2018 Mazda MAZDA6
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 174 |
| 2004 | 159 |
| 2005 | 147 |
| 2006 | 173 |
| 2007 | 156 |
| 2008 | 111 |
| 2009 | 385 |
| 2010 | 225 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 99 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 76 |
| 2017 | 59 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
57% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200817
Coolant leaking from head, informed by dealer the cylinder head is cracked and the entire engine needs to be replaced. The engine has just hit 80k miles at this point.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
17% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200817
Was at a drive in window and car turned off and couldn't restart. Windows and lights would work but car wouldn't restart. Could of been driving and would of crashed. Had 3 people family in car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231214
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 19V497000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V875000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Mazda MAZDA6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V497000 (engine, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V875000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.