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ProblemsByVin Index / 2018-MAZDA-MAZDA6 / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2018 Mazda Mazda6 owner complaints

58 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

engine 6 complaints shown

22 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
11/26/2024 ODI #11627463.0

Cracked cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. Created a large oil leak. Oil on the exhaust is a fire hazard. After one quart of oil loss a low oil level light comes on. This is a reported problem. One version of the engine I have has a Mazda TSB and an extended warranty. TSB 01-0022/23 A local repair shop has diagnosed the problem.

10/17/2025 ODI #11694210.0

Cracked cylinder head causing oil leak and possible coolant leak. This is a known issue with this year and model. Mazda is trying to suggest the issue is only for the turbo engine, but the non-turbo engine is also defective, per countless reports online. I have a video from the service technician from the mazda dealership, but it is too big to upload.

10/03/2023 ODI #11548064.0

Coolant leaking from head, informed by dealer the cylinder head is cracked and the entire engine needs to be replaced. The engine has just hit 80k miles at this point. This issue caused multiple instances of overheating while driving, one of which caused the vehicle to fail to move forward while on an elevated freeway overpass with no shoulder during rush hour. This issue appears to be widespread for 2016 and newer Mazda models with the 2.5L turbo engine.

09/25/2024 ODI #11616489.0

Cracked Cylinder Head. At 50,400 miles. This is far too common of a problem for such a new car with so few miles. I have seen many similar reports online. My mechanic was baffled. This is a $5k cost AT LEAST. Mazda has a history of not covering these defects. And it IS a defect, not a simple wear and tear issue. A cracked cylinder head can eventually lead to engine failure, so it is dangerous to drive with it. The problem HAS been confirmed by an independent service center. I got a oil pressure warning sign.

08/09/2024 ODI #11607569.0

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while merging onto a freeway the vehicle did not accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal, lost automotive power. After turning the engine off and back on the vehicle operated as normal but later while driving approximately 65 MPH the failure had reoccurred while attempting the pass a semi-truck on the freeway. The check engine warning light had also illuminated and the vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.

08/07/2026 ODI #11755535.0

The car only has 70k miles on it. The engine started smoking under the hood. Immediately stopped to look. There was oil leaking but I could not see from where. I took it across the street to the Toyota dealership and had them look at it. They explained to me that there was a crack in the cylinder head and oil was leaking everywhere. Potentially causing a fire or even an explosion. The old was leaking all over the exhaust manifold and engine. I had my 2 toddlers in the car not long before this happened. This is extremely unacceptable. Currently Mazda is saying it will be 7200 to replace the engine and that cost is on me. I think that is absolutely absurd being there are only 70k miles on the car and I bought it brand new. I also kept up with all of the required maintenance.

other 4 complaints shown

11/26/2023 ODI #11556828.0

When I put my car on reverse the sensors beep continuously and give the impression that there are obstacles behind your car. I cleaned all the sensors, but noise is still there. I see a lot of posts regarding same issue.

11/17/2020 ODI #11374972.0

I was driving on a street and my check engine light, TCS/dsc light, sbs/scbs light, mrcc light, and warning light appeared on my dashboard. My car then started putting or jerky. It felt as my car was very weak as if it was going to give out. This is the third time these same malfunctions appeared. Each time it occurred I took my car to the Mazda dealership. The first time they did not find a problem because the warning light had already turned off. The second time(september 5), they gave me a new battery and new computer software. It is now at the dealership again. This situation is very scary and I need to know why this is happening

09/28/2024 ODI #11616978.0

My car has stalled out on me 6 times in traffic and wouldn’t restart for hours. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they told me nothing was wrong but it continues to happen. I need something done as soon as possible

08/29/2026 ODI #11760546.0

Have had 3 seats replaced under warranty by Graco and was told to make a report with you. The rigid latch anchors on two have been faulty after 2 months. The second one got stuck in the installed base and pulling the release button did nothing. The rigid latch on the first got stuck in the open position. The second they would move independently of each other and not lock in. The third is starting to have the same issue with getting stuck in the base. These have all happened within two months of normal use.

powertrain 3 complaints shown

7 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
09/18/2025 ODI #11688263.0

Was driving then car suddenly shut down and all panel lights turned on. The car would not start after an hour it started but was Perkins when driving. Mechanics were unable to diagnose the issue.

08/26/2019 ODI #11246313.0

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 concerned as to why this has not been addressed in any letters or emails

08/12/2022 ODI #11478968.0

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that he had experienced a transmission surged on five separate occasions since owning the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer after each failure and various unknown repairs and software updates were performed on the vehicle. However, the failure persisted after each visit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

electrical 2 complaints shown

3 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/14/2023 ODI #11560045.0

Was at a drive in window and car turned off and couldn't restart. Windows and lights would work but car wouldn't restart. Could of been driving and would of crashed. Had 3 people family in car. It was 9 pm had to have towed to nearest auto mechanic place 150.00. They are diagnosing and that is 186.00. This is a scary thing and going to BBB and filing a complaint I'm mad as he'll. Have had inspection done on this car 2 months ago and all required services to this car. This was without warning which is horrifying.

08/17/2020 Fire ODI #11349943.0

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 assisting me in this incident. I am still waiting for reports from law enforcement/first responders. Mazda has refused to address this situation without me providing them with an "inspection report supporting the claim a defect was present and said defect caused the fire." as I was only a lessee of the vehicle, I have no possession of the vehicle and, therefore, I cannot order an inspection on the vehicle. Mazda is acting in bad-faith.

seatbelts 1 complaint shown

11/25/2019 Crash ODI #11282286.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. While the contact's friend was driving 55 MPH, he veered off the side of the road into a dirt patch, and struck an object. The air bags deployed and the driver's seat belt unbuckled upon impact. The air bag deployment burned the contact's right underarm. Medical attention was not received. A police report was not filed. The contact's friend was able to drive the vehicle back to his apartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. *dt consumer stated partial retract due to pretensioner firing. Cannot buckle ' 8 in too short. Both hands on steering wheel. Weird seat belt unlatched.*jb

wheels 1 complaint shown

08/28/2026 ODI #11760260.0

Fuel pump is leaking, just as all the other 2018-2020 fuel pumps but mine doesn’t qualify for the recall.

body 1 complaint shown

08/14/2020 ODI #11349287.0

After less than a year of leasing this vehicle, an abundance of rock chips have shown up, more than any other car I've leased. This paint seems extremely susceptible to foreign objects. (this would be the soul red color they use.) items that shouldn't cause a scratch do, and road debris causes chips that shouldn't far too much.

steering 1 complaint shown

07/29/2026 ODI #11753644.0

Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.

Showing 300 of 58 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Mazda/Mazda6#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-09-13. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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