2018 Mazda Mazda6 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2018 Mazda6 ranks 12th out of 17 model years with a complaint index of 31 and a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 58 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 fire, with engine issues making up 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 31/100
- #12 of 17 Mazda6 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 58
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 24 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine33 (57%)
- Other11 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (16%)
- Fuel System7 (12%)
- Brakes4 (7%)
- Electrical System4 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (7%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine stalls suddenly while accelerating from a stop, sometimes tied to an open powertrain control module recall.
- Engine tensioner and belt reportedly needed replacement well before expected, discovered during routine maintenance.
- Electrical system reportedly caught fire while the car was parked and unattended.
- Sunroof glass reportedly shattered without warning while driving at highway speed.
- Front and rear suspension reportedly pops, clunks, and vibrates, with owners noting uneven tire wear.
- Soul Red paint reportedly chips easily on the hood, bumper, and fenders under normal driving.
2018 Mazda Mazda6 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V875000Nov 12, 2021Fuel System121,038 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V497000Jun 27, 2019Transmission & Powertrain262,220 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Mazda Mazda6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,400
- 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.
2018 compared with other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mazda6 reliable based on NHTSA data?
- It ranks 12th out of 17 Mazda6 model years with a complaint index of 31, earning a Good verdict relative to other years. NHTSA records 58 complaints and 2 recalls for this year.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 Mazda6?
- Engine complaints make up 57% of all reported issues, with a median failure mileage of 7,200 miles, according to NHTSA.
- Does the 2018 Mazda6 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a fuel pump impeller that may crack, and one for a powertrain control module software error that could cause engine stalling. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 Mazda6 compare to other Mazda6 years?
- With a complaint index of 31, the 2018 model is far better than the worst year, 2009, which had a complaint index of 100. Best-ranked years include 2019 and 2021, both rated Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda6?
- EPA rates it at 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400.