2010 Mazda MAZDA6 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6, 9% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a Mazda 6 3 days ago and I replaced the headlight bulb because it wasn't working. When I opened the compartment I noticed that the entire u it was melting and smelled very hot. I had no turned on the headlights at this point and I removed the bulb from the electrical unit. This could have easily caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11242153, filed 2019-08, 93,000 miles“Driver and passenger side headlights went out. It's not the fuse or the bulbs. This happened while driving at night forcing me to drive over two hours on back roads and freeway with my highbeams on to see.”
NHTSA complaint #11373012, filed 2020-11, 133,364 miles“Low beam headlights turn off on their own with slight vibration, or knock that can be caused by either a pothole, bump in the road, or speed bump. I discovered on the internet that this, is a super common problem for all Mazda 6 (second generation) owners, and they have to bang their fists on the headlight assembly outside the vehicle to turn them on. I tried this method as well, and it worked for me despite being dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10926587, filed 2016-11, 96,532 miles“Right front headlamp repeatedly goes out and it's neither the bulb nor the fuse! Subsequently stuck driving home with high beams (to see well enough to navigate safely) but fearful the glare creates a safety issue for opposing traffic - a twofer! Note; banging on the side of headlamp assembly with closed fist 'sometimes' has it come back to life. Looked online and - surprise, surprise - there are lots of complaints about this same thing! Sadly, I'm afraid someone's going to get killed and I just hope not to be involved. …”
NHTSA complaint #11161696, filed 2018-12, 70,000 miles“Headlight on both sides go out often. After having this issue far too many times, I looked online hoping to find a solution and discovered multiple Mazda owners are having same problem. Its a malfunction in the Mazda that needs to be fixed by Mazda. This is extremely dangerous at night to have happening way to often. As for the air bag- ive had my Mazda to a Mazda dealership for the recalls and the air bag was kne of them. Since then, twice now, the 'airbag/front seat belt pretensioner system malfunction' light is flashing while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11170040, filed 2019-01, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10154529Mar 15, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10153332Jan 3, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10134701Mar 22, 2018Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10118468Aug 9, 2017When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets (including O-ring), seals and…
- 10111011Mar 9, 2017Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by…
- 10092413Apr 28, 2016Some customers may complain about improper operation of the auto-dimming mirror. This may be caused by an obstruction of the front and/or rear light sensor(s) (e.g. Hanging a…
- 10213417Feb 5, 2016Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10213421Jan 25, 2016Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
- 10100888Jan 25, 2016Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/tail-light) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted…
- 10098885Nov 24, 2014When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets are present and correctly…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 17% |
| 2012 | 28 | 28% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2010 | 21 | 9% |
| 2009 | 15 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6
60 complaintsAir bags
54 complaintsSuspension
43 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsTires
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology