Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 16% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% | 39,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 14% | 9,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 13% | 32,000 miles |
| 2014 | 19 | 14% | 45,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% | 10,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 63,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% | 53,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% | 105,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 8% | 72,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 11% | 65,000 miles |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% | 52,000 miles |
| 2005 | 19 | 13% | 28,000 miles |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% | 55,000 miles |
| 2003 | 36 | 21% | 25,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 43% | 63,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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.
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. …
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the engine choked, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle accelerated to 60 MPH, the choking and stalling failure ceased. The contact stated that the instrument panel was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as PCM failure. The contact was informed that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
On the night of 6/22/2018 I was traveling back to missouri from florida going about 60-65 MPH on a interchange from I-75 to I-24 when my car locked up completely, it sent me into a spin that I over corrected and threw the car into neutral and had to correct my steering from hitting a guard rail while avoiding 2 semis and 2 cars. We actually got out of this situation by the grace of god and not a single scratch to us or the car. Found out this morning 6/25/2018 that our transmission was the cause and is in the process of being replaced. Is there any other complaints about this situation. And the car has only 18306 miles on it and it's a 2017 Mazda6.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was noticed inside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the clutch disc kit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,166.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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. …
Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear Cross-member rusting at all weld locations. Cat. Sensor Protector Shield has disintegrated. Available for inspection upon request. Failure has not happened yet, but when it does vehicle control will be compromised. Dealer identified problems 12/18/21 and recommended/quoted repair. Vehicle inspected by dealer only. No indicator warnings exist for structural corrosion.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda6 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (36), 2006 (20), 2004 (19), 2005 (19) and 2014 (19) model years. Transmission complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda6 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-497 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Jun 27, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda6 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (52 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (14).
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.