Check a VIN

Mazda MAZDA6 engine failure problems

31 of the 2,239 owner complaints about the Mazda MAZDA6 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
31
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$7,400
typical mileage
48,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    6
  • 2017
    1
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    3

What owners say

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · VA

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.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Engine · WI

Coolant leaked into my engine system . Now dealership says a new engine is needed

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Engine · MA

I am writing to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2019 Mazda 6 GTR. Below are the details of the issue: Vehicle Information: Make: Mazda Model: 6 GTR Year: 2019 VIN: [XXX] Problem Description: My vehicle began to overheat while driving. The vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles and has been meticulously maintained at authorized Mazda dealerships. Mazda Liberty is now asking me to pay approximately $10,000 for a new engine, while Mazda warranty declined to provide support, as I am two months past the warranty period. I have discovered that there are numerous complaints similar engine issues with Mazda vehicles, specifically related to coolant leaks and cylinder head cracks. Incident Details: Date of Incident: [XXX] Mileage at Incident: 35,000 miles Symptoms: Overheating, engine seizure Actions Taken: Topped up coolant, visited local garage and authorized dealership I believe this issue poses a significant safety risk, and I am seeking the federal safety agency's assistance in investigating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. Sincerely, [XXX] Cell: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Engine · MO

Cracked Cylinder Head. At 50,400 miles. This is far too common of a problem for such a new car with so few miles. I have seen many similar reports online. My mechanic was baffled. This is a $5k cost AT LEAST. Mazda has a history of not covering these defects. And it IS a defect, not a simple wear and tear issue. A cracked cylinder head can eventually lead to engine failure, so it is dangerous to drive with it. The problem HAS been confirmed by an independent service center. I got a oil pressure warning sign.

Filed Jul 9, 2024 · Engine · VA

At less than 95,000 miles, the car suddenly started overheating. Coolant level was fine, maybe ever so slightly low (could still see the coolant in tubing and some in reservoir, which was closer to low than full). Replaced ECT sensor, thermostat and water pump which seemed to fix the issue. Drove for 9-10 days with no issues and it started overheating again. I was able to park quickly afterward at work (<10 seconds). Schedule for drop off at dealer (if car didn't show signs of overheating first (would have called tow truck). Checked fluid levels in car (was ~1Qt low) and topped it off. Drove to dealer (~30min ride) with no issues whatsoever. When dealer looked at it, they said cylinder was warped and leaking, requiring new engine. A just paid off car, with less than 100k miles on it, now needs a new engine that will cost more than half of what it's worth.

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Noticed slight coolant leak, took car to mechanic, he stated cylinder head was cracked, & causing coolant to spray everywhere. Towed car to dealer. Was given repair estimate of over $11,000, for a new engine. I see a safety bulletin online for my year make & model car. This overheating can apparently cause an engine fire. So far, Mazda seems to be showing negligence & not properly addressing the issue for owners.

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · Engine · TX

Coolant leaking from head, informed by dealer the cylinder head is cracked and the entire engine needs to be replaced. The engine has just hit 80k miles at this point. This issue caused multiple instances of overheating while driving, one of which caused the vehicle to fail to move forward while on an elevated freeway overpass with no shoulder during rush hour. This issue appears to be widespread for 2016 and newer Mazda models with the 2.5L turbo engine.

Filed Jul 3, 2023 · Engine · GA

I was driving my car, it overheated. I took it in and was told it needs a new engine. I was told it was not fault of my own why it overheated. It had 2 oil leaks and a blown head gasket.

Filed Aug 19, 2021 · Electrical · MA

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.

Filed Sep 8, 2018 · Engine · 140,000 miles · OR

Vehicle has a 3.7l v6 duratec engine designed by ford. I was entering the highway at about 55mph, check engine light went on, then vehicle shut off, and I lost both power and steering. Was able to get to side of the highway without crashing. Steam/smoke was coming out of the hood and the temp gauge was pinned at h. Dealership advised that coolant had gotten mixed with oil and engine was destroyed. Cost to repair - $7400 used $13k new engine. Told it was not due to any neglect or maintenance issue. It was a water pump failure. There is a design flaw in this engine. The water pump is integrated into the engine and timing chain. When the pump fails it damages the engine, allowing coolant to mix with the oil. Numerous ford and mazda owners have had this problem but because it usually happens at or after 100k miles the manufacturers do not report it. They will also do nothing to help the customer who is left with a huge repair bill or a totaled car. Please help me and other owners. I have research with the names of other owners who had the same problem with their ford or mazda.

Related recalls

EngineReported June 27, 2019 · 262,220 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the Mazda MAZDA6 engine failure

Which Mazda MAZDA6 years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (6 complaints), 2004 (4 complaints) and 2005 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Mazda MAZDA6?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,400 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Mazda MAZDA6?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history