VehicleVerdict

2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 is among the quieter years of the Mazda6 on NHTSA's books: 74 complaints (41% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (31 of 74), far ahead of other at 10. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

74

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Mazda6 years?

Mazda6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3142%
Other1014%
Transmission912%
Fuel System68%
Electrical System57%
Brakes45%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Body & Structure23%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seat Belts11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V875000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2021 · 121,038 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V497000EngineJune 27, 2019 · 262,220 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 25, 2020 · fire

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 25, 2020 · fire

“VEHIXLE HAS OPEN RECALL #3719F. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON JULY 15 AND ACCORDING TO NHTSA RECALL HAS EVEN OUT SINCE JUNE 27.2019. TO THIS DAY I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY LETTER OR ANYTHING STATING CAR HAS OPEN RECALL WHEN THE CAR CAN TURN OF RANDOMLY. WILL BE TAKING CAR IN ON 08/26/19 BUT I'M…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 23, 2019

“My car has stalled out on me 6 times in traffic and wouldn’t restart for hours. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they told me nothing was wrong but it continues to happen. I need something done as soon as possible ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 28, 2024

“MY MAZDA6 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED ON A STREET AND COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE FAULT/PROBLEM CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME BUT I SUSPECT THERE WAS WIRING/ELECTRICAL FAULT AND MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2020 · fire

2018 Mazda Mazda6 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mazda6 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Mazda6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), other (10 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Mazda Mazda6?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.