Mazda Mazda6 ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2003–2020)
Side-by-side reliability scores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Mazda Mazda6 we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Mazda6 across generations.
Average Score
83/100
Best Year
2020 Mazda Mazda6
Score 91
Weakest Year
2006 Mazda Mazda6
Score 72
Every Mazda Mazda6 Ranked
Sorted by reliability score. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A premium-feeling, driver-focused sedan with a strong reliability record and minimal common faults.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Braking System · Suspension Components
A driver's car with excellent reliability, provided you can overlook its tech quirks.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Auxiliary Battery/Alternator · Suspension Components
A spirited and stylish sedan with exceptional mechanical reliability, making it a top-tier used car value.
Top risks: Infotainment System · LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) · Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
A truly engaging and dependable midsize sedan that consistently outperforms its peers in driver satisfaction.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake Components · Minor Electrical Sensors
A superb, driver-focused sedan that offers remarkable reliability and value, with only minor tech hiccups.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake System Wear · Suspension Bushings/Components
A spirited and dependable sedan, the Mazda6 delivers excellent value with minimal major reliability concerns when properly maintained.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Braking System · Suspension Components
A driver-focused, reliable sedan with minor tech and suspension quirks that are manageable.
Top risks: Infotainment System (Mazda Connect) · Suspension Components · Engine Mounts
A fun-to-drive sedan, but don't buy without a thorough rust inspection and a budget for common suspension wear.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Suspension Components · Electrical System
A driver's car that delivers dependable service, provided you're vigilant about rust prevention and routine wear items.
Top risks: Body Rust & Corrosion · Suspension Components · Electrical Accessories
A fun-to-drive sedan with solid mechanicals, but notorious for rust and minor electrical annoyances that require diligent attention.
Top risks: Body/Chassis Rust · Power Steering System · Electrical System
A spirited and dependable used sedan, especially with the solid 2.5L engine, but inspect thoroughly for V6 water pump history and rust.
Top risks: Engine (3.7L V6) · Suspension Components · Body/Underbody Rust
A spirited mid-size sedan that can be rewarding, but carries a notable risk of costly automatic transmission failure if not perfectly maintained or if factory defects surface.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Suspension Components · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive sedan, but don't overlook its rust belt vulnerabilities and specific powertrain quirks.
Top risks: Rust & Body Corrosion · Automatic Transmission · Engine (2.3L MZR VVT)
A fun-to-drive sedan, but choose carefully and expect to address common weak points if you want long-term reliability.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive car potentially plagued by rust and powertrain woes if not carefully selected and maintained.
Top risks: Structural Rust & Corrosion · V6 Engine (3.0L) - VVT & Oil Leaks · Automatic Transmission (V6 Models)
A fun-to-drive, practical sedan that offers good value, provided you address its Achilles' heel: rust.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Corrosion · Braking System Components · Electrical System & Interior Trim
A fun-to-drive sedan with specific age-related and systemic weak points requiring careful evaluation.
Top risks: Electronic Power Steering (EPS) · Rust & Corrosion · Automatic Transmission (5-Speed)
A fun-to-drive sedan, but be prepared for rust prevention and diligent drivetrain checks.
Top risks: Rust and Body Corrosion · V6 Variable Intake System (VIS) · Automatic Transmission
Problems That Follow the Mazda6 Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Suspension Components
Appears in 8 model years · 44% of generations
Infotainment System
Appears in 6 model years · 33% of generations
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 4 model years · 22% of generations
Electrical System
Appears in 4 model years · 22% of generations
Braking System
Appears in 2 model years · 11% of generations