Is the Mazda Mazda6 Reliable?

2003–2021 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

98/100
Excellent

Reliability Score

8
Total Recalls
376
Owner Complaints
26
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths
Recall intensity (what drives the score)
0.4 recalls/yr vs. sedan median 1.2/yr
Safety record (separate score)
Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 26 injuries on record

Own a Mazda Mazda6? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Mazda Mazda6 Reliability by Year

Model YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliability ScoreRating
202108——
100
Excellent
202002——
100
Excellent
201901——
100
Excellent
2018047——
97
Excellent
2017040——
100
Excellent
201615411—
83
Good
2015140——
98
Excellent
20141968—
83
Good
20132191—
100
Excellent
20123696—
83
Good

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the Mazda6 Compares to Similar Vehicles

Mazda Mazda698/100
Sedan Category Average72/100

The Mazda6 scores 26 points above the average sedan — a strong result.

Known Mazda Mazda6 Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

ENGINE
49
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
49
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
43
SERVICE BRAKES
34
POWER TRAIN
29
AIR BAGS
29

Based on 376 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda Mazda6 reliable?+

The Mazda Mazda6 scores 98/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 8 recall campaigns and 376 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year Mazda6 is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2021 Mazda6 achieved the highest reliability score of 100/100 with 0 recalls and 8 complaints.

How many miles does a Mazda6 last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Mazda Mazda6 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Mazda6 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Mazda Mazda6 Research

Check a Specific Mazda Mazda6 VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

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