Most common 2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Share of the 58 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda6 complaints by model year
Best Mazda6 years: 2019, 2013, 2021. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2014, 2003. Compare all years →
2018 Mazda Mazda6 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2018 Mazda Mazda6 owners say
Engine & cooling all 32 →
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while merging onto a freeway the vehicle did not accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal, lost automotive power. After turning the engine off and back on the vehicle operated as normal but later while driving approximately 65 MPH the failure had reoccurred while attempting the pass a semi-truck on the freeway. The check engine warning light had also illuminated and the vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Took care for routine maintenance to car dealer (Ourisman Mazda Rockville MD). No problems with car. They reported that I had an 'Coolant Leak at the Cylinder Head'. Cost to fix: $6412.47 They reported that it was 'normal wear and tear'. I found a service bulletin from Mazda whereby they admit a manufacturing defect that affected 2.5T engines. They corrected on March 25th, 2021. However, engines prior to this date had this defect. No recalls were created. No warning to owners. My car was within the mileage warranty when they identified the defect (<60k miles and < 5 yrs old). While my car is less than 5 years old, they now identified the leak, but it has over 60k miles. The local dealer said I was out of warranty and there is nothing they could do. …
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that he had experienced a transmission surged on five separate occasions since owning the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer after each failure and various unknown repairs and software updates were performed on the vehicle. However, the failure persisted after each visit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
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 to accelerate. This created an immediate risk of a rear-end collision and left the vehicle unresponsive in the path of oncoming traffic. The transmission's unpredictable shifting makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. Confirmation: The failure and the P0731 code were officially confirmed by Castle Mazda on March 2, 2026. The manufacturer (Mazda) has been notified but has denied a remedy, despite TSB MC-10160555-0001 addressing this specific internal defect. Warning Symptoms: There was no Check Engine Light or dashboard warning prior to or during the failure. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was also notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated upon taken the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the dealer notified the contact of a fuel leak. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the top of the fuel tank and bolts connected to the fuel pump were significantly rusted, causing the fuel leak. The dealer determined that the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the contact had already authorized the dealer to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
2018 Mazda Mazda6 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 a good car?
Based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Mazda6 rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda6 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda Mazda6?
The engine & cooling — 32 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (9) and fuel & propulsion system (7).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6, the most recent from November 12, 2021 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda6?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2013 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2003. See the full Mazda Mazda6 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 11,000 miles; 87% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.