The Lemon Index2018 Mazda6.
The 2018 Mazda6 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best Mazda6 year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 58 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda6 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 7K to 27K miles on the car (15 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- engine 2019
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda6 told dealers about
Mazda6 sent dealers 549 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory
- Some customers may complain about poor heater performance even after the engine reaches normal…
- Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I made a stop at a traffic light and the green light change I pressed the gas and the Mazda6 stalled and then dragged to take off which almost caused an accident.
2018 Mazda6 owner · NHTSA complaint 11228519
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mazda6 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda6 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Mazda6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), transmission & drivetrain (29%) and equipment & accessories (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda6 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda6 get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mazda6 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Mazda6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 29% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Mazda6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mazda6 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda6 year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2011 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works