Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 17% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 7% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 19 | 32% | 82,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 14% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 10% | 34,000 miles |
| 2014 | 47 | 34% | 58,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2012 | 12 | 12% | 88,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% | 58,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2009 | 32 | 8% | 57,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% | 37,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% | 81,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% | 81,000 miles |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% | 94,000 miles |
| 2004 | 13 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% | 33,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Was at a drive in window and car turned off and couldn't restart. Windows and lights would work but car wouldn't restart. Could of been driving and would of crashed. Had 3 people family in car. It was 9 pm had to have towed to nearest auto mechanic place 150.00. They are diagnosing and that is 186.00. This is a scary thing and going to BBB and filing a complaint I'm mad as he'll. Have had inspection done on this car 2 months ago and all required services to this car. This was without warning which is horrifying.
The issue I'm experiencing seems to be common, and is called the "infotainment ghost touch screen issue" The electric screen that shows maps, radio stations, chapters in books I'm listening to, driving directions, etc. starts fluctuating wildly whenever I'm approaching traffic lights. This causes a series of loud beeps and screen fluctuations that are not only distracting but startling --especially if I'm not listening to the radio and the car is quiet. The warranty on the electronic screen has expired but the car is in perfect shape other than this issue (which Mazda knows about). The screen is very expensive to fix or replace. Recently, when the infotainment screen fluctuates the mileage and other dashboard screens start fluctuating as well; they're in my line of vision and are distracting and therefore dangerous, especially on Miami's already dangerous highways. …
For the last 2 yrs the screen and radio volume and turned up loudly on it's on while driving and causes a severe distraction. Also the channels change on it's own and beep. The screen changes from light to dark mode on it's own and the Bluetooth cuts out while I'm on the phone or it calls someone on my contact list on it's own. It's caused me to be distracted and almost have accidents because it doesn't stop. This is an ongoing problem with Mazda owners and should be recalled due to safety concerns There was a recall on older models with the same type of issue. . It's gotten much worse lately and I've just taken it to the Mazda dealer. They call a Ghost touch and they said Mazda is aware of the problem. There has also been reports on the BBB website about similiar issues. I called Mazda and they opened a case on it. The Case # is 00104322. …
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passenger's side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in the seat, damaging the air bag located near the seat heater sensor. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the security indicator light was continuously flashing. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and diagnosed as a security indicator light failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and radio and dash lights, had no power to drive train, had vechile dinogstic check done at O'Reilly auto and they told me it was a PCM power control module. And I called the mazda dealer in Fostoria ohio the macanhic told me the PCM power control module had been reprogram and I never received no notice on any recalls or the person I bought my car never either. My car is 7 years old and if it war reprogram it should not go bad that soon. Unless there is a problem with there components there using. But my car will cause a accident if I continue to drive it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Mazda 6. While driving 26 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a rear end collision. The contact stated the warning system did not activate and the automatic braking feature did not engage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda6 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (47), 2009 (32), 2017 (19), 2003 (18) and 2010 (14) model years. Electrical complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda6 electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-173 (alternator/generator/regulator, Apr 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda6 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (6 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator (2).
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.