VehicleVerdict

2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 sits mid-pack among Mazda6 years: 111 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 125, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (14), electrical system (13), and other (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

111

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Mazda6 years?

Mazda6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted527 complaints2002: 40 complaints2003: 245 complaints2004: 196 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 207 complaints2007: 184 complaints2008: 121 complaints2009: 527 complaints2010: 318 complaints2011: 186 complaints2012: 128 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 196 complaints2015: 78 complaints2016: 111 complaints2017: 76 complaints2018: 74 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 19 complaints
Mazda6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1413%
Electrical System1312%
Other1110%
Transmission109%
Seats98%
Speed Control76%
Engine76%
Airbags76%
Tires & Wheels65%
Steering65%
Body & Structure55%
Suspension55%
Fuel System44%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Seat Belts22%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V546000AirbagsAugust 31, 2017 · 51,943 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MAZDA M6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWERS AS THE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE SLIDE AND REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 13, 2019 · crash

“VARIOUS SOFTWARE CONTROL FEATURES TRANSIENTLY STOP WORKING. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO COME ON SEVERAL TIMES. THE KEY FOB STOPS WORKING AND THEN WORKS AGAIN.THE PROBLEMS ARE ALWAYS TRANSIENT AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS THE FRONT SENSOR FAILED TO WORK AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2019 · crash

“VARIOUS SOFTWARE CONTROL FEATURES TRANSIENTLY STOP WORKING. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO COME ON SEVERAL TIMES. THE KEY FOB STOPS WORKING AND THEN WORKS AGAIN.THE PROBLEMS ARE ALWAYS TRANSIENT AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS THE FRONT SENSOR FAILED TO WORK AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 7, 2019 · crash

“MY CAR IS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN I WOULD RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY GO INTO FIRST GEAR. IT WOULD SIT AT THE INTERSECTION AND THEN SUDDENLY JERK INTO FIRST GEAR. I WOULD DRIVE NORMALLY AFTER THAT. DEALER REPORTS I HAVE A DEFECTIVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 21, 2016

“"DRIVER SEAT ALIGNMENT" AFTER DRIVING FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME DRIVERS LEFT LEGS BEGINS TO FEEL DISCOMFORT OR STRESS TO THE OUTSIDE OF LEFT KNEE DUE TO SEAT BEING ANGLED LEFT. PRESSURE FROM LEFT FOOTREST AND WHEEL WALL FORCES DRIVER TO RETRACT LEG AND PLANT INTO FLOOR CLOSER TO THE SEAT. THIS IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · May 3, 2019

2016 Mazda Mazda6 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Mazda6: 111 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Mazda6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), other (11 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Mazda Mazda6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda6 years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2004, 2007, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among Mazda6 years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.