2018 Mazda MAZDA6
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 has 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 78. The most common issue is engine problems (42% of all complaints), specifically: i made a stop at a traffic light and the green light change i pressed the gas and the mazda6 stalled and then dragged to take off which almost caused an accident.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
74
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
31 complaints- • I MADE A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE GREEN LIGHT CHANGE I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE MAZDA6 STALLED AND THEN DRAGGED TO TAKE OFF WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
- • 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 CONCERN
- • 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 A
“I MADE A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE GREEN LIGHT CHANGE I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE MAZDA6 STALLED AND THEN DRAGGED TO TAKE OFF WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
Based on 22 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
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 (2)
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda MAZDA6 Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2018 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 74 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: I MADE A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE GREEN LIGHT CHANGE I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE MAZDA6 STALLED AND THEN DRAGGED TO TAKE OFF WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: 2018 MAZDA 6. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE RADIO. *LD *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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 CONCERN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda MAZDA6 — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 78
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Mazda MAZDA6