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Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) (2008-2012) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) built around 2012: fails its MOT more often than average

Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) models built around 2012 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at a Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) models built around 2012 involves the suspension.

Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2012SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 21,423 tests of 6 models registered 2008-2012.

About 1 in 12 6 Mk2 (GH) MOTs (7.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,088 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 6 Mk2 (GH) MOTs (9.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 4,088 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (GH) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,22929.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,08829.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,36130.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
5,09030.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,64332.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,01233.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 17 years old.

How the 6 Mk2 (GH) compares

At each age below, see how the 6 Mk2 (GH) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 30,205 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,22929.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,08829.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,36130.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
5,09030.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,64332.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,01233.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 6 Mk2 (GH).

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.1%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 19.5%, against 29.5% for the Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH), both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,274 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Honda Accord

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    7.2%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 29.5% for the Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH), both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 29.5% for the Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH), both built around 2012.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,045 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.2%
    Dangerous
    7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 19.3%, against 29.5% for the Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH), both built around 2012.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,380 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

79%of all Mazda 6 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

35 recalls in all

10 of the 35 6 Mk2 (GH) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient
  • Mounting points for seat runner may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How 6 Mk2 (GH) cars have aged

How 6 Mk2 (GH) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (3,123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (2,974 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (2,775 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (2,577 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (2,247 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (4,556 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (4,176 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (3,796 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (3,342 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (2,752 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (5,695 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (5,113 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (4,485 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (3,808 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (3,174 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (4,704 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (4,043 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (3,473 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (2,848 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (2,193 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (4,967 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (4,267 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (3,480 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (2,710 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (2,012 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk2 (GH) variants compared

6 Mk2 (GH) variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each 6 Mk2 (GH) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • 631.0%2,401 tests

Petrol

  • 627.3%1,686 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mazda 6 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda 6 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (GH) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    26.1%
    Advisory: 2,297Fail: 43 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.6%
    Advisory: 1,342Fail: 101 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    15.6%
    Advisory: 852Fail: 24 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    12.5%
    Advisory: 619Fail: 137 (18% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.2%
    Advisory: 451Fail: 107 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,088 tests

Looking at a Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Mazda 6 Mk2 (GH) (2008-2012) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,088 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 21,423 MOT tests on Mazda 6 models first registered between 2008-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.