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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

Service Brakes complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2026
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11732963

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2022
Service Brakes

Pulled up to gas pump, put parking brake on (manual transmission), got out of car and heard a beeping noise from inside. The car then began to drift backwards into traffic. Have DashCam video that can share.

NHTSA ODI #11474292

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2022
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

I was driving between 40-50 MPH at a consistent speed and I began to have to put the brake pedal to the floor in order to slow down the car. Even when doing this the car does not slow down at the rate expected and stopping distance has increased by more than 50 percent. Have been told there is Cracked/leaking bore diameter to th…

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I was driving between 40-50 MPH at a consistent speed and I began to have to put the brake pedal to the floor in order to slow down the car. Even when doing this the car does not slow down at the rate expected and stopping distance has increased by more than 50 percent. Have been told there is Cracked/leaking bore diameter to the master brake cylinder housing is causing pressure and fluid loss, into other internal parts of the braking system. Not visible externally. Mechanic states that they have encountered this problem with several of this year make and model with this exact issue. The shop was able to top off the brake fluid which slightly improved performance but the issue still remains. Car is at 104K miles.

NHTSA ODI #11464246

43,000 miles · Nov 2, 2020
Service Brakes

EMERGENCY PARKING BREAK LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON IT WHEN DRIVING. IF I ATTEMPT TO ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE IN ORDER FOR ME TO DISENGAGE IT REQUIRES THAT I PUT MY SEATBELT ON AND HAVE DOORS LOCK THEN PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO TAKE BREAK OFF. BUT LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON.

NHTSA ODI #11372586

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

40,000 miles · Jul 27, 2020
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11341696

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

117,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Exterior LightingService BrakesVisibility/wiper

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT FUNCTIONING. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FUSES FINDING BOTH FUSES AFFECTING THE WIPERS WERE IN WORKING ORDER. WHILE PULLED OVER, I ALSO NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ON. I CHECKED THE FUSES RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND THESE WERE ALSO IN WORKING …

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT FUNCTIONING. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FUSES FINDING BOTH FUSES AFFECTING THE WIPERS WERE IN WORKING ORDER. WHILE PULLED OVER, I ALSO NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ON. I CHECKED THE FUSES RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND THESE WERE ALSO IN WORKING ORDER. AS I WAS NOT IN A GOOD LOCATION TO LEAVE MY CAR FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, I DROVE MY CAR A FEW MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD. DURING THIS TIME, THE WARNING FOR THE "SMART BREAKING SYSTEM FAILURE" ALSO CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE FRONT BODY CONTROL MODULE. I NOTICED THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THE 2016 MAZDA 3 FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUE. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR HAS, AND BEING THE SAME YEAR AS CARS AFFECTED, I WOULD STRONGLY DISAGREE.

NHTSA ODI #11299751

34,000 miles · Jan 19, 2018
Service Brakes

2016 MAZDA 6 WOULD JUST RANDOMLY ENRAGED E-BRAKE WITHOUT YOU ENGAGING IT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. MAZDA SAID CONTROL MODULE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. MAZDA(BAKERSFIELD)REFUSES TO FIX IT AS ERROR CODES WOULDN'T SHOW UP WHEN DIAGNOSING IT. CAR WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED IN FLORIDA WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HAPPEN…

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2016 MAZDA 6 WOULD JUST RANDOMLY ENRAGED E-BRAKE WITHOUT YOU ENGAGING IT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. MAZDA SAID CONTROL MODULE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. MAZDA(BAKERSFIELD)REFUSES TO FIX IT AS ERROR CODES WOULDN'T SHOW UP WHEN DIAGNOSING IT. CAR WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED IN FLORIDA WHERE IT ORIGINALLY HAPPENED AND THAT WAS THE FINDING CONTROL MODULE MALFUNCTIONING.

NHTSA ODI #11063673

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2017
Service BrakesCrash

TWICE NOW THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BREAK SEEMS TO HAVE DISENGAGED RANDOMLY MINUTES AFTER I WALKED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI #11055928

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.