Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda6 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda Mazda6 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda Mazda6 vs Toyota Camry: The Mazda6 averages 53.8 complaints per year and 22 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also has more crash-related reports (181 vs. 37). The Mazda6 tends to have fewer complaints overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda6
The Mazda Mazda6 is a midsize sedan that averages about 54 complaints per year over the past decade, with 22 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches that can cause stalling or loss of power steering, plus serious rust in the front frame on older models. Engine overheating and brake issues also appear, but the overall complaint rate is lower than the Camry's.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 214 per year—and 31 recalls. Power train problems, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, are common, along with brake failures and engine issues. Despite its reputation, the data shows a wide range of safety-related complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 538 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 37 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda Mazda6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER89
- 03ENGINE79
- 04SERVICE BRAKES60
- 05POWER TRAIN51
Owners report the check engine light coming on followed by sudden loss of acceleration and steering, as well as infotainment screens freezing or going black. These failures can leave you stranded or make the car hard to control.
Complaints include overheating while driving and low oil pressure warnings shortly after oil changes. These can lead to costly engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Some owners have had to replace brakes and lights repeatedly, with one reporting 15 replacements starting under 19,000 miles. This suggests persistent brake and electrical gremlins that are expensive and frustrating.
Older Mazda6 models, especially from rust-belt states, suffer from severe frame and crossmember rust that can compromise suspension mounts. Recalls have addressed this, but owners say the fixes are sometimes incomplete.
“was driving on the highway when the check engine light came on. not 10 minutes later, I lost acceleration and steering. managed to get to the shoulder just in time before my car pretty much died. the water light and battery light came on when I came to a stop…”
“AFTER PURCHASING A 2019 MAZDA6 IN JULY 2019, THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS IN WHICH I START THE CAR AND THE DISPLAY SCREEN FREEZES OR IS BLACK, NOT DISPLAYING ANYTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK. I'VE ALSO EX…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission that require replacement, and some report sudden unintended acceleration. These are serious safety and cost concerns.
Sudden acceleration incidents have led to crashes, and coolant bypass valve failures trigger engine maintenance lights. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
Complaints include a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on steep hills. This is a critical safety failure that could cause a crash.
HVAC systems can develop a strong vinegar or mildew odor, and other electrical glitches may occur. While less severe, these annoyances affect comfort and resale value.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda Mazda6 — 22 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: 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)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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. M…
The defect: 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, O…
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and 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)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda Mazda6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 54 vs. 214 for the Camry) and fewer crash-related reports. In practice, this means you're less likely to encounter frequent, serious problems with the Mazda6, though both have notable issues.
Key differences
- The Camry has about four times as many complaints per year as the Mazda6, with power train and brake issues being especially common.
- Mazda6 owners report electrical failures that can cause sudden loss of power and steering, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Frame rust is a major concern for older Mazda6 models in rust-prone areas, whereas the Camry's most serious issues are mechanical and brake-related.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 22) and more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 37), though both have injury reports.
- Check for rust on the front frame and crossmember, especially if the car has been in a salt-belt state; look for flaking metal or previous recall repairs.
- Test all electronics thoroughly, including the infotainment screen, steering wheel controls, and warning lights, and listen for any engine overheating or low oil pressure warnings.
- During a test drive, listen for grinding noises from the transmission and feel for any hesitation or sudden acceleration; also test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond.
- Check for a mildew or vinegar smell from the air vents when the AC is running, and ask if the coolant bypass valve has been replaced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Mazda6 frame rust recall and Camry power train recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the Mazda6's frame and electrical system and the Camry's transmission and brakes.
- Test drive on varied roads, including a steep hill for the Camry to check brake response, and a highway stretch for the Mazda6 to check for power loss.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for oil changes and any transmission or brake work.
- Verify that any recall repairs were completed correctly, and get documentation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda Mazda6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 155 |
| 2020 | 2 | 270 |
| 2019 | 6 | 393 |
| 2018 | 58 | 736 |
| 2017 | 60 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda Mazda6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda6 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda Mazda6 total complaints
- 538
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda Mazda6 total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda Mazda6 avg complaints/year
- 53.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda6
- Mazda Mazda6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN