RoadVitals

2013 Mazda Mazda6

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 18V717000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jul 12, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Apr 25, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Mazda Mazda6, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and exterior lighting categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 237 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Suspension516.7%
  • Brakes516.7%
  • Exterior lighting413.3%
  • Airbags310.0%
  • Body & structure310.0%
  • Interior & seats26.7%
  • Visibility26.7%
  • Other / unspecified13.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Apr 25, 2019
51,118 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 2818IView on NHTSA.gov
18V717000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Oct 12, 2018
155,436 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 1317FView on NHTSA.gov
18V018000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
70,227 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and 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 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 1317FView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jul 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained. After receiving the recall repair, the contact became aware that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was tilted to the left. The front passenger’s side tire was slightly turned inward. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross member on the passenger’s side was rusted, causing several fractures. After inspecting the damaged area, the mechanic confirmed that it was the area that was repaired under recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA ID
11601441
Incident
May 30, 2024
Mileage
67,000 mi
BrakesOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Dec 19, 2023

I JUST BAUGHT A 2013 MAZDA6 THE REAR CRADEL AND CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETY RUSTED AWAY ONE MOUNT WAS COMPLETY RUSTED OFF .THE SPRINGS WAS ALMOST READY TO FALL OUT THE BOTTEM OF THE SPRING PURCH .IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE OCEAN WHERE IT HAD STAYED FOR YEARS .I TRIED TO FIND A USED REPLACEMENT OUT OF SEVERAL WE FOUND FROM 10-13 AND GOING THRU NATIONAL SALVAGE PARTS WE CAN NOT FIND ONE THAT WAS NOT RUSTY AWAY ALL THE MAZDA6 FRAMS WERE SO RUSTED THEY COULD NOT BE USED .WHY IS THIS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST IF ALL I COULD FIND ARE RUSTED OUT PARTS THAT IS A SAFTY HAZZARD TO HAVE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
11560838
Incident
Dec 19, 2023
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 4, 2023

My car has approx 115,000 miles. I took it to Bass Mazda to have spark plugs and serpentine belt changed simply for maintenance purposes. After leaving dealership my car was pulling to the right. My steering wheel was no longer centered. It also was turned toward the right. Any time I had to hit the brakes the car pulled very hard to right. Long story short it we ended up finding out that my sub frame is very rusted and cracked. My car specifically does not fall into the recall for this issue. When I called mazda to inform them that this may be an issue with other cars the rep was ki d of rude. She just kept telling me I needed to contact the dealership to see what they could do and get cost appraisal. I was simply trying to let them know this could be an issue for other vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11500180
Incident
Jan 4, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Dec 30, 2021

2013 Mazda 6 VIN [XXX] 1)Fuel tank leak. yes it is available for inspection 2)Gas leak with danger of fire or explosion. 3) Yes 4) No 5)Yes Reoccurring The 2014 Mazda 6 had a recall for the exact same problem I am having where the tank would overfill or if parked unlevel and it will activate a check engine light and "leak gas" out of the EVAP canister even while driving. The recall covered cars built between October 25, 2012 and May 9, 2013. My car was built 7-19-2012 and the dealer will not fix the issue. I have taken it to a dealer in Cincinnati and they said put a new fuel cap on it which I did. The problem has persisted and has gotten worse. I have taken it to garages where they have merely reset the light and returned it unfixed. I have lived "because of the Covid" with the situation over a year and a half by only filling the tank half full. I have only recently discovered the 2014 had a recall but not the 2013. I have spent over a 1000$ trying to get someone to fix it but no body has yet to do the job. It has potential to explode and or catch afire. I am asking for help and reporting Mazda for under recalling and fixing the recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11445637
Incident
Dec 28, 2021
Electrical
Filed Aug 19, 2021

was driving on the highway when the check engine light came on. not 10 minutes later, I lost acceleration and steering. managed to get to the shoulder just in time before my car pretty much died. the water light and battery light came on when I came to a stop. mechanic discribes it as 'catastrophic engine failure'. other than the check engine light, there were no other warnings. the temperature gage was normal and there were no weird sounds or smoke. diagnostic readings said a coolant leak lead to the radiator overheating which caused the engine to seize. the freeze frame data says 'P0117 engine coolant temperature sensor 1 circuit low'. I researched that and it said that when 'low', the check engine will come on but there will probably be no other warnings and that the sensor usually needs to be replaced around 100k miles. my vehicle is at 51k miles. currently have 3k in repairs which does not include the cost of an engine.

NHTSA ID
11429692
Incident
Aug 5, 2021
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 22, 2021

RELATED TO MAZDA RECALL NUMBER 2818I - FRONT FRAME ROTTING OUT. THEY APPLIED A BANDAID FIX UNDER THE RECALL, TO ONLY 1 SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PART THEY USED DOES NOT EVEN CONNECT TO THE ACTUAL SUSPENSION PIECES THAT ARE ROTTING OUT OF THE FRAME. IT IS BASICALLY A PLATE TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING COMPLETELY ON ONLY 1 SIDE. THE PROBLEM IS THE ENTIRE FRAME IS STILL ROTTING AT A CRAZY EXCESSIVE RATE. I HAVE HAD MANY USED, OLDER VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A CAR SO NEW ALMOST RENDERED UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE FRAME CONDITION. MY MECHANIC SAID IT SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED GIVEN HOW MUCH CORROSION/RUST IS ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INSTEAD OF ONLY A BRACKET ON ONE SIDE... AND THE FIX THEY PERFORMED IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LIABILITY TREATMENT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM COMPLETELY FALLING APART AND KILLING SOMEONE WHEN THE FRAME FAILS ON THAT SIDE. THE FRAME WAS LEFT IN PLACE AND IS ROTTING FASTER THAN I HAVE EVEN SEEN ON A VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LESS THAN 10YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 100K MILES. NHTSA NEEDS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS RECALL AS SOME DEALERS ARE DOING THE BEAR MINIMUM TO 'FIX' THE ISSUE INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE FRAME AS THEY SHOULD BE....SOME OF THE CARS WERE NEWER AND WERE NOT YET EXPERIENCING THE HEAVY RUST AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BUT FAST FORWARD A YEAR OR TWO AND THE ENTIRE FRAME IS NEARLY JUNK COVERED BY A FANCY METAL PLATE ON ONLY 1 SIDE THAT IS SIMPLY INTENDED TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING AND NOTHING ELSE...IT DIDN'T AT ALL 'FIX' THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT SUBMIT PICS RIGHT NOW, BUT GIVEN THIS IS RELATED TO A PREVIOUS RECALL NOT SURE IT IS NECESSARY...LOOK INTO HOW THEY ARE 'BANDAIDING' SOME OF THE 2013'S WHILE REPLACING THE ENTIRE FRAMES ON 2011'S...IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE SAME REPAIR AND THE 'BANDAID' FIX DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM OF PREMATURE ROT ON THE FRAME. I CAN SEND AN EXAMPLE OF BOTH UPON REQUEST.

NHTSA ID
11404228
Incident
Mar 19, 2021
Mileage
81,500 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 18, 2021

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM YOU BARELY CAN SEE ANYTHING OFTEN I HAVE TO TURN ON HIGH BEAM LIGHTS

NHTSA ID
11403799
Incident
Mar 5, 2021
Mileage
140,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 20, 2020

TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS FROSTED OVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE APPROACHING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS MAZDA LOCATED AT 5625 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615, (419)531-0151, TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *AS

NHTSA ID
11310300
Incident
Feb 20, 2018
Mileage
50,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

09-022-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.

SA-041-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

SA-029-26

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

SA-061-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

07-004-25a

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.

SA-039/25

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda Mazda6 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021170032.1
2020200
2019610
2018562052.5
2017601046.4
2016761047.3
2015603048.6
20141374052.5
2013Viewing224048.3
2012996053.0
20111346057.3
20102259152.8
200938610255.8
20081115365.0
20071566362.7
20061736359.4
20051476362.1
20041607361.6
20031749459.2
2002281035.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.