2016 Mazda MAZDA6 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 77 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MAZDA6 years
Fewer complaints than other years 12th of 20 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6. That ranks 12th out of 20 MAZDA6 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (11 complaints, 14%), typically at around 54,900 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 8 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System11 · ~54,900 mi
Power Train11 · ~7,500 mi
Service Brakes11 · ~40,000 mi
Unknown or Other11 · ~14,900 mi
Seats9 · ~59,600 mi
Engine7 · ~18,275 mi
Vehicle Speed Control7 · ~40,000 mi
Air Bags6 · ~52,450 mi
Steering6 · ~54,900 mi
Structure5 · ~6,800 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1114%54,900——
Power Train1114%7,500——
Service Brakes1114%40,000——
Unknown or Other1114%14,900——
Seats912%59,600——
Engine79%18,275——
Vehicle Speed Control79%40,000——
Air Bags68%52,450——
Steering68%54,900——
Structure56%6,800——
Suspension56%15,000——
Wheels56%18,550——
Fuel/propulsion System45%9,950——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)23%44,000——
Exterior Lighting23%58,600——
Parking Brake23%72,500——
Seat Belts23%22,441——
Visibility/wiper23%63,150——
Forward Collision Avoidance11%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11%1,200——
Tires11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2016, with 13 complaints
2015: 5201552016: 132016132017: 112017112018: 6201862019: 6201962020: 112020112021: 2202122022: 6202262023: 3202332024: 4202442025: 7202572026: 320263

n = 77 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2016 Mazda MAZDA6 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classification; steering:electric power assist system; seatsAug 31, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V546000 · 51,943 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was noticed inside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the clutch disc kit had failed and needed…

Power Train · received Aug 31, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11760866

The front CV axles on my car have failed. It begun with a clicking noise and vibration when accelerating. I took the car to the Mazda dealership, and they confirmed the sounds but said they weren't able to diagnose the issue and that I would have to leave my car for them to figure it out. This…

Power Train · received May 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11738817

The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732963

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passenger’s side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in…

Electrical System · received Oct 21, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11694675

My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly

Air Bags · received Jul 25, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11676202

Other Mazda MAZDA6 years

← 2015 MAZDA6 · 2017 MAZDA6 →

See all Mazda MAZDA6 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?

Owners most often report electrical system, power train, service brakes problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 11 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MAZDA6 model years, the 2016 has fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.