2012 Mazda 6 · 10,212 MOT tests
2012 Mazda 6 reliability
2012 Mazda 6s fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 17 6 years (10,212 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 6s: 30%)
- 35.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 6s: 30%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 95,877
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,212
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 14.5% of tests fail here (79% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 6
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.2%
- Brakes14.5%
- Suspension9.7%
- Tyres6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%
- Steering1.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.99%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.22%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.06%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.63%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.42%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.36%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.5%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.87%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.04%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (7.31%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.94%)
Other years
Every Mazda 6 year
The full picture: Mazda 6 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda 6, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Mazda 6 reliable?
2012 Mazda 6s fail 35.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 17 6 years (10,212 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 6 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.99% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.22% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mazda 6 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mazda 6 shows 95,877 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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