Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% | 117,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% | 32,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 17% | 19,000 miles |
| 2012 | 28 | 28% | 55,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2010 | 21 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 15 | 4% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% | 20,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% | 116,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% | 85,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% | 68,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
After a year or so of owning the vehicle, the moisture and fog appeared in the inner tail light housing, passenger side. I have reported the problem to a Mazda dealership but they said it is normal and Mazda will not replace the tail light housing. Eventually, more and more water started to accumulate inside, where at points the housing would be completely foggy and excessive liquid would be visible in the corner of the housing from few feet of distance. It's only matter of time before the water causes additional electrical problems, not to mention the complete loss of light visibility and housing transparency, to all other drivers who are in the rear. Mazda needs to correct this issue instead of saying it is normal. My car is parked in a garage and it is not exposed too outside weather factors at all times, during the day. It is well protected. …
#1--hood vibrates when driving #2--left headlamp seal is bad--this is a known manufacturing problem by Mazda but since it does not affect driving it is not covered--though it will eventually cause bulb/electrical failure--which is a (ticket) offense by police--not sure when happened
I nave had to replace the brakes 15 times starting at 18,896 miles and the lights 15 times since 20,662 miles. I have been pulled over several times about the lights, after they had just been replaced. I was told that the right and left harness needed to be replaced. I just took it back for the 15th time this time the harness is rusted supposedly because of a crack in the covering, if that is why it was rusted why was it not taken care of when it occurred while it was under warranty. I haven't been given an explanation for the brakes. Now they are suggesting I should think about purchasing another car when this was is not paid off.
The brakes have been replaced a total of 14 times starting at 18,896 miles, it was recommended to be replaced at 16,578. The headlights have been replaced 15 times starting at 20,662 miles. Also at the time of the 1st brake replacement, the right shock had to be replaced. I have been pulled over several times within 2 weeks after having lights replaced to tell me they were out again.
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.
The headlights are increasingly failing. They are so dim that i can not safely drive at night. They burn out easily. I have to replace them about 4 times a year now. In the first few years of owning the car the headlights were fine. But now it is a major safely issue for myself and others on the road. It seems like with age the headlights or components are wearing out. I am considering getting rid of this car only due to the headlights. I have considered changing to a xenon system but i am scared of the wiring and do not want to risk a wiring issue. This is my only concern with this car and it appears that most who have the same car have the same headlight issue. This should be recalled to save lifes! It is dangerous to drive this car at night with such poor lighting.
I purchased this car in May 2016 with 68K miles on it. First month replaced both headlights because the drivers side went out. Figured OK no problem normal situation, replaced both due to good practice you don't just replace one. Fast forward 3 months later, think it was almost thanksgiving. It was getting dark, and I figured OK it seems way darker than it should. I pulled over to realize, I had no headlights. I proceeded up the road to where I knew an autozone was, and purchased a new set of sylvania long life bulbs, I think, I just know they were expensive, about $120. So I whipped out the credit card and purchased them along with a screw driver and pliers and proceeded to destroy my new carhart sweatshirt laying in the parking lot jamming my arms in the wheel wells to replace these bulbs. Yeah this was real fun considering it started to rain. …
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured August 12, 2016, to September 28, 2016 and equipped with optional accessory fog lights.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the combination switch, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Exterior lighting › Fog lights
On certain Mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward.
Remedy: Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on July 14, 2003.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda6 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (28), 2010 (21), 2009 (15), 2011 (11) and 2004 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 16V-753 (turn signal, Oct 18, 2016); 03V-206 (fog lights, Jun 5, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda6 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (7 mentions), followed by the fog lights (1).
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.