2013 Mazda Mazda6 Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2013 Mazda Mazda6
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 8 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 earns a 87.
Is the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 Worth Buying?
The 2013 Mazda Mazda6 presents a mixed bag; while its powertrain fundamentals are generally robust, watch out for the often-problematic transmission issues that can significantly impact long-term ownership costs. It's a fun-to-drive sedan, but only a meticulously maintained example with a full service history should be considered a safe bet, otherwise you're rolling the dice on a major repair.
The 2013 Mazda Mazda6 offers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, but its Achilles' heel is the prevalent 5-speed automatic transmission failure. Unless you find an impeccably maintained example, ideally with a manual transmission, or are prepared for a potential major repair, this vehicle should be approached…
Best Model Years
2014-2017 (for 3rd generation), for a more reliable automatic transmission and updated design.
Years to Avoid
2009-2013 (2nd generation) with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Biggest Strengths
- Responsive driving dynamics
- Generally robust engine (2.5L)
- Strong braking performance
What Tends to Fail First on the 2013 Mazda Mazda6
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2013 Mazda Mazda6, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 5-speed automatic transmission (FW6A-EL) can suffer from shuddering, harsh shifts, and eventual failure due to internal clutch pack wear, solenoid issues, or torque converter problems, particularly if fluid changes were neglected.
Front lower control arm bushings and sway bar links tend to wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises, reduced handling precision, and requiring replacement to maintain ride quality and safety.
Issues can range from intermittent power window switch failures, climate control malfunctions, to more concerning problems like flickering dash lights or non-starting conditions potentially linked to wiring or body control module (BCM) f…
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car is still relatively new. Focus on routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Watch for premature rear brake wear.
Maintenance Zone
This is a critical interval for spark plugs, potentially transmission fluid service, and inspecting suspension components. Front control arm bushings often start to show wear.
Elevated Risk Zone
The 5-speed automatic transmission often begins to show signs of trouble here. Engine mounts, VVT actuators, and potential electrical issues also become more probable.
High Risk Zone
Beyond 100k, the risk of a major transmission failure escalates significantly for automatic models. Be prepared for potentially comprehensive suspension overhauls and diligent monitoring of all fluid levels and sensor operations.
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension overhaul, VVT repair)
How Long Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 Last?
For automatic models, try to find one under 70,000 miles with documented transmission fluid changes. Manual transmission versions are safer bets even at higher mileages, but still inspect for typical wear items.
What 2013 Mazda Mazda6 Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Engaging and fun-to-drive handling dynamics
- Responsive steering feedback for a family sedan
- Comfortable front seats for long journeys
- Respectable fuel economy from the 2.5L engine
Common Frustrations
- Rear seat legroom can feel cramped for taller passengers
- Interior materials can feel a bit dated compared to rivals
- Significant road noise at highway speeds
- Notorious automatic transmission issues causing frustration and high repair bills
Who Should Buy the 2013 Mazda Mazda6?
Best For
- Enthusiastic drivers on a budget who prioritize driving dynamics
- Buyers seeking a manual transmission mid-size sedan
- Individuals prepared for proactive maintenance and potential repairs
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute, trouble-free reliability (e.g., Toyota Camry expectation)
- Those unwilling to budget for potential major transmission repairs
How the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 Compares to Rivals
The Mazda6 excels in driving engagement over most rivals but lags behind segment leaders like the Accord and Camry in long-term reliability due to its more prominent transmission and suspension wear issues.
More Reliable Than
- Chevrolet Malibu (2013)
- Ford Fusion (2013, early EcoBoost models)
Comparable To
- Nissan Altima (2013, due to CVT concerns)
- Kia Optima (2013)
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Recall History
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
STRUCTURE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
What breaks on the 2013 Mazda Mazda6?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Mazda Mazda6 Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda Mazda6. Click any year for its full report.
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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