2021 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 17 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 has 17 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 12 complaints (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mazda6 | 55 | 2 |
| 2019 Mazda6 | 6 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda6 (this page) | 17 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
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
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 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 2021 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
- engine — 12 owner reports · ~$3,100 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 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.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2021 Mazda Mazda6
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.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Visibility/safety issue with OEM Mazda windshields. Objects appear highly distorted from all angles, making it hard to judge distance, read road signs, and drive safely without a disorienting level of distraction occurring at all times. Some objects appear magnified while others…
Engine oil low warning 2k miles after oil change and again a week after topping oil off.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the oil light continually illuminated on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount…
Vehicle displays low engine oil light about every 1,000 miles due to burning oil from faulty valve stem seals from factory assembly. Mazda has acknowledged the defect but plans to only refill engine oil. The defect could lead to possible injury due to low oil which could cause…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
On the NHTSA data, the 2021 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 8.6/10 — above the segment average. 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 12 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 17 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 12 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 17 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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.