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2018 Mazda MAZDA6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 105.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 15 of 58 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

Engine complaints

32 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2024
Engine

Cracked cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. Created a large oil leak. Oil on the exhaust is a fire hazard. After one quart of oil loss a low oil level light comes on. This is a reported problem. One version of the engine I have has a Mazda TSB and an extended warranty. TSB 01-0022/23 A local repair shop has diagn…

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Cracked cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. Created a large oil leak. Oil on the exhaust is a fire hazard. After one quart of oil loss a low oil level light comes on. This is a reported problem. One version of the engine I have has a Mazda TSB and an extended warranty. TSB 01-0022/23 A local repair shop has diagnosed the problem.

NHTSA ODI #11627463

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

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 ODI #11616978

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2024
Engine

Cracked Cylinder Head. At 50,400 miles. This is far too common of a problem for such a new car with so few miles. I have seen many similar reports online. My mechanic was baffled. This is a $5k cost AT LEAST. Mazda has a history of not covering these defects. And it IS a defect, not a simple wear and tear issue. A cracked cyli…

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Cracked Cylinder Head. At 50,400 miles. This is far too common of a problem for such a new car with so few miles. I have seen many similar reports online. My mechanic was baffled. This is a $5k cost AT LEAST. Mazda has a history of not covering these defects. And it IS a defect, not a simple wear and tear issue. A cracked cylinder head can eventually lead to engine failure, so it is dangerous to drive with it. The problem HAS been confirmed by an independent service center. I got a oil pressure warning sign.

NHTSA ODI #11616489

67,000 miles · Aug 9, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while merging onto a freeway the vehicle did not accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal, lost automotive power. After turning the engine off and back on the vehicle operated as normal but later while driving approximately 65 MPH the failure had reoccurred while at…

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The contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while merging onto a freeway the vehicle did not accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal, lost automotive power. After turning the engine off and back on the vehicle operated as normal but later while driving approximately 65 MPH the failure had reoccurred while attempting the pass a semi-truck on the freeway. The check engine warning light had also illuminated and the vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #11607569

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2024
Engine

At less than 95,000 miles, the car suddenly started overheating. Coolant level was fine, maybe ever so slightly low (could still see the coolant in tubing and some in reservoir, which was closer to low than full). Replaced ECT sensor, thermostat and water pump which seemed to fix the issue. Drove for 9-10 days with no issues …

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At less than 95,000 miles, the car suddenly started overheating. Coolant level was fine, maybe ever so slightly low (could still see the coolant in tubing and some in reservoir, which was closer to low than full). Replaced ECT sensor, thermostat and water pump which seemed to fix the issue. Drove for 9-10 days with no issues and it started overheating again. I was able to park quickly afterward at work (<10 seconds). Schedule for drop off at dealer (if car didn't show signs of overheating first (would have called tow truck). Checked fluid levels in car (was ~1Qt low) and topped it off. Drove to dealer (~30min ride) with no issues whatsoever. When dealer looked at it, they said cylinder was warped and leaking, requiring new engine. A just paid off car, with less than 100k miles on it, now needs a new engine that will cost more than half of what it's worth.

NHTSA ODI #11600610

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2024
Engine

Start engine when cold and it knocks/ taps from the valve cover very loud, found a tab for valve lifters. Mazda said I’m out of warranty and it would be a 2k fix on a car I just bought second hand. A lot of other drivers have experienced the same issue and have even said it’s a safety issues as when it happens for long enough it…

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Start engine when cold and it knocks/ taps from the valve cover very loud, found a tab for valve lifters. Mazda said I’m out of warranty and it would be a 2k fix on a car I just bought second hand. A lot of other drivers have experienced the same issue and have even said it’s a safety issues as when it happens for long enough it could cause the cams to wear down causing the car to stall out in traffic or in a dangerous road situation. Very dangerous imo and should be fixed for free as Mazda admitted that it’s a design flaw of the HLA

NHTSA ODI #11581032

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2024
EnginePower Train

Noticed slight coolant leak, took car to mechanic, he stated cylinder head was cracked, & causing coolant to spray everywhere. Towed car to dealer. Was given repair estimate of over $11,000, for a new engine. I see a safety bulletin online for my year make & model car. This overheating can apparently cause an engine fire. So fa…

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Noticed slight coolant leak, took car to mechanic, he stated cylinder head was cracked, & causing coolant to spray everywhere. Towed car to dealer. Was given repair estimate of over $11,000, for a new engine. I see a safety bulletin online for my year make & model car. This overheating can apparently cause an engine fire. So far, Mazda seems to be showing negligence & not properly addressing the issue for owners.

NHTSA ODI #11581010

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Engine

Mazda has a huge issue with there HLAs hydraulic lash adjusters. I've driven the car for 60k+ miles and it's ticked every since I got the car. And many people in the community also have the issue. And Mazda says it's fine and to rev the car above 3k rpms. This issue needs to be resolved. Before my warranty went up they said they…

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Mazda has a huge issue with there HLAs hydraulic lash adjusters. I've driven the car for 60k+ miles and it's ticked every since I got the car. And many people in the community also have the issue. And Mazda says it's fine and to rev the car above 3k rpms. This issue needs to be resolved. Before my warranty went up they said they'd fix it at the dealer if it would tick while in there possession. That's just not reasonable the tick happened as random as it gets. Please please for the sake of Mazda and all it's owners make Mazda fix this as a recall. Many people in the US would be the happiest people in the planet not having to hear there 20k$ car tick like a broken old piece of junk. Thank you for listening. Your truly a franticly hopeless hard working america with a half broken car.

NHTSA ODI #11578921

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2024
Engine

At 65,000 miles and on time maintenance a head gasket blew.

NHTSA ODI #11577033

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Engine

The engine has developed an oil leak that is a known manufacturing defect of Mazda 2.5 litre engines TSB #SA-031-21. The oil drips on the hot exhaust and sends smoke into the cabin and probably could start a fire. Also if the engine runs out of oil, it will cause the car to shut off and stall in traffic.

NHTSA ODI #11570493

Official recalls

2

21V875000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 12, 2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

19V497000 · Engine; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jun 27, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

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. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

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. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Engine

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.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

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. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

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.