IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Mazda 6 (GH)

The final year of GH Mazda 6 production. These late cars are excellent used buys, offering Mazda reliability and driving pleasure at very affordable prices.

What changed for 2012

  • •Last year of second-generation production
  • •All mechanical improvements incorporated
  • •Strong used values reflecting reliability
  • •Petrol engines remaining the sensible choice

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Age-related suspension wear on 6+ year old cars
  • !Rear arch corrosion checking essential
  • !Steering rack play on higher mileage examples
2
Known Issues
2
Serious
0
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Arch, Sill and Underbody Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

GH cars can rust around the rear arches, sill ends and underbody mounting points long before the cabin or paintwork looks especially shabby.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Bubbling paint on rear arches, Flaky underseal, MOT corrosion advisories

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the rear arches inside and out
  • Check sill ends and jacking points
  • Look underneath for heavy rust around the rear subframe
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Diesel DPF and Oil Dilution Trouble

SeriousEngine

Short-trip use can overload the DPF regeneration strategy on the 2.0 and especially 2.2 diesels, leading to rising oil levels, warning lights and turbo stress.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£2,500
Warning Signs:

DPF warning light, Rising oil level on dipstick, Limp mode after town use

What to Inspect:
  • Check the dipstick level carefully
  • Ask what kind of journeys the car did
  • Look for invoices for DPF cleaning or turbo work
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Mazda 6 (GH)

  • ✓Inspect the rear arches, sill ends and rear subframe properly; tidy-looking cars can still be crusty underneath.
  • ✓A petrol is the easy recommendation. Diesel cars need evidence of regular long runs and prompt oil servicing.
  • ✓Check the boot floor, door bottoms and MOT history for repeat corrosion advisories.
2011
Check a 2012 Mazda 6 (GH) by Registration