The most-reported Mazda6 run is 1YVHP82A295 (2009 builds) with 28 complaints, 10× the typical run. Air bags problems make up 32% of reports; 2010 is the worst model year at 5.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns for Mazda6 model years 2003–2019.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mazda Mazda6 has 685 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 5% of every Mazda6 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1YVHP82A295•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A695•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A795•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A395•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A595•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A095•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHZ8CH5A5•••••• | 2010 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1YVHZ8BH0A5•••••• | 2010 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP82A995•••••• | 2009 | — | — | |
| 1YVHP80C185•••••• | 2008 | 2 | — | |
| 1YVHP80C385•••••• | 2008 | 2 | — | |
| 1YVHP82A495•••••• | 2009 | — | — |
Each of the other 673 Mazda6 runs has 12 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 109 Mazda6 VINs so far, most often 2016, 2015, 2014 builds; 3 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mazda Mazda6 the gap between build years is 5.3×: a 2010 car draws 5.3 complaints per run, a 2019 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 14 | — | |
| 2019 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| 2018 | 56 | 37 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 58 | 29 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 75 | 33 | 9 | |
| 2015 | 56 | 43 | 6 | |
| 2014 | 126 | 55 | 13 | |
| 2013 | 22 | 16 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 88 | 38 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 124 | 32 | 7 | |
| 2010 | 201 | 38 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 340 | 65 | 6 | |
| 2008 | 104 | 27 | 12 | |
| 2007 | 137 | 45 | 14 | |
| 2006 | 147 | 70 | 12 | |
| 2005 | 122 | 52 | 9 | |
| 2004 | 125 | 68 | 9 | |
| 2003 | 132 | 38 | 10 |
Heaviest year here is 2010 at 5.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2019 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 32% of everything Mazda Mazda6 owners report: Air Bags, 586 of 1,938 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 68 | 4 | |
| Structure | 14 | 1 | |
| Suspension | 7 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | 13 | |
| Power Train | 5 | — | |
| Engine | 4 | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 16 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 31 recall campaigns on the Mazda Mazda6; the 6 below cover build years 2003 to 2013. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 09E011000 | Equipment | 2003–2009 |
| 19V781000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2003–2008 |
| 18V402000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2003–2008 |
| 17V474000 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module | 2003–2008 |
| 13V425000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | 2009–2013 |
| 09E012000 | Exterior Lighting | 2003–2007 |
The Mazda6 against its rivals
The Mazda6 draws 2.8 complaints per production run; the Chevrolet Impala 5.4, the Cadillac CTS 2.9 and the Ford Fusion 11.9. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda6 | 1,938 | 685 | 6.1% | |
| Chevrolet Impala | 8,481 | 1,566 | 5.7% | |
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% |
How serious were they
Of the 1,938 reports on the Mazda Mazda6, 6.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Mazda Mazda6 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 1,938 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 119 (6.1%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 23 (1.2%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 83 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mazda Mazda6 share of that is 1,938 complaints over 685 runs, 0.17% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mazda Mazda6 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 1,938 NHTSA complaints from 685 Mazda6 runs and 31 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Mazda6 production run has the most complaints?
1YVHP82A295, a 2009 build, with 28 complaints. The typical Mazda6 run has 2.8.
Which Mazda6 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2010 is heaviest at 5.3 complaints per run and 2019 lightest at 1.
Does the Mazda6 get more complaints than the Chevrolet Impala?
No: 2.8 complaints per production run for the Mazda6 against 5.4 for the Chevrolet Impala.
How many Mazda6 complaints involve a crash?
6.1% of 1,938 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 23 involved a fire.
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