Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 has 111 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?

Top problems: OTHER (13 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (12 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (11 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Mazda MAZDA6?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Mazda MAZDA6

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 has 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 78. The most common issue is other problems (12% of all complaints), specifically: the sunroof in my car exploded and partially shattered while parked in my work's parking lot. glass was all over the exterior and interior of the car. what glass was left had cracked completely and was unstable. i was able to get the car to my local mazda dealer and they are replacing it under wa. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

12 crash reports 16 injuries

111

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

13 complaints

12%

• THE SUNROOF IN MY CAR EXPLODED AND PARTIALLY SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN MY WORK'S PARKING LOT. GLASS WAS ALL OVER THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WHAT GLASS WAS LEFT HAD CRACKED COMPLETELY AND WAS UNSTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING IT UNDER WA
• I HAVE A 2016 MAZDA 6 GT WITH STOCK 19" DUNLOP TIRES. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH AROUND 80 MILES & AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS AROUND 6800 MILES. I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK GOING AROUND 72 MPH & THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE. TIRES SHOULD NOT BLOWOUT THAT QUICKLY WITH
• 2016 MAZDA 6 HAD A SUNROOF THAT EXPLODED ON JAN 11, 2017 WHILE DRIVING. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I ALMOST WRECKED. IT EXPLODED UPWARD AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH WE HAD A LOT OF GLASS THAT RAINED BACK IN ON US AND THE INSIDE OF HER CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. MAZDA REPLACED THE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“THE SUNROOF IN MY CAR EXPLODED AND PARTIALLY SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN MY WORK'S PARKING LOT. GLASS WAS ALL OVER THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WHAT GLASS WAS LEFT HAD CRACKED COMPLETELY AND WAS UNSTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING IT UNDER WA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6

Based on 77 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 48K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 55K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 55K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM31/08/2017

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Mazda MAZDA6

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDA6 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2016 MAZDA6, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 111 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: THE SUNROOF IN MY CAR EXPLODED AND PARTIALLY SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN MY WORK'S PARKING LOT. GLASS WAS ALL OVER THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE CAR. WHAT GLASS WAS LEFT HAD CRACKED COMPLETELY AND WAS UNSTABLE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING IT UNDER WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN BRAKE CONTROL WITHIN A FEW BLOCKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.....UPDATED 07/05
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND BRAKE LINES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: THE FORWARD TILT OF THE HEADREST FORCES MY HEAD FORWARD IN AN UNSAFE AND UNCOMFORTABLE MANNER NO MATTER WHAT SEAT SETTINGS ARE USED. I HAVE SUSTAINED CHRONIC NECK AND UPPER BACK HEALTH ISSUES SINCE I BEGAN DRIVING MY NEW CAR. THE SEAT AND HEADREST DESIGN FORCE THE DRIVER INTO AN UNNATURAL POSTURE TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)