanic can not guarantee that this burning situation won't occur. After calling around to places to find headlight assembly I have come to find out many are burnt. This seems like a real problem considering you need headlights to drive at night. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda 6. After being stopped by a police officer, the contact was informed that the red reflector lens in the tail lamps were missing. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the tail light bulbs were extremely hot, which caused the reflectors to separate from the tail light housings. The dealer (Mazda of jackson, 5397 interstate 55 north frontage rd, jackson, ms 39206, [phone]) was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Low beam headlight lamps work inconsistently. They stopped working when vehicle was stationary and turned off. They worked when I last used car, but stopped working when I started the car the next day. This has happened multiple times over 3.5 years of ownership, and May be more susceptible to cold weather. Several firm raps on the lens seems to correct the issue, but many people wont know about this and will take car in for servicing by Mazda because replacing lamp requires you to remove wheel and wheel well in order to get access to the lamp. A dishonest Mazda dealership would make lots of money on this! Many people have similar issue as documented in the comments in this youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqqperresa8
The low beam headlights on the car take turns going out for some reason. I have had the car for five years, bought it brand new and have had to replace headlight bulbs at least 8 times. I have read several other review about the same issue. This is a safety issue, if we to be driving at night and both headlights go out that would be very dangerous. Second issue: every winter when it gets colder the cars electronic system seems to run much slower and the blue tooth, cd player, etc. Will not connect and there has bee three instances where the car will make a loud popping noise while it is in motion and the whole stereo system, blue tooth, dashboard lights will power off and I'll have to reset up the blue tooth.
Right front headlamp repeatedly goes out and it's neither the bulb nor the fuse! Subsequently stuck driving home with high beams (to see well enough to navigate safely) but fearful the glare creates a safety issue for opposing traffic - a twofer! Note; banging on the side of headlamp assembly with closed fist 'sometimes' has it come back to life. Looked online and - surprise, surprise - there are lots of complaints about this same thing! Sadly, I'm afraid someone's going to get killed and I just hope not to be involved. Please read what others say about this here; http://www.carproblemzoo.com/Mazda/Mazda6/headlights-problems.php . . . And many more complaints on youtube
Headlight on both sides go out often. After having this issue far too many times, I looked online hoping to find a solution and discovered multiple Mazda owners are having same problem. Its a malfunction in the Mazda that needs to be fixed by Mazda. This is extremely dangerous at night to have happening way to often. As for the air bag- ive had my Mazda to a Mazda dealership for the recalls and the air bag was kne of them. Since then, twice now, the 'airbag/front seat belt pretensioner system malfunction' light is flashing while driving. I looked it up, and by the sounds of it, my airbag is malfunctioning?! Another dangerous situation on the Mazda 6.
Took my 2010 Mazda 6 to the dealership for an oil change. As part of their safety check they reported that both of my low beam headlights were out. I was quoted $172.00 for replacing the bulbs. When I got home I went to u-tube to see how difficult this was to warrant the charge. One of the videos showed a Mazda 3 owner with a similar problem, the passenger side low beam out. He tapped the outer lens with his fist and the light came on. I went out and tried the same on my Mazda 6 and both headlights came on and were normal. It is obvious that Mazda has a safety issue with there headlight wiring or connections.
Low beam headlights went out at 40,000 miles and have been replaced 2more times. Yesterday, no low beam headlights again so I googled problem. Over 170 reports on one site of same problem for various Mazda models and years. Interestingly, the video on the site says if you rap the outer headlight casing the light comes on but May not stay on once car is shut off. This worked for virtually everyone on the site and myself. Mazda must be aware of this problem but is doing nothing for consumers. Also their engineering design makes replacing bulbs a $150 adventure as the average person can't do it themselves.
Headlights go out on both passenger and driver side far too often. Sometimes a thump to the light cover or body by the headlight assembly will turn the light back on. The lights will eventually burn out far too often as well. I have replaced about 7 headlights since buying new. It is dangerous as both lights have gone off at night while driving. Light will go off while driving and sometimes not turn on when started. There are even you tube videos with people having the same issues. This has been going on from about a year after new purchase.
Low beam headlights turn off on their own with slight vibration, or knock that can be caused by either a pothole, bump in the road, or speed bump. I discovered on the internet that this, is a super common problem for all Mazda 6 (second generation) owners, and they have to bang their fists on the headlight assembly outside the vehicle to turn them on. I tried this method as well, and it worked for me despite being dangerous.
Headlight complaints in other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2010 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, 9% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is tail lights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.