Mazda6 (GJ)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
PY
2.5L 4-cyl / 187 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
PY Turbo
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda Mazda6 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
L3V
2.3L / 144 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.5-I4-Gas
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda Mazda6, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6
On a used 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (91), the engine (77) and the brakes (57). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 91 owner complaints on the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 77 owner complaints on the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints on the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (8)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured August 12, 2016, to September 28, 2016 and equipped with optional accessory fog lights. Due to an incorrect combination switch being installed, the turn signals may not automatically cancel by the rotation of the steering wheel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Show 3 older recalls
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not warn the driver of the drop in pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, through May 9, 2013. In the affected vehicles, it is possible to fill the fuel tank beyond its rated capacity.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 complaints?
Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the brakes.
Is the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 have?
NHTSA has 416 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2014-2021 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda6?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Mazda6?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 416 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.