Mazda MAZDA6 Engine Problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Mazda MAZDA6 across 18 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (32). The words owners use most often: “cylinder head” (13% of reports).
- 139engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Cylinder head: mentioned in 18 of 139 complaints (13%)
- Oil leak: mentioned in 8 of 139 complaints (6%)
- Off engine: mentioned in 7 of 139 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 78 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 139 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury.
Mazda MAZDA6 engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 MAZDA6 | 13 | 76% | — |
| 2020 MAZDA6 | 1 | 50% | — |
| 2019 MAZDA6 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2018 MAZDA6 | 32 | 55% | 7,200 |
| 2017 MAZDA6 | 4 | 7% | 37,000 |
| 2016 MAZDA6 | 7 | 9% | 18,275 |
| 2015 MAZDA6 | 4 | 7% | 2,488 |
| 2014 MAZDA6 | 15 | 11% | 46,000 |
| 2012 MAZDA6 | 2 | 2% | 55,000 |
| 2011 MAZDA6 | 3 | 2% | 60,000 |
| 2010 MAZDA6 | 4 | 2% | 100,000 |
| 2009 MAZDA6 | 11 | 3% | 124,000 |
| 2008 MAZDA6 | 2 | 2% | 45,784 |
| 2007 MAZDA6 | 9 | 6% | 92,000 |
| 2006 MAZDA6 | 10 | 6% | 97,000 |
| 2005 MAZDA6 | 4 | 3% | 142,071 |
| 2004 MAZDA6 | 7 | 4% | 58,327 |
| 2003 MAZDA6 | 10 | 6% | 107,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); engine
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: 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.
Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The car only has 70k miles on it. The engine started smoking under the hood. Immediately stopped to look. There was oil leaking but I could not see from where. I took it across the street to the Toyota dealership and had them look at it. They explained to me that there was a crack in the cylinder…
Crack in Cylinder Head of engine. Mazda has been sued about this and have issued recalls on turbo engines, but not on non turbo ones though its the same systemic design issue with these engines. Wants me to pay 5-7k out of pocket.
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…
My cylinder head is leaking coolant. There is a well known and well documented issue with these cylinder heads cracking due to poor casting. This has become such a big issue that Mazda has even recalled the cylinder heads, BUT, only if the engine is equipped with Turbo. However, this issue is…
PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA6s have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 139 owner complaints about engine for the Mazda MAZDA6. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda MAZDA6 engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Mazda MAZDA6?
The most frequent phrase is “cylinder head”, in 18 of 139 complaints, followed by “oil leak” (8).
Other Mazda MAZDA6 problems
- Air Bags problems (636)
- Structure problems (296)
- Electrical System problems (228)
- Suspension problems (226)
- Power Train problems (198)
- Steering problems (136)
- Exterior Lighting problems (114)
See all Mazda MAZDA6 problems.