The Lemon Index
2020Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 16,214 in the U.S. in 2021 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 16 complaints in its first 3 years.
16 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Toyota Camry 312021 Honda Accord 622021 Nissan Altima 30
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mazda's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 16 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
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.
Transmission problems in every Mazda6 year →
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
Engine oil low warning 2k miles after oil change and again a week after topping oil off.
2021 Mazda6 owner · NHTSA complaint 11560526
More owner reports
Low engine oil light came on at around 13,700. Last oil change was at 10,000 miles. Checked oil dipstick, oil level slightly below first marker hole.
NHTSA complaint 11472485
Low oil light comes on. Using excessive oil between oil changes.
NHTSA complaint 11521630
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 47.4M views · 2014–2021 Mazda6
Prices people quote
- Price when new$23,99825 videos▶ Hear it
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical145K views
How To Change A Mazda 6 Remote Key Fob Battery 2014 - 2019 DIY Remove & Replace Key BatteriesPYR Automotive · 74K views · 2 videos - Brakes & ABS110K views
2016 Mazda 6 Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Maintenance Mode How-ToFixItFrank412 · 110K views - Heat, A/C & blend door85K views
Mazda 6 Cabin Air Filter Replacement ( 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 )Undercar Experts · 85K views - Starter, alternator & belts73K views
How to Replace Serpentine Belt 2014-2021 Mazda 6TRQ · 73K views
Show 2 more
- Steering & suspension72K views
How to Replace Front Control Arms with Ball Joint 2014-2021 Mazda 6TRQ · 72K views - Oil changes & service62K views
How to Change Oil 2014-2021 Mazda 6TRQ · 62K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Mazda 6 Sedan 2014-2021 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 239K views
Mazda6 3rd Gen 2014 to 2021 common problems, issues, defects and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 65K views
Mazda 6 2020 in-depth review | carwow Reviewscarwow · 2.3M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2021 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mazda Mazda3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$2,450 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
Every Mazda6 year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 16 Mazda6 years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda6/?y=2021" title="Mazda6 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="560" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mazda6/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Mazda6 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Mazda6 reliable?
We can't score it: only 16,214 were sold in the U.S. in 2021 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2021 Mazda6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (81%), wipers & visibility (12%) and fuel system (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda6 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mazda6 get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Mazda6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mazda6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $2,450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mazda6 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda6 year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner 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 years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works