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2012 Mazda MAZDA6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 105.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

52 reports with mileage · 47 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

28 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2020
Exterior Lighting

MY LOW HEADLIGHT BEAMS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE. THEY WERE LAST REPLACED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS OUT AGAIN. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT FOR THE LOW BEAMS IT HAS TO BE TAKEN TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO…

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MY LOW HEADLIGHT BEAMS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE. THEY WERE LAST REPLACED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS OUT AGAIN. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND THERE WERE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT FOR THE LOW BEAMS IT HAS TO BE TAKEN TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO BE REPLACED. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND EXPENSIVE!

NHTSA ODI #11317621

70,000 miles · Oct 26, 2019
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS BURNING OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH NEEDING REPLACED. RECENTLY CHANGED HEADLIGHT AND THE BULB IS FINE BUT THE ADAPTER INSIDE THE ASSEMBLY IS BURNED AND CHARRED. JUST WENT TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. GOOD BULB BUT THE ADAPTER TO ATTACH BULB IS BURNED. READING MANY COMPLAINTS ONLI…

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HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE WAS BURNING OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH NEEDING REPLACED. RECENTLY CHANGED HEADLIGHT AND THE BULB IS FINE BUT THE ADAPTER INSIDE THE ASSEMBLY IS BURNED AND CHARRED. JUST WENT TO CHANGE THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. GOOD BULB BUT THE ADAPTER TO ATTACH BULB IS BURNED. READING MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS BEING A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2012 MAZDA 6. INCLUDING ISSUES OF LIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING AND HAVING TO TAP ON THE HEADLIGHT TO GET IT TO TURN ON.

NHTSA ODI #11271225

120,000 miles · Dec 6, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BURN OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SOCKETS TWICE ON EACH SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE AREA WAS MELTING AROUND THE FRONT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY SOCKETS. RUSS DARROW MAZDA OF MADISON (5234 HIGH CRO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BURN OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SOCKETS TWICE ON EACH SIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE AREA WAS MELTING AROUND THE FRONT HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY SOCKETS. RUSS DARROW MAZDA OF MADISON (5234 HIGH CROSSING BLVD, MADISON, WI 53718, (877) 369-8081) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11156611

80,000 miles · Dec 2, 2018
Exterior LightingFuel/propulsion System

CAN SMELL STRONG GAS FUMES, AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. ALSO, GAS TANK LEAKING, AFTER PUTTING GAS IN TANK, AT HALF FILL OR FULL TANK, GET GAS SMELLS AND LEAKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND MOVING, CAN SMELL GAS FUMES. HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND DURING RAINY WEATHER. HEADLIGHTS ADEQUATE ONLY IN HIGH BEAM …

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CAN SMELL STRONG GAS FUMES, AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. ALSO, GAS TANK LEAKING, AFTER PUTTING GAS IN TANK, AT HALF FILL OR FULL TANK, GET GAS SMELLS AND LEAKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND MOVING, CAN SMELL GAS FUMES. HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND DURING RAINY WEATHER. HEADLIGHTS ADEQUATE ONLY IN HIGH BEAM MODE.

NHTSA ODI #11155498

109,000 miles · Nov 10, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS NORMAL TAIL LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS CUTOUT AND OFF OUT OF NOWHERE MELTING WIRES CAUSING LIGHT OUTAGE.

NHTSA ODI #11150668

73,000 miles · Feb 12, 2018
Exterior Lighting

MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I HAVE LOST COUNT OF HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE CHANGED ONE OUT. NOT ONLY IS THIS DANGEROUS, IT CAN GET EXPENSIVE. THEN TWO WEEKS AGO, A REAR BRAKE LIGHT BLEW. THIS IS INSANE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT TO NO AVAIL.

NHTSA ODI #11072236

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2017
Exterior LightingService BrakesSteering

I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 2 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR 2/2014. IT'S CRAZY CAUSE ONCE GOT OUT .THEN YOU CAN HIT IT AND IT WON'T COME BACK ON ONLY FOR LIKE A WEEK OR SO THEN THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT NOW I'M DRIVING AROUND TOWN WITH NO HEADLIGHTS ONLY GOT HIGH BEAMS SOUNDS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF OR THE …

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I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 2 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR 2/2014. IT'S CRAZY CAUSE ONCE GOT OUT .THEN YOU CAN HIT IT AND IT WON'T COME BACK ON ONLY FOR LIKE A WEEK OR SO THEN THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT NOW I'M DRIVING AROUND TOWN WITH NO HEADLIGHTS ONLY GOT HIGH BEAMS SOUNDS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF OR THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS ABOUT TO GO OUT REPLACE THE BRAKES 2 TIMES ALREADY SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR JUST TERRIBLE

NHTSA ODI #10980562

25,000 miles · Mar 21, 2017
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD JUST GO OUT PRESENTING A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN MULTIPLE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS, 7 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON CITY, HIGHWAY, AND COUNTRY ROADS. PRESENT MECHANICAL SHOP HAS NO IDEA WHY SINCE ALL ELECTRICAL SYST…

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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD JUST GO OUT PRESENTING A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN MULTIPLE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS, 7 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON CITY, HIGHWAY, AND COUNTRY ROADS. PRESENT MECHANICAL SHOP HAS NO IDEA WHY SINCE ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE THE RECEIPTS FOR THE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS IF YOU SHOULD NEED THEM. I HAD THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2016 DUE TO GOING OUT ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITHOUT STREETLIGHTS FORCING ME TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON AND THEN I HAD TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN IN FEBRUARY 19TH OF 2017 FOR GOING OUT AGAIN NOW AFTER ONLY 1000 MILES SINCE FEBRUARY I HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT HEADLIGHT FOR GOING OUT TODAY MARCH 21ST, 2017. LIKE I LISTED EARLIER THIS IS THE 7TH TIME IN 5 YEARS.

NHTSA ODI #10967574

35,000 miles · Feb 11, 2017
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHT BULBS GO OUT OFTEN, HAVE TO BANG ON THE LIGHT TO GET IT TO GO BACK ON, I CAN CHANGE BULBS AND IT WILL GO A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE IT STARTS TO GO OUT AGAIN. HAVE TO TAKE THE BUMPER OFF TO CHANGE THE LIGHT BULB SO IT IS A HASSLE. AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET I SEE THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT OF MAZDA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROB…

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HEADLIGHT BULBS GO OUT OFTEN, HAVE TO BANG ON THE LIGHT TO GET IT TO GO BACK ON, I CAN CHANGE BULBS AND IT WILL GO A COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE IT STARTS TO GO OUT AGAIN. HAVE TO TAKE THE BUMPER OFF TO CHANGE THE LIGHT BULB SO IT IS A HASSLE. AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET I SEE THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT OF MAZDA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #10954011

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2016
Exterior Lighting

SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS.. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS 3 TIMES THEY ARE BURNING OUT REPEATEDLY...I DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAMS MORE OFTEN THAN THE LOW BEAMS... I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER 4 TIMES FOR ONE OF THE LOW BEAMS BEING OUT...THIS IS A BIT UNFAIR..... I HAVEN'T EVER IN MY LIFE PUT SO MANY BULBS INTO ONE CAR!! A…

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SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS.. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS 3 TIMES THEY ARE BURNING OUT REPEATEDLY...I DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAMS MORE OFTEN THAN THE LOW BEAMS... I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER 4 TIMES FOR ONE OF THE LOW BEAMS BEING OUT...THIS IS A BIT UNFAIR..... I HAVEN'T EVER IN MY LIFE PUT SO MANY BULBS INTO ONE CAR!! APPARENTLY A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WHY ISN'T SOMETHING BEING DONE?? OBVIOUSLY IT'S NOT SOMETHING WE CAUSED.

NHTSA ODI #10875046

Official recalls

6

19V782000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 31, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

19V323000 · Structure; Suspension:front:control Arm

Apr 25, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.

Consequence: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.

Suspension:front:control Arm

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.

Consequence: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.

18V717000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 12, 2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

17V457000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jul 18, 2017

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-012.

14V114000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Mar 11, 2014

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214C.

13V425000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Sep 24, 2013

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, through August 24, 2012. The door latch mounting screws may become loose.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If all three door latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will apply a thread locking adhesive to the door screws and retorque them, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2013. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number is 7013I.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.