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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-MAZDA-MAZDA6NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mazda
2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has 76 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has 76 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 9 complaints, typically surfacing around 66,838 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Mazda6?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Mazda Mazda6? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,838 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 5,941 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
brakes — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 29,550 mi · ~$450 to fix
steering — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,992 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 5,941 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mazda 6. While driving 55 MPH, the cruise control engaged and would not turn off. Lester raines Mazda (5035 maccorkle ave sw, south charleston, wv 25309, (304) 768-1251) informed the contact to disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the…
Front end creak sound under 25 MPH over. Exactly like the 1 other complaint I just read... Similiar VIN# 's too. I.e. When turning and going straight while entering a sloped entry of driveway or other entry access similar. Or going over a speed bump slowly. There is a cricking…
Had a problem with your 2016 Mazda Mazda6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles
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.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mazda Mazda6?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 9 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 76 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 66,838 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 9 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,838 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,838 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda Mazda6 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Mazda Mazda6?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 76 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Mazda/Mazda6.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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