Mazda Mazda6 Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Mazda Mazda6 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2012β2021) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Mazda Mazda6 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mazda Mazda6 has 528 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2012β2021. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2014 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Mazda6
- Model years analyzed
- 2012β2021 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 528
- Safety recall campaigns
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 37
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2014 (137 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2019 (5 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Mazda Mazda6: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe MAZDA MAZDA6 has 528 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 37 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 528 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 22 federal recall campaigns
- 37 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
22 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012β2021. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 528 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
528 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Uneven premature brake wear. Right front and right rear pads and rotors worn beyond limits in 28,000miles of lite freeway driving. Left front and Left rear only half worn. Engine has multiple oil leaks.
EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING. I HAVE THE SOUL RED (V46) PAINT. IT WAS PURCHASED ON 06JUN2020 AND HAS ONLY 2,000 MILES BUT IT HAS 3 LARGE CHIPS. MOST OF THE MILES ARE JUST GOING TO THE STORE. I WORK FROM HOME SO I DON'T DRIVE BUT A COUPLE DAYS A WEEK.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2019 Mazda 6 GTR. Below are the details of the issue: Vehicle Information: Make: Mazda Model: 6 GTR Year: 2019 VIN: [XXX] Problem Description: My vehicle began to overheat while driving. The vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained at authorized Mazda dealerships. Mazda Liberty is now asking me to pay approximately $10,000 for a new engine, while Mazda warranty declined to provide support, as I am two months past the warranty period. I have discovered that there are numerous complaints similar engine issues with Mazda vehicles, specifically related to coolant leaks and cylinder head cracks. Incident Details: Date of Incident: [XXX] Mileage at Incident: 35,000 miles Symptoms: Overheating, engine seizure Actions Taken: Topped up coolant, visited local garage and authorized dealership I believe this issue poses a significant safety risk, and I am seeking NHTSA's assistance in investigating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. Sincerely, [XXX] Cell: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The forward smart city brake malfunction front radar sense malfunction caused my car to slow down on the express with the check engine light blinking.
The paint is chipping excessively and will lead to extensive body damage at the rate it is chipping and exposing the metal underneath. I am taking the vehicle in to the dealer next week to show them the damage. The chipping issue has already been documented on a Bill of Lading from a transporter who shipped the car to me. I will upload it below.
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 EXPERIENCED A LONG DELAY IN RESPONSE AFTER PRESSING CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THESE ISSUES HAPPEN RANDOMLY AND WILL CONTINUE WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED.
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING AND STEERING WHEEL WAS TURN TO RIGHT TO KEEP STRAIGHT AND FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE. I DROVE HOME AND HIT THE BRAKES AND CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT HARD. THE CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT WHEN I GOT HOME I FOUND PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS NOT STRAIGHT AND WAS CROOKED. I TOOK TO MEINKE AND THEY FOUND ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE OF ENGINE RUSTED BADLY AND LOOKED LIKE SWISS CHEESE THEY STATED I WAS LUCKY TO GET THERE AND THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR AND THAT IT WOULD BE $1200 TO $1500 TO FIX. *BF
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained. After receiving the recall repair, the contact became aware that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was tilted to the left. The front passengerβs side tire was slightly turned inward. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross member on the passengerβs side was rusted, causing several fractures. After inspecting the damaged area, the mechanic confirmed that it was the area that was repaired under recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 67,000.
I JUST BAUGHT A 2013 MAZDA6 THE REAR CRADEL AND CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETY RUSTED AWAY ONE MOUNT WAS COMPLETY RUSTED OFF .THE SPRINGS WAS ALMOST READY TO FALL OUT THE BOTTEM OF THE SPRING PURCH .IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE OCEAN WHERE IT HAD STAYED FOR YEARS .I TRIED TO FIND A USED REPLACEMENT OUT OF SEVERAL WE FOUND FROM 10-13 AND GOING THRU NATIONAL SALVAGE PARTS WE CAN NOT FIND ONE THAT WAS NOT RUSTY AWAY ALL THE MAZDA6 FRAMS WERE SO RUSTED THEY COULD NOT BE USED .WHY IS THIS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST IF ALL I COULD FIND ARE RUSTED OUT PARTS THAT IS A SAFTY HAZZARD TO HAVE ON THE ROAD.
My car has approx 115,000 miles. I took it to Bass Mazda to have spark plugs and serpentine belt changed simply for maintenance purposes. After leaving dealership my car was pulling to the right. My steering wheel was no longer centered. It also was turned toward the right. Any time I had to hit the brakes the car pulled very hard to right. Long story short it we ended up finding out that my sub frame is very rusted and cracked. My car specifically does not fall into the recall for this issue. When I called mazda to inform them that this may be an issue with other cars the rep was ki d of rude. She just kept telling me I needed to contact the dealership to see what they could do and get cost appraisal. I was simply trying to let them know this could be an issue for other vehicles.
2013 Mazda 6 VIN [XXX] 1)Fuel tank leak. yes it is available for inspection 2)Gas leak with danger of fire or explosion. 3) Yes 4) No 5)Yes Reoccurring The 2014 Mazda 6 had a recall for the exact same problem I am having where the tank would overfill or if parked unlevel and it will activate a check engine light and "leak gas" out of the EVAP canister even while driving. The recall covered cars built between October 25, 2012 and May 9, 2013. My car was built 7-19-2012 and the dealer will not fix the issue. I have taken it to a dealer in Cincinnati and they said put a new fuel cap on it which I did. The problem has persisted and has gotten worse. I have taken it to garages where they have merely reset the light and returned it unfixed. I have lived "because of the Covid" with the situation over a year and a half by only filling the tank half full. I have only recently discovered the 2014 had a recall but not the 2013. I have spent over a 1000$ trying to get someone to fix it but no body has yet to do the job. It has potential to explode and or catch afire. I am asking for help and reporting Mazda for under recalling and fixing the recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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. mechanic discribes it as 'catastrophic engine failure'. other than the check engine light, there were no other warnings. the temperature gage was normal and there were no weird sounds or smoke. diagnostic readings said a coolant leak lead to the radiator overheating which caused the engine to seize. the freeze frame data says 'P0117 engine coolant temperature sensor 1 circuit low'. I researched that and it said that when 'low', the check engine will come on but there will probably be no other warnings and that the sensor usually needs to be replaced around 100k miles. my vehicle is at 51k miles. currently have 3k in repairs which does not include the cost of an engine.
RELATED TO MAZDA RECALL NUMBER 2818I - FRONT FRAME ROTTING OUT. THEY APPLIED A BANDAID FIX UNDER THE RECALL, TO ONLY 1 SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PART THEY USED DOES NOT EVEN CONNECT TO THE ACTUAL SUSPENSION PIECES THAT ARE ROTTING OUT OF THE FRAME. IT IS BASICALLY A PLATE TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING COMPLETELY ON ONLY 1 SIDE. THE PROBLEM IS THE ENTIRE FRAME IS STILL ROTTING AT A CRAZY EXCESSIVE RATE. I HAVE HAD MANY USED, OLDER VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A CAR SO NEW ALMOST RENDERED UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE FRAME CONDITION. MY MECHANIC SAID IT SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED GIVEN HOW MUCH CORROSION/RUST IS ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INSTEAD OF ONLY A BRACKET ON ONE SIDE... AND THE FIX THEY PERFORMED IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LIABILITY TREATMENT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM COMPLETELY FALLING APART AND KILLING SOMEONE WHEN THE FRAME FAILS ON THAT SIDE. THE FRAME WAS LEFT IN PLACE AND IS ROTTING FASTER THAN I HAVE EVEN SEEN ON A VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LESS THAN 10YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 100K MILES. NHTSA NEEDS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS RECALL AS SOME DEALERS ARE DOING THE BEAR MINIMUM TO 'FIX' THE ISSUE INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE FRAME AS THEY SHOULD BE....SOME OF THE CARS WERE NEWER AND WERE NOT YET EXPERIENCING THE HEAVY RUST AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BUT FAST FORWARD A YEAR OR TWO AND THE ENTIRE FRAME IS NEARLY JUNK COVERED BY A FANCY METAL PLATE ON ONLY 1 SIDE THAT IS SIMPLY INTENDED TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING AND NOTHING ELSE...IT DIDN'T AT ALL 'FIX' THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT SUBMIT PICS RIGHT NOW, BUT GIVEN THIS IS RELATED TO A PREVIOUS RECALL NOT SURE IT IS NECESSARY...LOOK INTO HOW THEY ARE 'BANDAIDING' SOME OF THE 2013'S WHILE REPLACING THE ENTIRE FRAMES ON 2011'S...IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE SAME REPAIR AND THE 'BANDAID' FIX DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM OF PREMATURE ROT ON THE FRAME. I CAN SEND AN EXAMPLE OF BOTH UPON REQUEST.
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM YOU BARELY CAN SEE ANYTHING OFTEN I HAVE TO TURN ON HIGH BEAM LIGHTS
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS FROSTED OVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE APPROACHING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS MAZDA LOCATED AT 5625 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615, (419)531-0151, TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *AS
MY 2013 MAZDA 6 HAVE SOME BRAKE RELATED ISSUES, I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE VACCUM OR AIR LEAKAGE NOISE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. CAR TAKES LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP OR AT TIMES IT KEEPS ROLLING AT THE TIME OF HARD BRAKING. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT ITS THE BRAKE BOOSTER LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH ESTIMATES AROUND $600. I WAS TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS ONLINE AND LOOKS LIKE MAZDA HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH OTHER MODELS TOO FROM 2011 MODELS. I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND MAZDA SHOULD BE EXTENDING THEIR SAFETY WARRANTY OFR THESE KNOWN ISSUES OR DEFECTIVE PARTS.
THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MAZDA 6 2013 IS MELTING AND IS VERY STICKY. TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING I STARTED TO NOTICE A GLARE FROM WHERE THE STICKY MELTING PART IS AND IT STARTED OBSTRUCTING MY VISION.
MANUFACTURERS RECALL NUMBER 1317F. NHTSA RECALL 18V-018 AND MANUFACTURERS RECALL NUMBER 70131. NHTSA RECALL 13V42500. FIRST ONE IS AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE AND THE OTHER IS MAZDA 6 DOOR LATCH MOUNTING SCREWS.
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A RECALL ON THE CROSSMEMBER MY VEHICLE IS FROM NEW YORK IT'S A 2013 AND MY HOLE CROSSMEMBER LOOKS LIKE THE CAR IS FROM THE 90 THEIR IS RUST EVERYWHERE AND I LIFTED MY VEHICLE TODAY AND SAW A PART ON TOP OF A PART WHEN THEY SHOULD OF REPLACED THE HOLE CROSSMEMBER I KNOW IT'S FREE BUT INSTEAD OF PUTTING ONE PICE ONTOP OF ONE PICE WHY NOT REPLACE THE HOLE THING ALSO THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 2 DAYS JUST TO PUT THAT PICE WHEN IT'S JUST 4 BOLTS
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE GOING 35 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY.*DT*JB
Showing 20 of 528 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Mazda Mazda6
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mazda Mazda6 has 528 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mazda Mazda6 has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 37 of the Mazda Mazda6's 528 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mazda Mazda6 vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Mazda Mazda6 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mazda Mazda6 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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