2016 Mazda MAZDA6

▲ Better than typical
2016 Mazda MAZDA6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:16.422Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
76
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Service brakes

16% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 174 complaints 2004: 160 complaints 2005: 147 complaints 2005 2006: 173 complaints 2007: 156 complaints 2008: 111 complaints 2008 2009: 386 complaints 2010: 225 complaints 2011: 135 complaints 2011 2012: 99 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2014: 137 complaints 2015: 60 complaints 2016: 76 complaints 2016 76 2017: 60 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 6 complaints 2020: 2 complaints 2020 2021: 17 complaints
2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 174 complaints 2004: 160 complaints 2004 2005: 147 complaints 2006: 173 complaints 2006 2007: 156 complaints 2008: 111 complaints 2008 2009: 386 complaints 2010: 225 complaints 2010 2011: 135 complaints 2012: 99 complaints 2012 2013: 22 complaints 2014: 137 complaints 2014 2015: 60 complaints 2016: 76 complaints 2016 76 2017: 60 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2020: 2 complaints 2020 2021: 17 complaints
2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 174 complaints 2003 2004: 160 complaints 2004 2005: 147 complaints 2005 2006: 173 complaints 2006 2007: 156 complaints 2007 2008: 111 complaints 2008 2009: 386 complaints 2009 2010: 225 complaints 2010 2011: 135 complaints 2011 2012: 99 complaints 2012 2013: 22 complaints 2013 2014: 137 complaints 2014 2015: 60 complaints 2015 2016: 76 complaints 2016 76 2017: 60 complaints 2017 2018: 59 complaints 2018 2019: 6 complaints 2019 2020: 2 complaints 2020 2021: 17 complaints 2021

2016: 76 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200228
2003174
2004160
2005147
2006173
2007156
2008111
2009386
2010225
2011135
201299
201322
2014137
201560
201676
201760
201859
20196
20202
202117

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

16% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Twice now the electronic emergency break seems to have disengaged randomly minutes after I walked away from the vehicle

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-21

Electrical system

14% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-19

Also filed under Power train and engine

Power train

13% · 10 reports
INJURY

Seats

12% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

INJURY

Engine

9% · 7 reports
INJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2017-10-26Air bags, seats, steering17V546000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mazda MAZDA6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V546000 · Air bags, seats, steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.