2016 Mazda Mazda6 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda Mazda6, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes1414.3%
- Electrical1111.2%
- Powertrain (other)1010.2%
- Driver assistance99.2%
- Interior & seats88.2%
- Engine77.1%
- Airbags66.1%
- Steering66.1%
- Other / unspecified55.1%
- Suspension55.1%
- Body & structure55.1%
- Fuel system44.1%
- Seat belts22.0%
- Exterior lighting22.0%
- Visibility22.0%
- Tires & wheels11.0%
- Heating & air conditioning11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D) or reverse(R), the vehicle failed to move. The electronic parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle, deactivated the electronic parking brake, and forcefully depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he had to pay to repair the vehicle since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was in the process of towing the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in the recall. A case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The contact has noted that this complaint has been resolved.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passenger’s side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in the seat, damaging the air bag located near the seat heater sensor. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.
PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front CV axles on my car have failed. It begun with a clicking noise and vibration when accelerating. I took the car to the Mazda dealership, and they confirmed the sounds but said they weren't able to diagnose the issue and that I would have to leave my car for them to figure it out. This places my daughter and my life at risk, as well as other passengers, due to the critical role the CV axles play in operating a vehicle. More specifically, the ability to properly control my steering movement while transporting my daughter to and from school is necessary and if not present, very dangerous. An independent service mechanic has confirmed this issue and indicated that this issue has been seen in many Ford and Mazda's recently. However, there is no recall. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the problem occurring. Again, when Mazda recently services my vehicle, they conducted a full-circle vehicle inspection and did not produce any concerns.
PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.
When driving, after a period of 10 - 20 minutes usually, of the adaptive cruise being on (not necessarily in use), the buttons on the steering wheel will re-map. That is, the + button for adjusting the cruise speed up by 1 mph increments will switch with the - button that adjusts the cruise speed down by 1 mph increments. This happens reliably... if I've driven the car with adaptive cruise on for more that 10 - 20 minutes, the buttons will re-map. + slows the car down or doesn't work at all (does nothing). - speeds the car up. Also, rarely, the cancel button will speed the car up. Often the cancel button will not work and the only way to disengage the adaptive cruise is to tap on the brake pedal. Less frequently--maybe about 1/3 - 1/2 of the time, the "off" button, which turns the adaptive cruise off entirely, will not work. Note, that this is not the "engage" or "enable" button. These are the buttons that just turn on and off the adaptive cruise and show that it is now ready to be set if on. I discussed this with the dealer. I believe it is a software problem, they cannot find a software problem as they patched the software in the car up to the latest version. They want to replace the steering wheel where the switches are. This is a $750 repair. (I'm not sure if it's the whole steering wheel or the switch cluster on the wheel.) I cannot afford it and I'm not convinced it will work. I believe they are just guessing at a solution. Nothing to my knowledge has ever spilled on the steering wheel to potentially damage the switchgear. Also, this, to me, does not explain how it always works correctly for the first 10 - 20 minutes of driving, then fails reliably after that. This problem has existed for over two years. Since the car has had about 100,000 miles on it.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
1) UNKNOWN. My guess: The front seats or guard rails. 2) Very seat when braking, and coming to and from a stop. Poses as a safety risk. 3) Yes, no remedy/solution was yielded. Others on forums who visited dealership stated that the dealership said it was “normal”. Despite the other side not having the issue at all. 4) No 5) No Full assessment: The issue of this complaint lies within the front seat of the vehicle. My educated guess is that there is a defect within the seat rails of the vehicle as no remedy seems to be found upon extensive research on google and various forums. Specifically, in my vehicle and may others that I have found, have issues with the driver seat feeling loose when braking or hitting the gas from a stop. Many individuals (including my close friend) have raised this to dealerships and were told that this is “normal” despite the passenger seat (or vice versa) does not have the same issue whatsoever with no remedy. I personally have tightened all possible nuts and bolts for the seat AND brought it to multiple shops and dealerships, which yielded no remedy as all bolts were in fact tightened. I strongly believe that this issue should be further investigated and mitigated as it poses as a risk of serious injury - whether involved in an accident or the seat coming loose, or off entirely. The best way to describe the amount of play is sitting on a chair that is placed on an uneven floor, with one corner rocking toward itself. Or a table that is placed on an unleveled floor and is rocking towards one end (which that remedy consists of folding an napkin enough times to stick it under one of the legs). Please note that I have had this car for a couple of years and this one thing that grinds my gears.. aside from the plastic rattle of the driver side window switch module when listening to music.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.
PCM ISSUE, passenger air bag issue, OCS wiring issue. infotainment system, transmission, and engine. Key fobs not able to be reprogrammed due to PCM issue
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
My passenger air bag doesn’t turn on when passenger is in vehicle, sensor for air bag turns on and off as if it can’t determine if a person is on the seat. My dashboard has the SRS OCS light on. My vehicle has already been seen by Mazda to fix the recall but I am afraid to drive and suddenly air bags go off.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was on freeway when some warning start showing on dashboard ( enging, track control system, battery) then my steering wheel was hard that I couldn’t manubrio i hit a curb that was on the entrance and my car start spinning in circles till i hit the hill on side road.
THE SUSPENSION FEELS LOOSE, LIKE THE STEERING IS NOT IN SYNC WITH THE WHEELS WHEN TURNING LEFT. OCCASIONAL RATTLE AFTER CONSECUTIVE SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 60 MPH. I HAVE ALL NEW TIRES, A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND AN INSPECTION BY TWO SEPERATE MAZDA DEALERS( PUGI MAZDA IN IL, & MAZDA OF JACKSON MS) BOTH SAY THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER LEAK IN TRUNK AREA LEADING TO ABOUT A 2-INCH PUDDLE OF WATER ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE TRUNK AT THE LOCATION OF THE SPARE TIRE AREA. ISSUE WAS NOTICED ON APRIL 16, 2021. THE WATER ACCUMULATED ON TOP AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SPARE TIRE. THE PARTS OF THE VEHICLE ARE BEGINNING TO BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED --MOLD, ETC. THERE WERE ITEMS STORED AROUND THE SPARE TIRE 'E.G. FLAT TIRE REPAIR KIT, EMERGENCY BLANKET, ETC. THAT DEVELOPED MOLD DUE TO THE ACCUMULATED WATER AND WERE THROWN AWAY UPON INSPECTION. IN ADDITION TO THE SPARE TIRE AREA ACCUMULATING SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER, THE SPARE THE COVER (I.E.PLASTIC HONEYCOMB TYPE THAT SITS DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE SPARE TIRE) IS AFFECTED WITH THE EVAPORATION/CONDENSATION OF THE ACCUMULATED WATER. ALL OTHER PARTS OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE ARE WERE NOT WET TO THE TOUCH. THE SOURCE OF THE WATER IS UNKNOWN. AND IT WAS NOT A USER ERROR TYPE OF ISSUE 'THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STORED WITH ALL WINDOWS, DOORS, TRUNK, AND HOOD CLOSED. CONCERN IS THAT THE ACCUMULATION OF WATER WILL LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOLD INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND AN UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OCCUPYING THE CAR. ADDITIONALLY, IT WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE CORROSION SINCE THE AREA WHERE THE WATER ACCUMULATES IS NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSISTENTLY HOLDING WATER. ATTACHED ARE SEVERAL PHOTOS SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREA. NOTE THAT THE PHOTOS ONLY SHOW THE ACCUMULATED WATER THAT WAS UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE AFTER THE WATER ACCUMULATED ON TOP OF THE SPARE TIRE (INNER SECTION OF THE SPARE TIRE METAL WHEEL WHICH LAYS UP WHEN STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S TRUNK), CLOSE TO 2-INCHES WORTH, WAS REMOVED ALONG WITH THE SPARE TIRE ITSELF. I DID NOT THINK OF TAKING PHOTOS OF THE ISSUE UNTIL AFTER I REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE AND THE ACCUMULATED WATER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL THAT WOULD ALLOW MAZDA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.THANK YOU.
ABOUT 28000 MILES ON MY CAR OVER THE PAST 2 AND A HALF YEARS, WHAT STARTED WITH A PERSISTENT LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATION THAT NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS OR TIRE SHOPS RECOGNIZED AS A MAJOR ISSUE (SIMPLY POINTED OUT THAT AS WEATHER CHANGES THE SENSORS MAY DETECT LOW PRESSURE) HAS TURNED INTO THE TIRES SYSTEMATICALLY BEING WORN AND BLOWN OUT BEFORE THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY.. RINGS ARE FORMING AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE AND CAUSING A LARGE CIRCULAR RIP THROUGH THE TIRE ON THE OUTER WALL. SO FAR MY FRONT DRIVER TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT FROM A SMALL POTHOLE WHICH UNDERSTANDABLY CAUSED THE TIRE WALL TO COMPLETELY RIP AND NEEDED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. NOT EVEN 2 WEEKS LATER MY REAR DRIVER TIRE GAVE OUT WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT AND STATIONARY, MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRES ARE SHOWING A SIMILAR RING PATTERN (IT IS VERY FAINT AND DIFFICULT TO CAPTURE ON A PICTURE) THAT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE COULD BE A DEFECT IN THE STOCK TIRES INCLUDED WITH MY CAR. PHOTO OF MOST RECENT TIRE BLOWOUT ATTACHED FOR VISUAL OF THE WEAR PATTERN ON THE TIRE. THIS OCCURED AT APPROX 28000 MILES ON THE CAR WITH STOCK TIRES AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
THE SUSPENSION FEELS LOOSE, LIKE THE STEERING IS NOT IN SYNC WITH THE WHEELS WHEN TURNING LEFT. OCCASIONAL RATTLE AFTER CONSECUTIVE SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 60 MPH. I HAVE ALL NEW TIRES, A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND AN INSPECTION BY TWO SEPERATE MAZDA DEALERS( PUGI MAZDA IN IL, & MAZDA OF JACKSON MS) BOTH SAY THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER LEAK IN TRUNK AREA LEADING TO ABOUT A 2-INCH PUDDLE OF WATER ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE TRUNK AT THE LOCATION OF THE SPARE TIRE AREA. ISSUE WAS NOTICED ON APRIL 16, 2021. THE WATER ACCUMULATED ON TOP AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SPARE TIRE. THE PARTS OF THE VEHICLE ARE BEGINNING TO BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED --MOLD, ETC. THERE WERE ITEMS STORED AROUND THE SPARE TIRE 'E.G. FLAT TIRE REPAIR KIT, EMERGENCY BLANKET, ETC. THAT DEVELOPED MOLD DUE TO THE ACCUMULATED WATER AND WERE THROWN AWAY UPON INSPECTION. IN ADDITION TO THE SPARE TIRE AREA ACCUMULATING SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER, THE SPARE THE COVER (I.E.PLASTIC HONEYCOMB TYPE THAT SITS DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE SPARE TIRE) IS AFFECTED WITH THE EVAPORATION/CONDENSATION OF THE ACCUMULATED WATER. ALL OTHER PARTS OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE ARE WERE NOT WET TO THE TOUCH. THE SOURCE OF THE WATER IS UNKNOWN. AND IT WAS NOT A USER ERROR TYPE OF ISSUE 'THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STORED WITH ALL WINDOWS, DOORS, TRUNK, AND HOOD CLOSED. CONCERN IS THAT THE ACCUMULATION OF WATER WILL LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOLD INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND AN UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OCCUPYING THE CAR. ADDITIONALLY, IT WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE CORROSION SINCE THE AREA WHERE THE WATER ACCUMULATES IS NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSISTENTLY HOLDING WATER. ATTACHED ARE SEVERAL PHOTOS SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREA. NOTE THAT THE PHOTOS ONLY SHOW THE ACCUMULATED WATER THAT WAS UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE AFTER THE WATER ACCUMULATED ON TOP OF THE SPARE TIRE (INNER SECTION OF THE SPARE TIRE METAL WHEEL WHICH LAYS UP WHEN STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S TRUNK), CLOSE TO 2-INCHES WORTH, WAS REMOVED ALONG WITH THE SPARE TIRE ITSELF. I DID NOT THINK OF TAKING PHOTOS OF THE ISSUE UNTIL AFTER I REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE AND THE ACCUMULATED WATER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CONSIDER ISSUING A RECALL THAT WOULD ALLOW MAZDA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.THANK YOU.
DRIVING ALONG A HIGHWAY (LEFT SIDE OF ROAD) I CRASHED INTO LARGE BOULDERS OF CONCRETE SCATTERED ALONG THE ROAD THAT WAS CAUSED BY A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. TRAVELING AT 60 MPH MY VEHICLE LAUNCHED OFF THE GROUND SLAMMING BACK DOWN ON ALL FOUR TIRES. MY VEHICLE THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING TO THE SIDE GUARD RAIL IMPACTING THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE 2X'S (RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD) RESULTING IN DISABLING DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. TO MY SURPRISE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY (PARTICULARLY MY SIDE AIRBAGS). LATER I LEARNED THAT MAZDA (MANUFACTURE) REPORTED A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE RELATING TO A POTENTIAL MALFUNCTION OF SIDE AIRBAGS. UPON MY DISCOVERY I LEARNED THAT MAZDA HAD LEARNED OF THE DEFECT AROUND AUGUST 2019, BUT HAD NOT ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE ON THEIR WEBSITE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST 2020. MY ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE DEC 4TH 2019, AND I SHOULD ALSO ADD THAT AS OF YET MAZDA STILL HAS NOT MADE ANY DIRECT ATTEMPTS (EMAIL, MAIL, PHONE) TO NOTIFY ME OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR MY OWN INQUIRIES I STILL MAY HAVE NOT KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITHIN MY VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST. I DON'T WANT TO COME OFF AS BEING DRAMATIC BUT THAT ACCIDENT I WAS INVOLVED IN COULD OF COST MY WIFE AND I OUR LIVES. FOR THAT REASON I AM SEEKING TO RETRIEVE THE EVENT DATA RECORDS (EDR) OF MY VEHICLE SO THAT I MAY DETERMINE IF THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AS NOTED AS A POTENTIAL HAZARD OR IF THE IMPACT AND DAMAGES WHERE SIMPLY NOT SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. I ASKED MY INSURANCE COMPANY IF THEY COULD ASSIST ME IN GATHERING THAT DATA WHICH THEY FIRST CLAIMED TO BE POSSIBLE, BUT SHORTLY AFTER I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SOPHISTICATION TO DO SO, HENCE FORWARDING ME TO THIS WEBSITE. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW I MAY RETRIEVE THAT INFORMATION, ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel smell in & outside of vehicle after fuel fill, being a retired Master Technician I decided to investigate this and after removing the the fuel tank access door under the rear seat I was shocked to see that on an 8 year old vehicle the fuel sender retainer is completely rusted out. An overfill, an aggressive maneuver or small collision could prove disastrous with this condition pending! I have just ordered a replacement since I intend to repair this myself and that is only of the tank itself is not compromised when I proceed to remove the rusted out screws as well. Also after further investigation I find this is nothing new to Mazda and actually had this same condition in previous years but I assume chose not to prevent it from happening in future models. I will be attaching a photo of it.
GAS OVERFLOW FROM TANK DUE TO PUMP AUTO-SHUTOFF NOT ACTIVATING. FUELING VEHICLE, SET GAS NOZZLE TO AUTOMATIC, WAS NOT HOLDING THE HANDLE OR TRYING TO TOP OFF. WAS WATCHING THE PUMP CLOSELY BECAUSE OF SIMILAR ISSUE WITH A 2016 MAZDA3 AT A DIFFERENT . BEFORE I COULD STOP THE FILL, GAS OVERFILLED THE TANK AND SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
MAZDA CORPORATION NOTIFIED ME OF AIRBAG/SEAT BELT SENSOR DEFECT.I TOOK THE CAR TO SHORELINE MAZDA, AURORA, CO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE SHORELINE MAZDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. I'M RETURNING THE AUTOMOBILE FOR THE 5TH TIME. ATTACHED ARE THE WORK ORDERS. THE LAST VISIT ON 06/22/2018, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE, FRAN (XXXX). STATED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED MAZDA TECHINCAL SUPPORT REGARDING THE FAULTY SENSOR BLINKING CONTINUOUSLY WHILE IN MOTION. ALSO WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE IS STATIONARY. OR APPEARS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAYS. (FRAN) SAID THE TECHNICIANS DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. IT WAS SUGGESTED BY MAZDA TECHINCAL SUPPORT TO UNPLUG OR DISCONNECT THE FROM THE HARNESS. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOR HAD NOT BEEN CONNECTED. THE TECHNICIANS DID SO AND THE SENSOR WARNING WAS NOT FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. AFTER THE LAST VISIT AND 2 1/2 WEEKS LATER. THE SEAT BELT SENSOR CONTINUES TO FLASH AND BLINK. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT FUNCTIONING. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FUSES FINDING BOTH FUSES AFFECTING THE WIPERS WERE IN WORKING ORDER. WHILE PULLED OVER, I ALSO NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ON. I CHECKED THE FUSES RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND THESE WERE ALSO IN WORKING ORDER. AS I WAS NOT IN A GOOD LOCATION TO LEAVE MY CAR FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, I DROVE MY CAR A FEW MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD. DURING THIS TIME, THE WARNING FOR THE "SMART BREAKING SYSTEM FAILURE" ALSO CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE FRONT BODY CONTROL MODULE. I NOTICED THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THE 2016 MAZDA 3 FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUE. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR HAS, AND BEING THE SAME YEAR AS CARS AFFECTED, I WOULD STRONGLY DISAGREE.
HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK. HEADLIGHTS ARE UNSAFE. IF ONE IS TO DRAW A LINE FROM 8 TO 4 ON THE CLOCK EVERYTHING ABOVE THAT IS NOT ILLUMINATED. DEATH TRAP. MAZDA DEALER WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK OR REFUND MY MONEY. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT NIGHT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT FUNCTIONING. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE FUSES FINDING BOTH FUSES AFFECTING THE WIPERS WERE IN WORKING ORDER. WHILE PULLED OVER, I ALSO NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ON. I CHECKED THE FUSES RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND THESE WERE ALSO IN WORKING ORDER. AS I WAS NOT IN A GOOD LOCATION TO LEAVE MY CAR FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, I DROVE MY CAR A FEW MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD. DURING THIS TIME, THE WARNING FOR THE "SMART BREAKING SYSTEM FAILURE" ALSO CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE FRONT BODY CONTROL MODULE. I NOTICED THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THE 2016 MAZDA 3 FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUE. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR HAS, AND BEING THE SAME YEAR AS CARS AFFECTED, I WOULD STRONGLY DISAGREE.
WINDSHIELD IS TOO THIN, AND BREAKS VERY EASILY. A SMALL (LESS THAN A QUARTER INCH) STONE HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ABOUT 6 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM, CRACKING IT WHILE I WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 60 MPH AND ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS APART.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought the Bridgestone tires in Sept 2023 from Walmart. On Nov 23, 2024, I went to Walmart auto center to have 4 Bridgestone tires rotated and balanced. The tech discovered severe bead separation in 3 of 4 tires. I had to buy 4 new tires. I have pictures of the tires with bead separation on the wheel rims and also off the rims.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passenger’s side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in the seat, damaging the air bag located near the seat heater sensor. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .