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2015 Mazda Mazda6 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Mazda Mazda6 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering parking brake and alternator/generator/regulator. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rusted parking brake caliper actuator under recall 1217F.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions. Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50 share the Skyactiv-G platform.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #17V393000 · Jun 22, 2017

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V173000 · Mar 4, 2014

Issue: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Risk: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Campaign #14V675000 · Oct 27, 2014

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not warn the driver of the drop in pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Risk: A vehicle that is driven with under inflated tires may experience a sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Mazda Mazda6.

Reported to NHTSA

Rusted parking brake caliper actuator under recall 1217F

SERVICE BRAKES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2023-10

“HAND OPERATED PARKING BRAKE SAFETY RECALL. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM MAZDA STATING THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE CALIPER OF MAZDA6 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2012 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2014. MY VEHICLE FALLS INTO THIS RECALL CATEGORY. I RECEIVED THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11042607
“MECHANICAL TYPE PARKING BRAKE, WATER MAY ENTER THE BRAKE CALIPER PROTECTIVE BOOT DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE SEALING PERFORMANCE OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER. THE ACTUATOR SHAFT MAY RUST.WHICH MAY STICK RESULT IN THE REAR BRAKES DRAGGING WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO A DECREASED PARKING BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073920
“Emergency brake Calipers not working. Same problem as previous years recall. Calipers stuck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549811

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire or wheel separation while driving

TIRES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2023-01

“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firehawk Indy 500, Tire Size: 225/45/R19, DOT Number: EJE8CFJ3819. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire experienced a blowout. The contact stated that after pulling”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11504511
“COMING HOME FROM VACATION ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY LARGE EXPLOSION. THE RIM BLEW OUT AND THE TIRE WITH IT. THERE WAS NO ROAD HAZARD THAT WE HIT. THE HOLE IN THE RIM IS APPROX. 3-4" AND 6-8" SPLIT IN THE RIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10750396
“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE SHORE TODAY GOING 70MPH I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND WITHIN 15 SECOND MY 2015 MAZDA 6 13,000 MILES WAS OUT OF CONTROL I BARLEY MADE IT CROSSING FOUR LANES OF TRAFFICS TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. ONCE I EXITED THE CAR I NOTICED THE LEFT REAR TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10735629

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking from minor road debris

VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2018-09

“AFTER MY FIRST TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE 2015 MAZDA6, IT GOT THREE CHIPS/CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS NOT FROM A SIZABLE STONE, BUT TINY PEBBLES THAT IN OTHER CARS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. AFTER OWNING MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE NEVER WITNESSED ONE TO BE SO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651532
“WE WERE ON A HIGHWAY ACCESS ROAD, SLOWING FOR A TURN ONTO AN OVERPASS. A PIECE OF GRAVEL FROM A GRAVEL TRUCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE NOT FOLLOWING CLOSELY. WE DID NOT SEE THE GRAVEL. WITHIN SECONDS OF THE GRAVEL IMPACT, AND AS WE SLOWED AND TURNED ONTO THE OVERPASS, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10676721
“VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS IN JUST THREE YEARS OF USE AND OWNERSHIP. THE WINDSHIELD DESIGN SEEMS TO BE EXTREMELY FRAGILE AND INDUCES SAFETY RELATED SENSOR FUNCTION ANOMALIES. MY GRAND TOURING MODEL IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BOSE SPEAKER SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES POPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Underbody and suspension sub-frame corrosion

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-05

“Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457882
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was bouncing, and the clicking sound was extremely loud. The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656508
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the rear end on the passenger's side. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear end of”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658432

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank leak when filled beyond three-quarters

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2025-02

“Fuel started leaking after 90,000 miles when tank is over 3/4 full”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641324
“The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after refueling, the odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking underneath the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630400
“I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. I USUALLY BUY GAS BY THE DOLLAR AMOUNT, BUT DID A COMPLETE COMPLETE FILL UP FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THIS VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING AWAY THEN PARKING AT HOME, I NOTICED A HEAVY GASOLINE SMELL AND CHECKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR. THERE WAS A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051374

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission disengagement or gear lockup while driving

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2022-11

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED AS FOLLOWS: TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN CITY TRAFFIC (TAYLOR STREET, COLUMBIA SC). CAR LOST POWER AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL. WARNING DISPLAYED ON DASH "ATS FAILURE." I POWERED OFF THE ENGINE AND RE-STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10863682
“ON NOV 27 16 THE FOLLOWING SAFETY ISSUE OCCURRED TO MY AUTO. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MPH IN SLOW TRAFFIC MY VEHICLE THREW ITSELF OUT OF GEAR, THE ENGINE RACED, AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS IT VIOLENTLY WENT BACK IN GEAR. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING THE TRANSMISSION HAD LOCKED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10928244
“THIS CAR HAS HAD MANY RANDOM COMPUTER PROBLEMS STARTING WITH TRANSMISSION LOCKING IN LOW GEAR UNTIL YOU STOP THE CAR AND RESTART. CAR SHUTS OFF DISPLAYING AUTOMATIC STOP BREAK GOT VERY HARD AND STEERING VERY HARD. MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT LAST WEEK 2/2/17 DUE TO VEHICLE LOSS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10955354

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning, deployment failure, and Takata recall delay

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-08

“Hi, car was involved in a small fender bender. Airbags were NOT deployed. However, an error code 19 (B0001) came on the dash related to driver side sensor. If not fixed, airbags will not deploy in case of accident and that puts me and my family in danger. Dealer won't service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611049
“WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN AN INTERSECTION, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INCORRECTLY. IT POPPED OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL BUT FAILED TO INFLATE. NOT ONLY DID THIS NOT PROTECT ME FROM WHIPLASH BUT IT ALSO BURNED A HOLE IN MY DRESS AND CAUSED 1ST AND 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON MY UPPER INNER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991087
“WAITED MONTHS FOR DEALER TO REPAIR RECALLED AIR BAG INFLATOR. HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. CAR MAY HAVE BEEN DRIVEN IN HIGH HUMID AREAS AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY A RENTAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10736166

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Mazda CX-50 Turbo and CX-9: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9: 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from front-biased AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Mazda3 and CX-5 front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L. CX-50 Turbo and CX-9 Turbo: 45,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

AWD CX-5, CX-50, CX-9: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

32 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Mazda Mazda6 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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