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2016 Mazda Mazda6 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering electric power assist system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission hesitation and early failure.” 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.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #17V546000 · Aug 31, 2017

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Mazda Mazda6.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission hesitation and early failure

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2017-02

“MY BRAND NEW MAZDA 6 WITH ONLY 6000 MILES TRANSMISSION QUIT ON 3/21/16. THE CARS GEARS WOULDN'T ENGAGE UNTIL THE RPMS WOULD HIT 3000 AND THEN THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. THE DEALER HAS ORDERED A NEW TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851718
“BOUGHT MY MAZDA 6 NEW ON 10/04/15 WITH 40 MILES. ON 3/26/16 AT 3245 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, VERY SIMILARLY TO ANOTHER COMPLAINT LISTED ON THIS SITE THAT STATED THAT THERE WERE HUNDREDS IF NOT MORE TRANSMISSIONS FAILURES OF THIS MODEL AT VERY LOW MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10854596
“I PURCHASED MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2016 MAZDA 6 FROM THE DEALER AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE WITH ONLY 1,800 MILES ON IT. I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ONLY A WEEK WHEN I STARTED TO RUN INTO ISSUE. THE RESULT WAS A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR MY CAR AT ONLY ~2,700 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914911

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic parking brake activates or won't release

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2022-11

“TWICE NOW THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BREAK SEEMS TO HAVE DISENGAGED RANDOMLY MINUTES AFTER I WALKED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055928
“2016 MAZDA 6 WOULD JUST RANDOMLY ENRAGED E-BRAKE WITHOUT YOU ENGAGING IT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. MAZDA SAID CONTROL MODULE WAS MALFUNCTIONING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063673
“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D) or reverse(R), the vehicle failed to move. The electronic parking brake warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494079

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof spontaneous shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2024-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809030
“AT 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED LOUDLY, WITH BROKEN GLASS PUSHED UPWARD. THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN IN THE VENT POSITION. NO EVIDENCE OF OUTSIDE FORCE, SUCH AS A ROCK, CAUSING THE DAMAGE. ONLY 600 MILES ON THE NEW CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10883742
“Moonroof explosion Moonroof had spontaneous explosion while driving on highway. No objects were seen flying towards front of car prior to explosion. Driver and 1 passenger in front seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594101

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment display reboot loop

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2021-08

“THIS MAZDA 6 MODEL IS EQUIPPED WITH A VIDEO DISPLAY SCREEN MOUNTED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT OPERATES THE RADIO, COMMUNICATION, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE VIEW PROJECTED BY THE REAR VIEW CAMERA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279819
“MY INFOTAINMENT UNIT IS IN A CONSTANT REBOOT. I CANNOT ACCESS MY CAR SETTINGS OR RADIO OR BLUETOOTH, AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA IS NOT WORKING EVERY TIME. IT WAS FINE AND THEN IT WASNT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352930
“The vehicle infotainment system in this 2016 Mazda 6 no longer works and has what is called a rolling reboot. This seems a common problem with Mazda's based on a service alert SA-011/20 as well as a TSB 09-020/18”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431247

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat track looseness or instability

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the driver’s seat was previously moved backward; however, when her daughter attempted to move the seat forward to drive the vehicle, the seat remained stuck in the rearward position”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510423
“Driver seat is unstable and has been since I purchased the vehicle. I never got it looked at because I can't afford repairs. There was a recall for the passenger seat and I believe it would be for the driver seat as well given the driver seat stability is crucial”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665545
“1) UNKNOWN. My guess: The front seats or guard rails. 2) Very seat when braking, and coming to and from a stop. Poses as a safety risk. 3) Yes, no remedy/solution was yielded”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall separation and blowout

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2024-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10811562
“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON 4/16/2017 AND GOING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH ON THE PA TURNPIKE THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO ONE SIDE AND THE AIR ALERT WENT OFF. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND FOUND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WAS FLAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992041
“I bought the Bridgestone tires in Sept 2023 from Walmart. On Nov 23, 2024, I went to Walmart auto center to have 4 Bridgestone tires rotated and balanced. The tech discovered severe bead separation in 3 of 4 tires”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628289

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Occupant classification sensor false airbag alert

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-07

“MAZDA CORPORATION NOTIFIED ME OF AIRBAG/SEAT BELT SENSOR DEFECT.I TOOK THE CAR TO SHORELINE MAZDA, AURORA, CO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE SHORELINE MAZDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120936
“My passenger air bag doesn’t turn on when passenger is in vehicle, sensor for air bag turns on and off as if it can’t determine if a person is on the seat. My dashboard has the SRS OCS light on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648241
“My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676202

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)

52 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.

9

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 2016 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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