Mazda 6 Reliability and Common Problems

The Mazda 6‘s agile handling and responsive engine guarantees an enjoyable driving experience. You can’t go wrong with buying a Mazda 6 because it’s reliable and has relatively lower maintenance costs compared with other cars in the same category. It also has good resale value. According to CarEdge.com, it depreciates around 48% after five years.

Is the Mazda 6 Reliable?

The Mazda 6 scored well in terms of reliability on RepairPal. It got 4 out of 5 and ranked 6th out of 24 midsize cars. It has a well-designed suspension system that makes it capable of driving over bumps and making sharp turns without sacrificing ride quality. The Mazda 6 can run up to 200,000 miles with minimal problems as you follow its proper service schedule and keep up with its regular maintenance.

Top Mazda 6 Problems

Despite being a reliable car, the Mazda 6 also has its share of problems. Here are the most common Mazda 6 issues based on model year:

Noises Caused by Transmission

The 2014 Mazda 6 may develop unusual whining noises over time. Some owners have shared that they’ve experienced it with recently bought cars. They’ve shared that it would start out as an occasional whining that happens while accelerating. It may progress and become too frequent to ignore. Some Mazda 6 owners have taken their cars to their dealership where it was diagnosed as a bad transmission.

It usually happens around 51,600 miles and repair costs may get expensive, depending on component price and labor rates. Multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) were released for the 2014 Mazda 6’s automatic transmission, so it’s best to contact your dealership to get more information in case your car was affected. Some were also able to resolve it by getting a transmission replacement at their dealership, but they may not cover all of the expenses.

Abnormal Ticking Sound from the Engine

One of the most common issues with 2003-2010 and 2014 Mazda 6s is an abnormal ticking noise coming from its engine. It may not seem like a problem at first, but it may get worse and cause rough idling as well as unstable engine revolutions per minute (RPMs). Your car’s hydraulics may be producing the ticking noises. They’re more common among high mileage Mazda 6 vehicles, usually happening at around 121,000 miles. Some owners have reported that replacing the hydraulic valve lash adjusters may stop the ticking sounds. Also, take note that your Mazda 6 may need to strictly comply with its oil change schedule after its part replacement to help prevent it from happening again.

Overheating Engine

If you notice that your Mazda 6 tends to overheat and stall, you’re definitely not on your own. They’re common issues among 2003-2010 and 2012 Mazda 6 models, usually caused by malfunctioning engine cooling fans. Their cooling fan control modules may have gone bad, causing symptoms to show up at around 125,200 miles.

Affected Mazda 6 units may also experience air conditioning problems and coolant leaks. Some have shared that steam and coolant may expel from the coolant bay because of overheating. Some experienced having holes burn through their radiators, which ended up needing replacement as well. If caught early on, your Mazda 6 may only require a cooling fan control module replacement, which is not that expensive. However, it’s best to get a thorough inspection to accurately determine which parts need to be replaced.

Problematic Exterior Lighting

Among multiple 2006 Mazda 6 problems, exterior lighting issues are the most notable. Some owners have shared that they noticed their headlights becoming dim, which made driving in the dark difficult or impossible. Problems may happen at around 75,000 miles. Some have shared that their low beam headlamps repeatedly went out even if they were already replaced with new bulbs. There is no clear cause why it happens, but Mazda has released multiple TSBs in reference to several exterior lighting complications, which include headlights and tail lights. If you suspect that your Mazda 6 has problematic exterior lights, you may get them checked as soon as possible, to make sure they don’t fail while on the road.

Unstable Speed Control

One of the most dangerous 2005 Mazda 6 problems is its sudden speed control loss, which may cause collisions or accidents. According to some 2005 Mazda 6 owners, it usually happens around 83,500 miles. They have reported that their cars may suddenly accelerate even if they press on the brake pedal. Some have experienced needing to engage their emergency brakes to prevent crashing their cars. Some have taken their cars to their dealerships, but they were not able to replicate the issue. However, some have shared that it may be linked to a bad throttle body. Some owners have decided to not drive their cars at all to avoid getting into accidents.

Idling Issues

2004 Mazda 6 idle problems are very common and widely reported. Some owners have reported that its RPM may suddenly become unstable while stopping at traffic lights. There could be many causes for this issue, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, and vacuum leaks. If you experience this with your Mazda 6, consult your mechanic immediately. Get a thorough inspection to accurately determine what’s causing your Mazda 6’s idling issues. It can also help you get on top of failing parts, so you can replace them immediately.

Crankshaft or Cam Position Sensor Issues

The Mazda 6 is known for crankshaft or camshaft position sensor problems as indicated by the P0016 code. Some 2003 Mazda 6 owners have reported having engine failure, which led to detecting the P0016 trouble code. It basically means that your car’s sensors are aligned incorrectly. It’s important to get it resolved as soon as you can because it may cause other troublesome symptoms, including poor engine performance, starting failure, and excessive vibrations. P0016 may also be caused by other complications in your Mazda 6. It may be triggered by bad wiring, malfunctioning sensors, and so on.

Buying a new or used car always comes with some risk. If you want to get a Mazda 6, check out its common problems, according to model year. Doing some research may help you make up your mind about which model year you want to buy. It’s also important to learn about your Mazda 6’s potential problems, so you can address them as soon as they happen.

CV Joint Issues

Some 2012 Mazda 6 owners have been frequenting online forums to gather information about troubleshooting a bad CV joint.

Generally, a CV joint helps transfer torque from the transmission to the wheels while handling the suspension’s up and down movements.

All CV joints are protected by a rubber boot, which seals the CV joint along with a special kind of grease. Once the boot cracks or gets damaged, contaminants can infiltrate the CV joint, leading to premature wear and drivability issues.

Clunking and popping noises are common indicators of a bad CV joint. The affected vehicle can also shudder or shake, making it unsafe to drive.

Most mechanics would advise against repairing a worn-out CV joint unless the damaged boot is caught in time and the joint appears to be okay. Otherwise, there’s no other solution but to have a new CV joint installed.

Melting Dashboard

A melting dashboard is the last thing anybody wants to deal with. It’s messy, unsightly, and will put a dent in your vehicle’s resale value.

Unfortunately, this has been a common problem for many 2009-2013 Mazda 6 owners. As the dashboard melts so does the glue, creating a sticky surface. On top of that, the melting dashboard creates a shiny film that produces a harsh glare against the windshield, which can make navigating extremely difficult.

Stalling Engine

Some drivers of used Mazda 6s have reported cases of a stalling engine, which can be attributed to outdated software or a different issue that has affected the vehicle’s fuel injectors.

Some of the affected owners have reported that their vehicles failed to restart, particularly those with a start/stop system. To resolve this issue, Mazda has advised the affected drivers to bring their vehicles to their respective dealerships to get a software update.

Where to Get New Parts for Your Mazda 6

Agile handling and a responsive engine are only some reasons why the Mazda 6 is such a popular vehicle. But over time, damaged or worn-out parts may compromise its performance.

The good news is that CarParts.com is here to help your Mazda 6 get back on the road and run as good as new.

We have a great selection of Mazda 6 replacement parts and accessories carefully handpicked by industry professionals. You can count on us to provide OE-grade parts for your ride.

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