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2016 Mazda MAZDA6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 105.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 23 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports0 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

11 reports
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113,500 miles · Oct 21, 2025
Electrical SystemSeats

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 lo…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11694675

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainInjury

PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue

NHTSA ODI #11667949

110,000 miles · Mar 21, 2022
Electrical System

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11457624

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2021
Electrical System

The vehicle infotainment system in this 2016 Mazda 6 no longer works and has what is called a rolling reboot. This seems a common problem with Mazda's based on a service alert SA-011/20 as well as a TSB 09-020/18. When broken I can't use the hands free to make or receive calls, nor can I modify preferences, service warnings, us…

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The vehicle infotainment system in this 2016 Mazda 6 no longer works and has what is called a rolling reboot. This seems a common problem with Mazda's based on a service alert SA-011/20 as well as a TSB 09-020/18. When broken I can't use the hands free to make or receive calls, nor can I modify preferences, service warnings, use the radio etc. The car is out of warranty and the part known as a connectivity master unit (CMU) is over $1000 including tax. I think Mazda should at least provide a replacement part for this very common problem, which effects many models.

NHTSA ODI #11431247

60,000 miles · Sep 3, 2020
Electrical System

MY INFOTAINMENT UNIT IS IN A CONSTANT REBOOT. I CANNOT ACCESS MY CAR SETTINGS OR RADIO OR BLUETOOTH, AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA IS NOT WORKING EVERY TIME. IT WAS FINE AND THEN IT WASNT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE 1500 DOLLARS. I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IN MY RESEARCH. I THINK THIS SHOUL…

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MY INFOTAINMENT UNIT IS IN A CONSTANT REBOOT. I CANNOT ACCESS MY CAR SETTINGS OR RADIO OR BLUETOOTH, AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA IS NOT WORKING EVERY TIME. IT WAS FINE AND THEN IT WASNT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE 1500 DOLLARS. I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IN MY RESEARCH. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I CANNOT ACCESS MY CAR SETTINGS, MY CAMERA IS NOT WORKING AND MY ALERT FOR WHEN SOMEONE IS BEHIND ME IS ALSO NOT WORKING. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE REBOOT. IT IS ALSO VERY DISTRACTING TO BE DRIVING WITH A COMPUTER THAT IS CONSTANTLY REBOOTING. THE SYSTEM IS REBOOTING WHEN THE CAR IS ON, WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE SITTING STILL. I REACHED OUT TO MAZDA WHO SAID IT IS NOT A RECALL YET BUT IF I PAID FOR THE FIX AND THEY DID CALL A RECALL I WOULD GET REIMBURSED. A 1500 DOLLAR FIX FOR RADIO IS RIDICULOUS AND A CAR THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THE COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONED IS MY ONLY GUESS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP. I HAVE A SAFETY INSPECTION DUE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND IM NOT SURE IT WILL PASS.

NHTSA ODI #11352930

40,000 miles · Aug 5, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

I WAS BRAKING TO A STOP AFTER DECELLERATING, DRIVING ORIGINALLY ABOUT 45 MPH. TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD. MY CAR SLOWED BUT RESISTED STOPPING. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER UNTIL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ENTIRELY ON THE BRAKE, AS I ONLY USE …

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I WAS BRAKING TO A STOP AFTER DECELLERATING, DRIVING ORIGINALLY ABOUT 45 MPH. TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD. MY CAR SLOWED BUT RESISTED STOPPING. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER UNTIL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ENTIRELY ON THE BRAKE, AS I ONLY USE MY RIGHT FOOT TO OPERATE THE PEDALS. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING LIKE IT WAS ACCELLERATING. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV HIGHER IN INTENSITY. I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, AND THE ENGINE REVVED MUCH HIGHER. I PUSHED THE START/STOP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. I WAS ABLE TO ROLL DOWN THE POWER WINDOW EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE. THE STARTER ENGAGED, BUT THE CAR DID NOT START. I TRIED TWICE AGAIN AND IT DID THE SAME THING. I TRIED A FOURTH TIME AND IT REACTED AS IF THE BATTERY WAS ALMOST DEAD, SOME SOUND BUT NO MOVEMENT. I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO HAVE THE ATTENDING POLICE OFFICER PUSH IT OUT OF THE LANE OF TRAFFIC, AND WE NOTICED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. I DID NOT ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE MYSELF! MY HUSBAND ARRIVED, AND HE AND THE OFFICER WERE ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR HAD TO BE LOADED ONTO A ROLL-OFF WRECKER TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11343512

54,900 miles · Mar 20, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MAZDA M6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWERS AS THE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE SLIDE AND REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AIR BAG WAS THE ONLY A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MAZDA M6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWERS AS THE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE SLIDE AND REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AIR BAG WAS THE ONLY AIR BAG THAT DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND FAILED TO DISENGAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LOWER BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAS RETAINED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED CONTINENTAL (4800 OLD SEWARD HIGHWAY, ANCHORAGE, AK 99503) AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED BUT NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,900.

NHTSA ODI #11318837

42,200 miles · Nov 13, 2019
Electrical System

THIS MAZDA 6 MODEL IS EQUIPPED WITH A VIDEO DISPLAY SCREEN MOUNTED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT OPERATES THE RADIO, COMMUNICATION, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE VIEW PROJECTED BY THE REAR VIEW CAMERA. UPON IGNITION, THE SCREEN OPERATES FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND THEN GOES DARK AND SHUTS DOWN. THE REAR VIEW SAFETY FEATURE IS DISABLED THEREBY …

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THIS MAZDA 6 MODEL IS EQUIPPED WITH A VIDEO DISPLAY SCREEN MOUNTED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT OPERATES THE RADIO, COMMUNICATION, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE VIEW PROJECTED BY THE REAR VIEW CAMERA. UPON IGNITION, THE SCREEN OPERATES FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND THEN GOES DARK AND SHUTS DOWN. THE REAR VIEW SAFETY FEATURE IS DISABLED THEREBY JEOPARDIZING PUBLIC SAFETY. THE SCREEN SHUTS DOWN WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONERY, ON THE STREET OR IN THE GARAGE. I NOTIFIED THE MAZDA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, BY LETTER, OF THE PROBLEM, BUT GOT NO ANSWER.

NHTSA ODI #11279819

140,000 miles · Jul 27, 2017
Electrical System

WHEN PRESSING THE START/STOP BUTTON, THE IGNITION DOES NOT TURN OFF ALTHOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN "P" POSITION AND THE "ENGINE" SHUTS OFF NORMALLY, THE IGNITION STAYS ON (IN ACCESSORY MODE).

NHTSA ODI #11010951

22,000 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Electrical SystemService Brakes

SMART CITY BREAKS MALFUNCTION. A BREAKING SYSTEM THAT IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO WORK WHEN GOING UNDER 20MPH, APPLIED WHEN I WAS GOING 65-70 DOWN A FREEWAY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR STARTED APPLYING BREAKS, THEN SLAMMED ON BREAKS. DRIVERS FOOT STILL ON GAS PEDDLE, HAPPENED WITHIN SECONDS.

NHTSA ODI #10967288

Official recalls

1

17V546000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification; Seats; Steering:electric Power Assist System

Aug 31, 2017

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.

Consequence: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.

Consequence: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

Seats

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.

Consequence: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.