2018 Mazda MAZDA6 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 23, 2026 · Filed: October 29, 2026

I'm having an issue getting the recall serviced. Apparently, because the car's VIN number traces it's origin to [XXX], Mazda USA is unable to confirm the recall notice and the local dealership (Norcross Mazda) couldn't confirm it either when I tried to book an appointment. Mazda USA and the local Mazda sites both show the open recall on the customer end, but not on the corporate end for some reason. I spoke with a rep at Mazda USA and was told to reach out to Mazda XXX[XXX], but the service rep in [XXX] told me that the vehicle would have to be there for them to do anything. I'm in [XXX]. I've had this car for about two weeks and didn't think it would be this complicated to get this done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: May 16, 2026 · Filed: August 29, 2026

Have had 3 seats replaced under warranty by Graco and was told to make a report with you. The rigid latch anchors on two have been faulty after 2 months. The second one got stuck in the installed base and pulling the release button did nothing. The rigid latch on the first got stuck in the open position. The second they would move independently of each other and not lock in. The third is starting to have the same issue with getting stuck in the base. These have all happened within two months of normal use.

Incident: August 28, 2026 · Filed: August 28, 2026

Fuel pump is leaking, just as all the other 2018-2020 fuel pumps but mine doesn’t qualify for the recall.

Incident: August 7, 2026 · Filed: August 7, 2026

The car only has 70k miles on it. The engine started smoking under the hood. Immediately stopped to look. There was oil leaking but I could not see from where. I took it across the street to the Toyota dealership and had them look at it. They explained to me that there was a crack in the cylinder head and oil was leaking everywhere. Potentially causing a fire or even an explosion. The old was leaking all over the exhaust manifold and engine. I had my 2 toddlers in the car not long before this happened. This is extremely unacceptable. Currently Mazda is saying it will be 7200 to replace the engine and that cost is on me. I think that is absolutely absurd being there are only 70k miles on the car and I bought it brand new. I also kept up with all of the required maintenance.

Incident: July 29, 2026 · Filed: July 29, 2026

Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.

Incident: April 25, 2026 · Filed: April 30, 2026

Crack in Cylinder Head of engine. Mazda has been sued about this and have issued recalls on turbo engines, but not on non turbo ones though its the same systemic design issue with these engines. Wants me to pay 5-7k out of pocket.

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: April 22, 2026

My cylinder head is leaking coolant. There is a well known and well documented issue with these cylinder heads cracking due to poor casting. This has become such a big issue that Mazda has even recalled the cylinder heads, BUT, only if the engine is equipped with Turbo. However, this issue is becoming enormous even for non turbo owners and is a huge safety issue as it can lead to overheating, stalling, and further damage to other components. I feel very strongly that it is time for Mazda to take some responsibility and extend the cylinder head recall to the non turbo engines.

Incident: April 4, 2026 · Filed: April 7, 2026

Car had a coolant leak due to cracked cylinder head that was defective from the factory it was fixed but now the car has engine problems again. Don’t want to keep having these issues in the future

Incident: March 2, 2026 · Filed: April 1, 2026

System Failure: The Power Train (6-speed Automatic Transmission) suffered a major malfunction, documented by diagnostic codes P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio) and P0780 (Shift Error). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of propulsion while attempting to accelerate. This created an immediate risk of a rear-end collision and left the vehicle unresponsive in the path of oncoming traffic. The transmission's unpredictable shifting makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. Confirmation: The failure and the P0731 code were officially confirmed by Castle Mazda on March 2, 2026. The manufacturer (Mazda) has been notified but has denied a remedy, despite TSB MC-10160555-0001 addressing this specific internal defect. Warning Symptoms: There was no Check Engine Light or dashboard warning prior to or during the failure. The only warning was an extreme, abnormal mechanical grinding/clunking noise from the transmission. The lack of a malfunction indicator light (MIL) meant I had no electronic warning of a looming mechanical failure while in motion.

Incident: February 13, 2026 · Filed: February 22, 2026

Per Mazda inspection, the back side of cylinder head #3 has an oil leak which is leaking onto the exhaust manifold. This creates a direct fire hazard as Mazda said they highly recommend not driving it for that reason. The Mazda dealership inspected and confirmed the issue, it in February 2026, with only 74,000 miles on the vehicle.