The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has 1 safety recall and 77 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (11 complaints).
Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints77filed by owners
Crashes · fires9 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints
2016 Mazda Mazda6 in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
NHTSA recall 17V546000 · Aug 31, 2017 · 51,943 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Components: Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification; Steering › Electric power assist system; Seats
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2016 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
10.3%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Unknown or other
11
4
0
3
14,900 mi
Electrical system Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
11
1
0
2
54,900 mi
Power train Automatic transmission › Internal › Clutches/bands › Actuators/solenoids
11
0
0
1
7,500 mi
Service brakes
11
2
0
1
40,000 mi
Seats Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
9
0
0
1
59,600 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control
7
2
0
2
40,000 mi
Engine
7
0
0
1
18,274 mi
Air bags Sensor › Occupant classification
7
3
0
5
50,000 mi
Steering
6
3
0
3
54,900 mi
Structure Body
5
2
0
3
6,800 mi
Wheels
5
1
0
1
18,550 mi
Suspension
5
0
0
0
15,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 15, 2025 · 125,166 milesPower train › Automatic transmission › Internal › Clutches/bands › Actuators/solenoids The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was noticed inside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the clutch disc kit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,166.
Apr 18, 2026Power train The front CV axles on my car have failed. It begun with a clicking noise and vibration when accelerating. I took the car to the Mazda dealership, and they confirmed the sounds but said they weren't able to diagnose the issue and that I would have to leave my car for them to figure it out. This places my daughter and my life at risk, as well as other passengers, due to the critical role the CV axles play in operating a vehicle. More specifically, the ability to properly control my steering movement while transporting my daughter to and from school is necessary and if not present, very dangerous. An independent service mechanic has confirmed this issue and indicated that this issue has been…
Apr 14, 2026Vehicle speed control The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.
Oct 12, 2025 · 113,500 milesElectrical system The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passengerâs side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in the seat, damaging the air bag located near the seat heater sensor. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.
Apr 30, 2025Air bags My seat doesnât detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
Jan 3, 2023Seats 1) UNKNOWN. My guess: The front seats or guard rails. 2) Very seat when braking, and coming to and from a stop. Poses as a safety risk. 3) Yes, no remedy/solution was yielded. Others on forums who visited dealership stated that the dealership said it was ânormalâ. Despite the other side not having the issue at all. 4) No 5) No Full assessment: The issue of this complaint lies within the front seat of the vehicle. My educated guess is that there is a defect within the seat rails of the vehicle as no remedy seems to be found upon extensive research on google and various forums. Specifically, in my vehicle and may others that I have found, have issues with the driver seat feeling loose…
Jun 1, 2021 · 1 injuryElectrical system PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue
Nov 1, 2018Seats Driver seat is unstable and has been since I purchased the vehicle. I never got it looked at because I can't afford repairs. There was a recall for the passenger seat and I believe it would be for the driver seat as well given the driver seat stability is crucial. It rocks as if it isn't fully secure. You notice it sometimes when getting in and out the car and I became noticable when my dog decided to jump into my seat one day when cleaning my interior and I saw the seat heavily rock forward and backward. You sometimes notice it as well when coming to a stop from highway speeds the seat will slightly tilt forward. This issue has been with the car after i purchased it in 2018 but didn't…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
