2016 Mazda Mazda6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has a complaint index of 44, ranking 10th out of 17 model years, and earns a 'Good' verdict relative to other Mazda6 years. It has 77 complaints, 1 recall, and no do-not-drive campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 44/100
- #10 of 17 Mazda6 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 77
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26 city / 37 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes16 (21%)
- Structure & Body14 (18%)
- Electrical System13 (17%)
- Engine13 (17%)
- Other11 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (14%)
- Airbags6 (8%)
- Steering6 (8%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration or engine surge at low speed while parking, requiring use of the electronic parking brake to stop the car.
- A rear tire reportedly blew out at highway speed with tread wearing faster than expected, contributing to a crash.
- Owners describe the electronic parking brake disengaging on its own minutes after leaving the vehicle parked.
- Some report transient failures of software-controlled features, including the navigation system, key fob, and front sensor, sometimes leading to minor collisions.
- One owner described a brake pedal depression that led to a total power loss and steering failure while driving in snow, resulting in a rear-end collision.
- A steering wheel reportedly became hard to turn after dashboard warnings appeared, leading to loss of control and a crash.
2016 Mazda Mazda6 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V546000Aug 31, 2017Airbags51,943 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2016 Mazda Mazda6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
- Compared with other Mazda6 model years, the 2016 has a complaint index of 44 and ranks 10th of 17 years tracked, earning a 'Good' verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2016 Mazda6 have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are brakes (21% of complaints), structure & body (18%), electrical system (17%), and engine (17%), with a median mileage at failure of 29,774.5 miles overall.
- Does the 2016 Mazda6 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V546000) covers airbags, where welding debris on the front passenger seat frame could damage the occupant classification system. None of the campaigns are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 Mazda6 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 44 is lower than earlier years like 2009 (100) and 2010 (94), which are both rated 'Avoid', but higher than the 2019 (6) and 2021 (13), which are rated 'Best'.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 Mazda6?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 16 of 77 complaints (21%), with a median mileage at failure of 41,500 miles and 3 associated crashes.