Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 | 76% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2018 | 32 | 55% | 7,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 9% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 7% | 5,000 miles |
| 2014 | 15 | 11% | 46,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% | 55,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 2009 | 16 | 4% | 115,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% | 42,000 miles |
| 2007 | 18 | 12% | 63,000 miles |
| 2006 | 19 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 15 | 10% | 61,000 miles |
| 2004 | 18 | 11% | 77,000 miles |
| 2003 | 46 | 26% | 52,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 36% | 58,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The low oil pressure light had turned on shortly after my first oil change (roughly at around 6k miles). I had the service done at a trusted service shop back in April 2021. I wrote it off mentally thinking that it was just a one off thing and that the shop may have made a mistake and underfilled the engine because of unclear specifications between the mazda6 Turbo version vs other models within the same lineup. I measured the oil and confirmed it was low and topped it off with over a half quart of oil and never bothered with it again. Six months later I return to the same shop for an oil change at 11k miles. I had no issues up until the 17k miles month mark when I am about to schedule the oil service the low oil pressure light turns on once again. I top it off and go online to see similar experiences with the same issue experienced by other drivers.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the oil light continually illuminated on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. Upon investigation, the contact discovered information that a defective valve in the engine might have been the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,800.
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. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a delay before the vehicle responded. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fuel leak on the driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the fuel tank was rusted and the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
I have a 2017 Mazda 6 that has an extremely loud engine. I have taken it in and I'm told the car is fine but I can feel the engine knocking through the pedal as I drive. The sound has gotten louder over time and it's not getting any better. I've had some belts change and keep up my regular maintenance and Mazda can't seem to figure out what the issue is. I have friends with the same model and their engine sounds normal.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda6 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (46), 2018 (32), 2006 (19), 2004 (18) and 2007 (18) model years. Engine complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda6 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mazda Mazda6 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda6 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (27 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (10).
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.