YearToAvoid

2016 Mazda Mazda6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

64/100

#5 most-complained of 12 Mazda6 years

The 2016 Mazda6 ranks 5th worst out of 12 model years, with a Complaint Index of 64 and a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 77 complaints, 9 crashes, 8 injuries, and 1 recall, with Brakes as the top problem area at 21% of complaints.

Complaints
77
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
30
26 city / 37 hwy

Top 2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes16 (21%)
  2. Structure & Body14 (18%)
  3. Electrical System13 (17%)
  4. Engine13 (17%)
  5. Other11 (14%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (14%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain11 (14%)
  8. Airbags6 (8%)
  9. Steering6 (8%)
  10. Fuel System4 (5%)

What owners report

  • Owners describe the electronic parking brake disengaging on its own minutes after the vehicle was parked.
  • Some drivers report sudden unintended acceleration at low speed while parking, requiring use of the electronic parking brake to stop.
  • Owners report brake pedal application accompanied by a total loss of power and steering, especially in snowy conditions, leading to a collision.
  • Rear tire blowouts at highway speed were reported with fast tread wear on stock tires, in one case causing a crash.
  • Electrical glitches such as random stalling at highway speed, malfunctioning navigation, and key fob issues that resolve and then recur were reported.
  • Steering wheel became difficult to turn after dashboard warning lights appeared, in one case leading to a loss of control and crash.
2016 Mazda Mazda6 complaints: complaints filed per quarter142015 Q42017 Q12018 Q32020 Q12021 Q32023 Q12025 Q12026 Q3
110 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2020 Q1 (14).

2016 Mazda Mazda6 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Avoid82137430
2015Caution5560330
2016Caution6477130
2017Good3660129
2018Good4558227

All Mazda Mazda6 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mazda6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Mazda6 carries a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among 12 model years with a Complaint Index of 64.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda6?
Brakes are the top problem area with 16 complaints (21% share) and 3 crashes, followed by Structure & Body issues (14 complaints) and Electrical System issues (13 complaints).
Does the 2016 Mazda6 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Mazda6, covering airbag sensors where welding debris on the passenger seat frame could damage the occupant classification system. This recall is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2016 Mazda6 compare to other years?
The 2016 model's Complaint Index of 64 is lower than 2010 (100), 2011 (91), and 2014 (82), but higher than 2013 (27), 2017 (36), 2018 (45), 2019 (9), and 2021 (18).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Mazda6?
The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda6 at 30 mpg combined (26 city/37 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,150.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.