2018 Mazda Mazda6 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 31 1 fire

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN ASSISTING ME IN THIS INCIDENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR REPORTS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRST RESPONDERS. MAZDA HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION WITHOUT ME PROVIDING THEM WITH AN "INSPECTION REPORT SUPPORTING THE CLAIM A DEFECT WAS PRESENT AND SAID DEFECT CAUSED THE FIRE." AS I WAS ONLY A LESSEE OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11349943, 2020 · fire

“Crack in Cylinder Head of engine. Mazda has been sued about this and have issued recalls on turbo engines, but not on non turbo ones though its the same systemic design issue with these engines. Wants me to pay 5-7k out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #11734993, 2026

“Car had a coolant leak due to cracked cylinder head that was defective from the factory it was fixed but now the car has engine problems again. Don’t want to keep having these issues in the future”
NHTSA complaint #11729758, 2026

Power Train 9

“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 M…”
NHTSA complaint #11728615, 2026

“I recently discovered a significant oil leak near the exhaust manifold of my 2018 Mazda 6 (2.5L NA), which has resulted in visible smoke and a burning oil odor. Upon taking the vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealership for a diagnosis, the service department informed me that the vehicle has suffered a cracked cylinder head. An active oil drip is visible behind the engine near the exhaust manifold immediately upon starting the car; consequently, the engine is leaking oil directly onto the exhaust components. This condition not only renders the vehicle inoperable but also presents a significant sa…”
NHTSA complaint #11709431, 2025

“Was driving then car suddenly shut down and all panel lights turned on. The car would not start after an hour it started but was Perkins when driving. Mechanics were unable to diagnose the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11688263, 2025

Unknown Or Other 9 1 fire

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN ASSISTING ME IN THIS INCIDENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR REPORTS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRST RESPONDERS. MAZDA HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION WITHOUT ME PROVIDING THEM WITH AN "INSPECTION REPORT SUPPORTING THE CLAIM A DEFECT WAS PRESENT AND SAID DEFECT CAUSED THE FIRE." AS I WAS ONLY A LESSEE OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11349943, 2020 · fire

“Software error/loss of engine power. No warning of this before it happens. The car completely loses power, and stalls or stops in the middle of me driving. This has happened on the freeway and risked my life as well as my husbands, and children. This same issue has been a previous recall and fixed in 2019 for my car, and now it is happening again.”
NHTSA complaint #11636672, 2025

“My car has stalled out on me 6 times in traffic and wouldn’t restart for hours. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they told me nothing was wrong but it continues to happen. I need something done as soon as possible”
NHTSA complaint #11616978, 2024

Electrical System 4 1 fire

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN ASSISTING ME IN THIS INCIDENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR REPORTS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRST RESPONDERS. MAZDA HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION WITHOUT ME PROVIDING THEM WITH AN "INSPECTION REPORT SUPPORTING THE CLAIM A DEFECT WAS PRESENT AND SAID DEFECT CAUSED THE FIRE." AS I WAS ONLY A LESSEE OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11349943, 2020 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11560045, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11478968, 2020

Service Brakes 4

“I am having my brake pads changed at a local mechanic and when changing the pads, the mechanic was unable to change them because the rotors and calipers were rusted and the brake pistons stuck. The previous recall only considered Mazda 6 up to 2013 but my 2018 has had the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11646848, 2025

“Premature caliper failure on front and rear. Ruined rotors at 40k miles, confirmed caliper failure by two service shops. Grinding/squeaking sounds intermittently been happening for since 30,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11663276, 2024

“On [XXX] I purchased a Mazda 6 at Ocean Mazda in Miami, Florida. The car has 18,700 miles. The reason why the car has only 18K miles it's because out of the 4 years we have owned it, it was not used as much as a result of the COVID pandemic and my daughter attending online classes. I have always done timely maintenance services as required by Mazda at our service dealer Ocean Mazda and have proof of maintenance records to confirm the minor maintenance that have been done, oil change, tire rotation, battery replacement and a recall. This past Saturday [XXX] I took our Mazda for an oil change…”
NHTSA complaint #11582244, 2024

Fuel System 3

“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 de…”
NHTSA complaint #11660947, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11460796, 2021

“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 re…”
NHTSA complaint #11448661, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“My car has stalled out on me 6 times in traffic and wouldn’t restart for hours. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they told me nothing was wrong but it continues to happen. I need something done as soon as possible”
NHTSA complaint #11616978, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11560045, 2023

“Hello, I contacted Fremont mazda dealer to fix the below recall. I booked multiple appointment with this dealer to fix the recall but after visiting there service center location they give me reason they are unable to fix it by saying they don't have a part required for fixing the recall Manufacturer Recall Number5321K NHTSA Recall Number21V-875 Please help me to fix this recall as soon as possible. My next appointment schedule at fremont mazda delership on 9th Aptil. Dealer contact number +15104032525 Thanks, Akshay”
NHTSA complaint #11459352, 2022

Suspension 3

“Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11753644, 2026

“THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION POPS, CLUNKS, THE VEHICLE SHAKES, VIBRATION ALSO HAPPENS, IT ALSO CAUSING TIRES TO BE REPLACED FASTER THAN NORMAL THEY GO BOLD IN THE CENTER ITS CAUSING NOW THE AXLES TO SHAKE AT NIGHT TIME YOU CAN SEE THE REFLECTION FROM HEADLIGHTS BOUNCING, THEY HAVE TSB'S ON THIS SUSPENSION ISSUE HOWEVER NOT FOR 2018 ONLY 14-16 MAZDA 6S I BELIEVE AND SUPPOSEDLY THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED WELL THEY LIED BECAUSE MINE IS A 18 AND IT IS A DISASTER, MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW SHIFTING VERY HARD FROM 1ST TO SECOND GEAR, TURN WHEEL IT MAKES A LOUD CLUNK SOUND OR POPPING SOUND, GO OVER A DIP…”
NHTSA complaint #11405090, 2019

“I GOT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2019 SO THE CAR IS STILL NEW AND EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH IT FIRST WERE THE CALIPERS STICKING AND MAZDA GAVE ME A HARD TIME TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AFTER THE FACT KNOWING THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING ISSSUE AND STILL TRIED TO CHARGE ME I TOOK MY VEHICLE THERE MORE THEN 15 TIMES JUST TO DEAL THINGS GOING BAD IN MY CAR. MY CAR STALLS ON ME OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I'M DRIVING WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ME TO CRASH ALSO MY CAR BRAKES WHEN THERE ISN'T ANYTHING IN FRONT OF IT ALL MY MALFUNCTIONING INDICATORS ARE ON AND I HAVE VIDEO PROOF…”
NHTSA complaint #11311402, 2019

Structure 2

“After only 3 years and less than 17,000 miles of driving, the soul red crystal metallic paint is chipping in many spots on the front of the body. There are at least 100 small chips on the hood, bumper, and front fenders. All of this occurred under normal driving conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11418333, 2021

“AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR OF LEASING THIS VEHICLE, AN ABUNDANCE OF ROCK CHIPS HAVE SHOWN UP, MORE THAN ANY OTHER CAR I'VE LEASED. THIS PAINT SEEMS EXTREMELY SUSCEPTIBLE TO FOREIGN OBJECTS. (THIS WOULD BE THE SOUL RED COLOR THEY USE.) ITEMS THAT SHOULDN'T CAUSE A SCRATCH DO, AND ROAD DEBRIS CAUSES CHIPS THAT SHOULDN'T FAR TOO MUCH.”
NHTSA complaint #11349287, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 2

“THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE WHAT'S IN THE GLASS.”
NHTSA complaint #11405758, 2021

“WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. I DID NOT SEE ANY DEBRIS OR ROCKS AND AFTER STOPPING DID NOT FIND ANY DEBRIS OR SIGNS OF ANYTHING HAVING HIT THE GLASS. THERE WAS JUST A LOUD NOISE LIKE THE SOUND OF A SHOTGUN BLAST AND THE MAJORITY OF THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF WAS GONE. I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO MAZDA AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO "ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS" AND WAS NOT COVERED BY THEIR WARRANTY. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REPLACEMENT GLASS WOULD BE $302 WITH APPROXIMATEL…”
NHTSA complaint #11232925, 2019

Back Over Prevention 1

“When I put my car on reverse the sensors beep continuously and give the impression that there are obstacles behind your car. I cleaned all the sensors, but noise is still there. I see a lot of posts regarding same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11556828, 2023

Equipment 1

“2018 MAZDA 6. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE RADIO. *LD *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11189592, 2019

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, HE VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO A DIRT PATCH, AND STRUCK AN OBJECT. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED UPON IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BURNED THE CONTACT'S RIGHT UNDERARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS APARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPRO…”
NHTSA complaint #11282286, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 1

“Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11753644, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11753644, 2026

Wheels 1

“I GOT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2019 SO THE CAR IS STILL NEW AND EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH IT FIRST WERE THE CALIPERS STICKING AND MAZDA GAVE ME A HARD TIME TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AFTER THE FACT KNOWING THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING ISSSUE AND STILL TRIED TO CHARGE ME I TOOK MY VEHICLE THERE MORE THEN 15 TIMES JUST TO DEAL THINGS GOING BAD IN MY CAR. MY CAR STALLS ON ME OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I'M DRIVING WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ME TO CRASH ALSO MY CAR BRAKES WHEN THERE ISN'T ANYTHING IN FRONT OF IT ALL MY MALFUNCTIONING INDICATORS ARE ON AND I HAVE VIDEO PROOF…”
NHTSA complaint #11311402, 2019