Cracker cylinder head at only 68,000 miles on it. No warning came on, only reason we knew it started was oil leaking really bad
The worst 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine34
- Transmission9
- Fuel system7
- Brakes4
- Electrical4
- Suspension3
- Body2
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Recall number 21V875000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
- Risk
- An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Recall number 19V497000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 550
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program
- SSPD8
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension
- Engine
- CSP13 - customer service program - mazda connect infotainment system limited warranty extension.
- SSPD8
- Dear Mazda Owner: You are receiving
- Engine
- Customer service program CSP12 - denso low-pressure fuel pump customer service program warranty extension
- CSP11 - coolant leaks at cylinder head warranty extension
What 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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)
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.
Fuel pump is leaking, just as all the other 2018-2020 fuel pumps but mine doesn’t qualify for the recall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Compare the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
Is the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6, fewer than a typical MAZDA6 model year.
What is the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 year score?
The 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA6: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6?
Engine and cooling, with 34 complaints. Next is transmission (9).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA6 have bad engine?
The Mazda MAZDA6 model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (46 complaints), 2018 (34 complaints) and 2006 (19 complaints).
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