Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Mazda MAZDA6
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 is generally a reliable vehicle but is affected by recalls related to the steering system. Complaints are most frequent for issues with service brakes and the electrical system, which should be checked during the inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 77 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #17V546000 Weld Spatter may cause OCS fault NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 11 complaints
- Power Train 11 complaints
- Service Brakes 11 complaints
- Unknown or Other 11 complaints
- Seats 9 complaints
- Engine 7 complaints
Of the 77 complaints on file, 9 report a crash; across all 77 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power assist failure
How to check: Check if steering becomes difficult while turning slowly.
Service brakes malfunction
How to check: Look for warning lights on the dashboard related to brakes.
Wiring damage from seat frame
How to check: Inspect passenger seat wiring for damage or exposed wires.
Engine hesitates or stalls
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or hesitations during acceleration.
Seat structure issues
How to check: Check seat stability and fastening of bolts underneath seats.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or long cranking.
Red flag: Loud knocking or long crank time
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe if the engine runs smoothly without stalling.
Red flag: Hesitation or stalling
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Test steering assist for smooth operation.
Red flag: Stiff or jerky steering
- 04
60mph acceleration
What to check: Note any hesitation or power loss.
Red flag: Noticeable hesitation or lag
- 05
Braking from 30mph
What to check: Feel for smooth, responsive braking action.
Red flag: Grinding or vibrations
- 06
Park in reverse
What to check: Check for smooth engagement of gears.
Red flag: Clunking noise or delay
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering recall been addressed?
- Any known electrical issues?
- Have the brakes been serviced recently?
- Are there any seat-related problems?
- Ever experienced engine hesitations?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Accident history report
- Title status
- Previous owner details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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