Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Mazda Mazda6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mazda 6. The contact stated that there was an internal electrical failure that caused the headlights to burn out. The contact replaced the headlight sockets twice on each side and noticed that the area was melting around the front head lamp assembly sockets. Russ darrow Mazda of madison (5234 high crossing blvd, madison, wi 53718, [phone]) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to have a dealer repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
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. This problem has occurred on city, highway, and country roads. Present mechanical shop has no idea why since all electrical systems seem to be working properly. I have the receipts for the headlight replacements if you should need them. I had the headlights replaced in October of 2016 due to going out on a country road without streetlights forcing me to drive with the high beams on and then I had to replace them again in February 19th of 2017 for going out again now after only 1000 miles since February I had to replace the left headlight for going out today March 21st, 2017. Like I listed earlier this is the 7th time in 5 years.
Seems to have happened overnight. Noticed just last night that neither of my low beams will turn on. Thought it was a weird coincidence that normally you notice when one light burns out but both? I have read online that this is an ongoing issue with a lot of Mazda makes and models and the fix is neither cheap nor time friendly. I will call a Mazda dealer tomorrow to find out their recommendation but I am sure its going to cost me a few hundred dollars to fix or even look at. Turns out the fix is smacking the top of the headlight to get it to come back on but this is only a temporary fix..
I noticed my passenger side low beam was out on my 2012 Mazda6. After searching online for how to change the bulb, I found hundreds of people who had fixed the issue by lightly hitting the side of the headlight cover. I tried it and it fixed it! Since it has gone out again (just a week later) and came back on when I went over a bumpy area in the road. I live in an area with a light ordinance and the roads are pitch black enough to see every star in the sky at night. This is a huge safety issue.
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.
Headlights went out for no reason. Had to pull over and bump the headlights to make them work. Checked the fuse and all electrical components at autoshop. They found nothing, but said that they have seen this in Mazda 6 cars before and there is a fault in the design nor is there any solution to the issue. Issue can be seen in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqqperresa8
Can smell strong gas fumes, after filling gas tank. Also, gas tank leaking, after putting gas in tank, at half fill or full tank, get gas smells and leaking. While stationary and moving, can smell gas fumes. Headlights do not provide adequate visibility at night and during rainy weather. Headlights adequate only in high beam mode.
Headlight bulbs go out often, have to bang on the light to get it to go back on, I can change bulbs and it will go a couple of months before it starts to go out again. Have to take the bumper off to change the light bulb so it is a hassle. After checking the internet I see there are a whole lot of Mazda owners with the same problem
I've been replacing both of my headlights every 6 months. This is the third time since I have owned this vehicle that I had to buy replacement bulbs. I took it to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong with the electrical system but hear I am replacing the same low beam bulbs again.
I have owned my vehicle since aug 2013, and have replaced the headlights on driver and passenger side 4 times already. This last time I had both headlights blow out on me at the same time I don't understand why this isn't recalled yet. I see many complaints regarding this issue.
Headlight complaints in other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Mazda Mazda6, 28% of the model year's 99 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2012 Mazda Mazda6, though it has 6 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 2012 Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 5% 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.