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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

What owners actually said

77 reports
80,597 miles · Apr 19, 2020
SteeringSuspension

THE SUSPENSION FEELS LOOSE, LIKE THE STEERING IS NOT IN SYNC WITH THE WHEELS WHEN TURNING LEFT. OCCASIONAL RATTLE AFTER CONSECUTIVE SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 60 MPH. I HAVE ALL NEW TIRES, A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND AN INSPECTION BY TWO SEPERATE MAZDA DEALERS( PUGI MAZDA IN IL, & MAZDA OF JACKSON MS) BOTH …

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THE SUSPENSION FEELS LOOSE, LIKE THE STEERING IS NOT IN SYNC WITH THE WHEELS WHEN TURNING LEFT. OCCASIONAL RATTLE AFTER CONSECUTIVE SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 60 MPH. I HAVE ALL NEW TIRES, A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND AN INSPECTION BY TWO SEPERATE MAZDA DEALERS( PUGI MAZDA IN IL, & MAZDA OF JACKSON MS) BOTH SAY THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG.

NHTSA ODI #11321545

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

50,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Air BagsStructureUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY (LEFT SIDE OF ROAD) I CRASHED INTO LARGE BOULDERS OF CONCRETE SCATTERED ALONG THE ROAD THAT WAS CAUSED BY A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. TRAVELING AT 60 MPH MY VEHICLE LAUNCHED OFF THE GROUND SLAMMING BACK DOWN ON ALL FOUR TIRES. MY VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING TO THE SIDE GUARD RAIL IMPACTING THE SIDE…

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DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY (LEFT SIDE OF ROAD) I CRASHED INTO LARGE BOULDERS OF CONCRETE SCATTERED ALONG THE ROAD THAT WAS CAUSED BY A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. TRAVELING AT 60 MPH MY VEHICLE LAUNCHED OFF THE GROUND SLAMMING BACK DOWN ON ALL FOUR TIRES. MY VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING TO THE SIDE GUARD RAIL IMPACTING THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE 2X'S (RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD) RESULTING IN DISABLING DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. TO MY SURPRISE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY (PARTICULARLY MY SIDE AIRBAGS). LATER I LEARNED THAT MAZDA (MANUFACTURE) REPORTED A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE RELATING TO A POTENTIAL MALFUNCTION OF SIDE AIRBAGS. UPON MY DISCOVERY I LEARNED THAT MAZDA HAD LEARNED OF THE DEFECT AROUND AUGUST 2019, BUT HAD NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE ON THEIR WEBSITE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST 2020. MY ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE DEC 4TH 2019, AND I SHOULD ALSO ADD THAT AS OF YET MAZDA STILL HAS NOT MADE ANY DIRECT ATTEMPTS (EMAIL, MAIL, PHONE) TO NOTIFY ME OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR MY OWN INQUIRIES I STILL MAY HAVE NOT KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITHIN MY VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST. I DON'T WANT TO COME OFF AS BEING DRAMATIC BUT THAT ACCIDENT I WAS INVOLVED IN COULD OF COST MY WIFE AND I OUR LIVES. FOR THAT REASON I AM SEEKING TO RETRIEVE THE EVENT DATA RECORDS (EDR) OF MY VEHICLE SO THAT I MAY DETERMINE IF THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS NOTED AS A POTENTIAL HAZARD OR IF THE IMPACT AND DAMAGES WHERE SIMPLY NOT SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. I ASKED MY INSURANCE COMPANY IF THEY COULD ASSIST ME IN GATHERING THAT DATA WHICH THEY FIRST CLAIMED TO BE POSSIBLE, BUT SHORTLY AFTER I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SOPHISTICATION TO DO SO, HENCE FORWARDING ME TO THIS WEBSITE. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW I MAY RETRIEVE THAT INFORMATION, ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11299774

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

56,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Air BagsSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN A LOCKUP OF VEHICLE AND SIDE COLLISION WITH BATTERY FAILURE

NHTSA ODI #11299671

30,000 miles · Jan 13, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

SIGNALS ON THE CAR ARE ALWAYS INCORRECT AND THE WIRING FOR BLUETOOTH AND USB DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK

NHTSA ODI #11299095

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

21,585 miles · Oct 28, 2019
Steering

CLUNK NOISE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, ON DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN WHEELS ARE FULLY TURNED TO THE LEFT AND WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND RIGHT BEFORE ACCELERATING. SERVICE ADVISOR FROM THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE AND IT EX…

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CLUNK NOISE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, ON DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN WHEELS ARE FULLY TURNED TO THE LEFT AND WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND RIGHT BEFORE ACCELERATING. SERVICE ADVISOR FROM THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE AND IT EXPIRED 2018. THE INVOICE TOTAL IS $901.25, PARTS COST IS $83.34 LABOR OF $809.99 + TAX. CALLED MAZDA'S 800 NUMBER AND INFORMED IF MANUFACTURER DEFECT IS MY RECOURSE WITH NO AVAIL. I AM REACHING OUT TO NHTSB IF OTHER MAZDA OWNERS HAVE ENCOUNTER THE SAME PROBLEM AND AVOID FUTURE COSTLY EXPENSE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. I FEEL THAT SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, AS ATTESTED TO BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND MAZDA HOTLINE REPRESENTATIVE, THE LEAST THEY COULD DO IS COVER THE EXPENSE SINCE OUR CURRENT MILEAGE IS SO LOW (21,589 MILES FOR 4 YEARS). WE HOPE THAT WE CAN BE ASSISTED WITH THIS DILEMMA AS IT RELATES TO SAFETY AND COST. INVOICE IS ATTACHED THANK YOU FOR YOU ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #11271621

28,000 miles · Jun 19, 2019
Wheels

ABOUT 28000 MILES ON MY CAR OVER THE PAST 2 AND A HALF YEARS, WHAT STARTED WITH A PERSISTENT LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION THAT NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS OR TIRE SHOPS RECOGNIZED AS A MAJOR ISSUE (SIMPLY POINTED OUT THAT AS WEATHER CHANGES THE SENSORS MAY DETECT LOW PRESSURE) HAS TURNED INTO THE TIRES SYSTEMATICALLY BEING WORN AND …

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ABOUT 28000 MILES ON MY CAR OVER THE PAST 2 AND A HALF YEARS, WHAT STARTED WITH A PERSISTENT LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION THAT NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS OR TIRE SHOPS RECOGNIZED AS A MAJOR ISSUE (SIMPLY POINTED OUT THAT AS WEATHER CHANGES THE SENSORS MAY DETECT LOW PRESSURE) HAS TURNED INTO THE TIRES SYSTEMATICALLY BEING WORN AND BLOWN OUT BEFORE THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY.. RINGS ARE FORMING AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE AND CAUSING A LARGE CIRCULAR RIP THROUGH THE TIRE ON THE OUTER WALL. SO FAR MY FRONT DRIVER TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT FROM A SMALL POTHOLE WHICH UNDERSTANDABLY CAUSED THE TIRE WALL TO COMPLETELY RIP AND NEEDED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS LATER MY REAR DRIVER TIRE GAVE OUT WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT AND STATIONARY, MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRES ARE SHOWING A SIMILAR RING PATTERN (IT IS VERY FAINT AND DIFFICULT TO CAPTURE ON A PICTURE) THAT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE COULD BE A DEFECT IN THE STOCK TIRES INCLUDED WITH MY CAR. PHOTO OF MOST RECENT TIRE BLOWOUT ATTACHED FOR VISUAL OF THE WEAR PATTERN ON THE TIRE. THIS OCCURED AT APPROX 28000 MILES ON THE CAR WITH STOCK TIRES AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE

NHTSA ODI #11221345

36,900 miles · May 7, 2019
SeatsInjury

"DRIVER SEAT ALIGNMENT" AFTER DRIVING FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME DRIVERS LEFT LEGS BEGINS TO FEEL DISCOMFORT OR STRESS TO THE OUTSIDE OF LEFT KNEE DUE TO SEAT BEING ANGLED LEFT. PRESSURE FROM LEFT FOOTREST AND WHEEL WALL FORCES DRIVER TO RETRACT LEG AND PLANT INTO FLOOR CLOSER TO THE SEAT. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH EVERY TIME I HAVE …

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"DRIVER SEAT ALIGNMENT" AFTER DRIVING FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME DRIVERS LEFT LEGS BEGINS TO FEEL DISCOMFORT OR STRESS TO THE OUTSIDE OF LEFT KNEE DUE TO SEAT BEING ANGLED LEFT. PRESSURE FROM LEFT FOOTREST AND WHEEL WALL FORCES DRIVER TO RETRACT LEG AND PLANT INTO FLOOR CLOSER TO THE SEAT. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH EVERY TIME I HAVE DRIVEN ALSO IT WAS CONFIRM BY A MAZDA SALES ASSOCIATE.

NHTSA ODI #11205955

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.