Avoid: 2010, 2009, 2006, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2020 (few owner reports)
20 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 19 model years, the Mazda 6 has 2,293 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 87 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. 2009 drew the most complaints (386), 2019 the fewest (6).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mazda 6 vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2017 | 60 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 99 |
| 2011 | 135 |
| 2010 | 225 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2008 | 111 |
| 2007 | 165 |
| 2006 | 193 |
| 2005 | 153 |
| 2004 | 185 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2002 | 28 |
Highest: 2009 (386 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (6).
Sentiment is broadly positive, with the Mazda 6 consistently praised for its reliability, longevity, and driving dynamics.
Noted on multiple generations, particularly older models.
Especially on heat shields and exhaust components, causing rattles; mentioned on pre-2014 models and some later examples.
Often attributed to tire balance rather than mechanical fault.
For specific engines/trims: expensive water pump failure on pre-2014 3.7L V6 (Ford); DPF and timing chain concerns on third-generation diesel models (non-US); turbocharger failures on diesel models mentioned in one report.
Mentioned specifically for base four-cylinder engines in older generations (e.g., 2005 model).
Owner insights cover all generations of the 6. Individual model years are broken down above.
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