Is the 2012 MAZDA 6 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MAZDA 6s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 5,149 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 MAZDA 6 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MAZDA 6?

The 2012 MAZDA 6 has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 5,149 tests in 2026. This ranks 545 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year MAZDA 6 is most reliable?

The 2020 MAZDA 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 54%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 MAZDA 6?

The average mileage for a 2012 MAZDA 6 is 103,925 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MAZDA 6 (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,149 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc14 years old5,149 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 14 years old, 75% of MAZDA 6s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,149 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,925 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars545th of 685(top 80%)

Rank among MAZDA models307th of 483(top 64%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-3%(78% avg)

vs MAZDA average-6%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,925

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 MAZDA 6 has 103,925 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2012 sits between the two at 75%.

MAZDA 6 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	118	26,540 mi
2020	94%	1,786	31,783 mi
2019	91%	7,381	44,030 mi
2018	89%	5,151	55,840 mi
2017	87%	7,764	68,812 mi
2016	84%	11,771	78,854 mi
2015	82%	11,898	88,374 mi
2014	80%	11,144	97,838 mi
2013	80%	7,682	103,079 mi
2012	75%	5,149	103,925 mi
2011	74%	7,535	117,021 mi
2010	73%	9,673	121,783 mi
2009	73%	7,396	124,353 mi
2008	71%	6,498	124,138 mi
2007	68%	4,401	109,611 mi
2006	69%	2,430	105,119 mi
2005	64%	1,596	100,805 mi
2004	62%	763	99,968 mi
2003	63%	356	98,803 mi
2002	54%	140	98,087 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+3%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-3%

MERCEDES C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+4%

MINI MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,677/year

80%

+5%

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About the 2012 MAZDA 6

The 2012 MAZDA 6 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 5,149 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 103,925 miles at 14 years old, MAZDA 6 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MAZDA 6 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 MAZDA 6?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 6 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 6s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 18 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 MAZDA 6

At 14 years old, the MAZDA 6 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 5,149 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 MAZDA 6's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 MAZDA 6 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 6(2012)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2013)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
NISSAN QASHQAI(2013)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
MERCEDES C(2012)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
MINI MINI(2010)	80%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£520

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.