Mazda6 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most urgent documented Mazda6 problem is Takata air bags: 2003–2008 cars have driver and passenger inflator recalls and 2009–2013 cars have passenger inflator recalls, all under Mazda’s do-not-drive advisory if unrepaired. Other issues include sticky dashboards, salt-state cross member rust and 2018–2019 engine-stall software. Mazda dropped the Mazda6 after 2021.

CarWhere lists 11 documented Mazda6 issues, including 10 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Mazda6 generations at a glance

Mazda6 generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
3rd gen2014–2021Engine control software can stall the engine (recall 19V497) · Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) · Tire pressure monitor may miss a slow four-tire drop (recall 14V675) · Parking brake actuator can corrode and bind (recall 17V393)
2nd gen2009–2013Takata passenger air bag inflators (recalls 17V429, 18V018, 18V717) · Dashboard crash pad can turn sticky in heat and humidity (warranty extension) · Door latch mounting screws can loosen (recall 13V425) · Front cross member can rust through in salt states (recalls 18V631, 19V323) · Spider webs can block the fuel tank vent line (recalls 11V134, 14V114)
1st gen2003–2008Takata driver air bag inflator: do-not-drive advisory (recall 17V474) · Takata passenger air bag inflator can explode (recalls 18V402, 19V781)

3rd gen Mazda6 problems (2014–2021)

Engine control software can stall the engine (recall 19V497) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2014–2021)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
Engine not specified in the recall summary; check by VIN

A powertrain control module software error can stall the engine on certain 2018–2019 Mazda6 and CX-5 models and 2019 Mazda3 models. Dealers reprogram the PCM. The 262,220 total covers all three models.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls while driving or at idle

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V497 (2019-06) · 262,220 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2014–2021)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All

The low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack and make the pump fail on certain 2018 Mazda6 models and several other Mazda models (121,038 in total). Dealers replace the pump.

Symptoms

  • Rough running
  • Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 21V875 (2021-11) · 121,038 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Tire pressure monitor may miss a slow four-tire drop (recall 14V675) (2014–2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2014–2021)
Years:
2014–2015
Powertrain:
All

If all four tires lose pressure gradually at the same time, the TPMS on 99,711 2014–2015 Mazda6 models may not warn the driver, failing FMVSS 138. Dealers update the TPMS software.

Symptoms

  • No TPMS warning despite low tires

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 14V675 (2014-10) · 99,711 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Parking brake actuator can corrode and bind (recall 17V393) (2014–2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2014–2021)
Years:
2014–2015
Powertrain:
All

Water can get into the rear caliper and corrode the parking brake actuator shaft on 2014–2015 Mazda6 and 2014–2016 Mazda3 models (227,814 in total). Dealers check and replace corroded shafts.

Symptoms

  • Parking brake drags or will not release

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 17V393 (2017-06) · 227,814 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

2nd gen Mazda6 problems (2009–2013)

Takata passenger air bag inflators (recalls 17V429, 18V018, 18V717) (2009–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

Passenger frontal air bag inflators in 2009–2013 Mazda6 models can rupture or explode after years of heat and humidity. Recall 17V429 covers 2009–2011 cars; 18V018 and 18V717 added more 2009–2013 cars by region, and 19V782 replaces inflators previously swapped for the same design. Mazda’s August 2024 do-not-drive advisory includes unrepaired 2009–2013 Mazda6 models.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN
  • If an air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to a Mazda dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 17V429 (2017-06) · 205,377 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6][7][8][9]

Dashboard crash pad can turn sticky in heat and humidity (warranty extension) (2009–2013)

Minor
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

In August 2016 Mazda extended coverage to 10 years from the original warranty start date, with no mileage limit, for dashboard crash pads on certain 2009–2013 Mazda6 models built February 4, 2008 to August 24, 2012. Mazda said material on some 2010 cars exposed to high heat and humidity could deteriorate and turn sticky. Discolored, warped or split pads were not covered.

Symptoms

  • Tacky or shiny dashboard surface

Check before buying

  • The 10-year coverage has expired on every eligible car, so inspect the dash in person

Sources: [10]

Door latch mounting screws can loosen (recall 13V425) (2009–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

The door latch mounting screws on 161,400 2009–2013 Mazda6 models built February 4, 2008 to August 24, 2012 can loosen. Dealers apply thread-locking adhesive and retorque the screws (campaign 7013I).

Symptoms

  • Door hard to latch or rattles

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 13V425 (2013-09) · 161,400 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

Front cross member can rust through in salt states (recalls 18V631, 19V323) (2009–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

Road salt can corrode the front cross member on Mazda6 models sold or registered in salt states: recall 18V631 covers 50,176 2009–2010 cars and 19V323 covers 51,118 2011–2013 cars. Dealers inspect the member, then add a side member, drain hose and wax protection or fit an improved cross member.

Symptoms

  • Clunks from the front end
  • Heavy rust under the front of the car

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 18V631 (2018-09) · 50,176 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][13]

Spider webs can block the fuel tank vent line (recalls 11V134, 14V114) (2009–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2012
Powertrain:
2.5L (14V114)

A type of spider can weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, causing excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank that could crack it. Recall 11V134 covered 52,000 2009–2010 cars; 14V114 covered 42,000 2010–2012 models with the 2.5L engine, reprogramming the PCM and replacing tanks where webs were found.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light
  • Fuel smell

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 11V134 (2011-02) · 52,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14][15]

1st gen Mazda6 problems (2003–2008)

Takata driver air bag inflator: do-not-drive advisory (recall 17V474) (2003–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2003–2008)
Years:
2003–2008
Powertrain:
All, incl. Mazdaspeed6

The dual-stage driver frontal air bag in 2003–2008 Mazda6 and 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed6 models (plus 2004–2008 RX-8) can rupture from moisture intrusion. Mazda told owners not to drive the cars until fixed; the recall began September 12, 2017. Mazda repeated that do-not-drive advice in August 2024. The 308,992 count covers all three models.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN
  • If an air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to a Mazda dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 17V474 (2017-07) · 308,992 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16][9]

Takata passenger air bag inflator can explode (recalls 18V402, 19V781) (2003–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2003–2008)
Years:
2003–2008
Powertrain:
All, incl. Mazdaspeed6

Recall 18V402 replaces passenger frontal air bag inflators in 2003–2008 Mazda6 and 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed6 models nationwide (308,591 vehicles including MPV and RX-8 additions). Recall 19V781 covers cars whose inflators had already been replaced with the same design. Owners are advised not to drive until repaired.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN
  • If an air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to a Mazda dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 18V402 (2018-06) · 308,591 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17][18][9]

Related Mazda6 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Mazda6 was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda6 years are in the Takata recall?

2003–2008 Mazda6 and 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed6 models have driver (17V474) and passenger (18V402, 19V781) inflator recalls. 2009–2013 cars have passenger inflator recalls (17V429, 18V018, 18V717, 19V782). Mazda says unrepaired cars should not be driven.

Why is my Mazda6 dashboard sticky?

Mazda said the crash pad material on some 2009–2013 Mazda6 models can deteriorate and turn sticky in high heat and humidity. It extended coverage to 10 years with no mileage limit in 2016; that window has now closed.

What is the Mazda6 spider recall?

Spiders could build webs in the evaporative canister vent line, creating excess vacuum in the fuel tank. Recalls 11V134 (2009–2010) and 14V114 (2010–2012, 2.5L) cleaned the line and added fixes.

When was the Mazda6 discontinued?

Mazda said in May 2021 it would discontinue the Mazda6 for the 2022 model year in the U.S., making 2021 the last model year.

How do I check a Mazda6 for open recalls?

Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and on Mazda’s recall page. Arrange a tow if an air bag recall is open.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 19V497000: Software Error May Cause Engine Stall — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recall 21V875000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 14V675000: Tire Pressure Monitoring System/FMVSS 138 — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 17V393000: Parking Brake Actuators may Corrode — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 17V429000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 18V018000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recall 18V717000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recall 19V782000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  9. Mazda Issues DO NOT DRIVE Advisory for Remaining Open Takata Frontal Air Bag Recalls (Aug. 13, 2024) — Mazda USA News
  10. Mazda3 and Mazda6 Warranty Extension Statement (Aug. 5, 2016) — Mazda USA News
  11. NHTSA recall 13V425000: Door Latch Mounting Screws may Loosen — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recall 18V631000: Road Salt Causing Corrosion of Cross Member — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recall 19V323000: Road Salt Causing Corrosion of Cross Member — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 11V134000: FUEL TANK PRESSURE — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recall 14V114000: Spiders may Block Fuel Tank Vent Line — NHTSA
  16. NHTSA recall 17V474000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture — NHTSA
  17. NHTSA recall 18V402000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  18. NHTSA recall 19V781000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.