Mazda 6 reliability
The Mazda 6 fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 23.5% of 29,717 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
15 DVSA recalls for the Mazda 6
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Mounting points for seat runner may fail
One or more of the mounting points between the runner and the driver�s seat may fail.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the driver�s seat frame to determine if seat lifter links are damaged. If no damage is evident fit reinforcement brackets and �push nuts�. If damage is present to the seat lifter link replace seat frame. If damage is restricted to stabilizer bar then the bar will be repaired plus brackets and� push nuts� fitted.
Recalled models: 6 · 95,172 vehicles
Airbag may malfunction
It has been identified that the density of the propellant within the airbag inflator may be insufficient due to inappropriate production and storage conditions of the propellant. In this condition the inflator may abnormally ignite at the time of the airbag deployment allowing the inner pressure of the inflator to increase abnormally resulting in the breakage of the inflator case. In this condition the airbags will not provide adequate protection during a frontal impact as the broken pieces of the inflator case could injure the driver and/or front seat passenger.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the driver and passenger front airbag inflators with modified units.
Recalled models: 6 · 12,306 vehicles
Driver's front airbag may fail to deploy correctly
Continued exposure to high levels of absolute humidity may cause the driver�s front airbag inflator housing to rupture and deploy abnormally in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver�s front airbag. Should the inflator rupture it could result in metal fragments striking the driver or other vehicle occupants.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag inflator
Recalled models: 6 · 32,030 vehicles
Engine may stall
Engine may not restart when customer expects after i-stop operation. Although check engine light on dashboard will illuminate.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and re-programme the engine Power Control Module (PCM) with a modified calibration.
Recalled models: 6 · 394 vehicles
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.
Recalled models: 6 · 11,627 vehicles
Fire may occur
A ceramic condenser required for noise suppression located within the DC-DC converter may have a crack within it causing the condenser to short circuit. It is possible that the DC-DC converter may melt and generate smoke and in the worst case cause a vehicle fire. This converter is located under the front passenger seat.There is small possibility that the DC-DC converter may melt resulting in a vehicle fire
Fix: A Mazda dealer will replace the DC-DC converter with a modified one.
Recalled models: 6 · 1,974 vehicles
Engine may fail
It is possible that the clips retaining the piston pins were not fitted correctly during engine assembly. The pins may come out of position and wear the cylinder bores. In the worst case the engine will stop and not restart.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit new connecting rods and pistons.
Recalled models: 6 · 161 vehicles
Engine revs may increase inadvertently
It is possible that white smoke can occur from the exhaust pipe and engine speed may increase whilst driving.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace Power Control Module.
Recalled models: 6 · 15,854 vehicles
Air bag may fail
The airbag warning lamp may illuminate. Airbag activation system is disabled. In worst case the airbag may be activated unintentionally.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the central processing unit.
Recalled models: 6 Estate · 2,265 vehicles
Engine may stall.
It is possible for the camshaft sensor plate mounting bolts to loosen. If the vehicle continues to be used in this condition the sensor plate and bolts may fall off resulting in an engine stall and inability to restart.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and tighten the sensor plate to the specified torque. Only replace parts if they are seen to be damaged.
Recalled models: 6 · 2,005 vehicles
The injector oil seal on the cylinder head cover may become detached
The injector oil seal on the cylinder head cover may detach leading to heavy oil consumption and eventually if the oil pressure warning light is ignored engine seizure.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the cylinder head cover with a modified one.
Recalled models: 6 · 1,517 vehicles
Fuel leakage from the fuel tank
It has been found that the clearance between the fuel tank insulator and the exhaust pipe is insufficient. During driving this may give rise to an increase in temperature around the fuel tank which may suffer reduced rigidity. At the same time the inner pressure of the fuel tank may increase causing the fuel tank and exhaust insulator to make contact. Should the surface temperature of the fuel tank exceed it's maximum permissible range partial melting may occur which could result in a fuel leak.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit an insulator kit between the exhaust and the fuel tank.
Recalled models: 6 · 18,279 vehicles
Fog lamp security concern.
Repeated thermal expansion and shrinkage in use may cause the front fog light socket holder to become detached from the fog light case. As a consequence an exposed hot bulb may come into contact with part of the vehicle body or fittings.
Fix: Attach a spring to the rear of the fog light to prevent the socket holder detaching from the fog light case.
Recalled models: 6 · 28,339 vehicles
Brake fluid level warning light may become inoperative.
The brake fluid reservoir may expand temporarily during pressure bleeding of the system. This may cause the float of the fluid level sensor to seize or be displaced - resulting in non-operation of the warning light.
Fix: Check position and operation of the float and adjust where necessary. Additionally attach a caution label to the reservoir concerning the brake fluid bleeding pressure.
Recalled models: 6 · 16,332 vehicles
Engine stalls whilst driving
A surging noise from the air conditioner clutch may be interpreted as a fuel pressure leak by the engine management sensors. This will activate the fail safe system and shut the engine down.
Fix: Install a short cord (with condensor) in the air-conditioner magnetic clutch wiring harness.
Recalled models: 6 · 2,173 vehicles
Checking a Mazda 6 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.