Mazda MAZDA6 oil consumption problems

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

I recently discovered a significant oil leak near the exhaust manifold of my 2018 Mazda 6 (2.5L NA), which has resulted in visible smoke and a burning oil odor. Upon taking the vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealership for a diagnosis, the service department informed me that the vehicle has suffered a cracked cylinder head. An active oil drip is visible behind the engine near the exhaust manifold immediately upon starting the car; consequently, the engine is leaking oil directly onto the exhaust components. This condition not only renders the vehicle inoperable but also presents a significant safety and fire hazard. At the time of this writing, my vehicle has only 46,996 miles and has been meticulously maintained. This mileage is well under the 60,000-mile powertrain threshold and represents a premature failure of a major internal engine component. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing this identical issue occurring in Mazda 6, CX-5, and CX-9 models. Some owners have even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot engine components. Mazda released Technical Service Bulletin TSB #MC-10241612-0001 (SA-037-23), which includes a redesigned cylinder head for 2018–2020 Mazda 6, 2019 CX-5, and 2016–2020 CX-9 models, demonstrating Mazda’s awareness of this design flaw. While the TSB currently only specifies the 2.5L Turbo engines and not the naturally aspirated variants, there is substantial evidence that this is a widespread defect across these model years, unrelated to owner misuse or vehicle mileage. Mazda should take full responsibility by issuing a formal recall or providing an extended warranty to cover naturally aspirated engines, thereby addressing this problem and preventing further safety risks.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Engine · OH

Cracked cylinder head causing oil leak and possible coolant leak. This is a known issue with this year and model. Mazda is trying to suggest the issue is only for the turbo engine, but the non-turbo engine is also defective, per countless reports online. I have a video from the service technician from the mazda dealership, but it is too big to upload.

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Engine · NJ

Cracked cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. Created a large oil leak. Oil on the exhaust is a fire hazard. After one quart of oil loss a low oil level light comes on. This is a reported problem. One version of the engine I have has a Mazda TSB and an extended warranty. TSB 01-0022/23 A local repair shop has diagnosed the problem.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · CA

Twice had low oil warning lamp appear. First time in July 2023, 2nd time in June 2024. Both times oil has just been changed 2-3 months prior. Saw articles that there was a recent lawsuit, which is why I am filling complaint as well. Not for lawsuit, but for repairs so this does not occur again.

Filed Jun 25, 2023 · Engine · FL

My car displayed a low oil level light between oil changes and after checking the dipstick it was low. No sign of visible oil leak so upon further research I was made aware of a TSB about defective valve seals causing excessive oil consumption. My cars VIN is in the affected range outlined in the TSB. Now when I drive it's likely that slow but permanent damage could be occuring in my vehicle.

Filed May 12, 2023 · Engine · MN

Low oil light comes on. Using excessive oil between oil changes.

Filed Apr 24, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CT

Oil Consumption Defect. I bought car on 7/10/21. Mazda aware of the problem at the time and still sold me the car. Since then I have had to add oil in between oil changes. Mazda states problem cannot be fixed. My car vin # included with defected cars. My Limited New Car Warranty will be up soon. I am aware others have concacted you with this problem. Can you tell me what is being done about this?

Filed Feb 28, 2023 · Engine · HI

Excessive oil burn. I have 12,7000 miles on my engine and the car is burning ~1 quart of oil every 3k miles and increasing.

Filed Oct 31, 2022 · Engine · NC

I been having problems with oil consumption in between oil changes,I am concerned with the potential for damage to other engine systems aside from the reported issue with the gasket stem seals. I been taking my car to the dealership and I been told they don’t have a solution and they don’t know how to fix it. This is a new car!!!

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Engine · LA

Vehicle displays low engine oil light about every 1,000 miles due to burning oil from faulty valve stem seals from factory assembly. Mazda has acknowledged the defect but plans to only refill engine oil. The defect could lead to possible injury due to low oil which could cause the engine to seize and cause sudden loss of power.