Mazda MAZDA6 Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 20, 2026 · 198 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Mazda MAZDA6 across 16 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “automatic transmission” (12% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Automatic transmission: mentioned in 24 of 198 complaints (12%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Mazda MAZDA6 at $3,300, and half of them between $2,000 and $5,450.

Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 161 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles28 · 17%
10k–25k miles27 · 17%
25k–50k miles31 · 19%
50k–75k miles27 · 17%
75k–100k miles19 · 12%
100k–150k miles22 · 14%
150k+ miles7 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 198 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 3 an injury.

Mazda MAZDA6 power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2003, with 36 complaints
2002: 122002122003: 36362004: 192004192005: 19192006: 202006202007: 17172008: 9200892009: 772010: 5201052011: 332013: 1201312014: 19192015: 8201582016: 11112017: 3201732018: 99

n = 198 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2018 MAZDA6916%8,600
2017 MAZDA635%39,250
2016 MAZDA61114%7,500
2015 MAZDA6813%29,500
2014 MAZDA61914%45,000
2013 MAZDA614%10,200
2011 MAZDA632%61,005
2010 MAZDA652%53,000
2009 MAZDA672%105,000
2008 MAZDA698%71,568
2007 MAZDA61711%65,000
2006 MAZDA62012%51,500
2005 MAZDA61913%27,100
2004 MAZDA61912%55,000
2003 MAZDA63621%24,491
2002 MAZDA61243%62,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 18 complaints
2003: 420032004: 122005: 920052006: 132007: 1520072008: 62009: 520092010: 162011: 1120112012: 42013: 1120132014: 18182015: 620152016: 152017: 920172018: 82019: 820192020: 42021: 720212022: 62024: 220242025: 42026: 52026

n = 198 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); engineJun 27, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V497000 · 262,220 vehicles

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 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…

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…

Received May 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11738817

The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the engine choked, and the vehicle stalled. The contact…

Received Apr 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11729881

System Failure: The Power Train (6-speed Automatic Transmission) suffered a major malfunction, documented by diagnostic codes P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio) and P0780 (Shift Error). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of propulsion while attempting…

Received Apr 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11728615

I recently discovered a significant oil leak near the exhaust manifold of my 2018 Mazda 6 (2.5L NA), which has resulted in visible smoke and a burning oil odor. Upon taking the vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealership for a diagnosis, the service department informed me that the vehicle has suffered…

Received Jan 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11709431

Frequently asked questions

Do all Mazda MAZDA6s have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 198 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?

Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Mazda MAZDA6?

Owners report a typical cost of $3,300 (half paid between $2,000 and $5,450), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about power train problems on the Mazda MAZDA6?

The most frequent phrase is “automatic transmission”, in 24 of 198 complaints.

Other Mazda MAZDA6 problems

See all Mazda MAZDA6 problems.