Mazda 6 Years to Avoid

If you’re considering buying a Mazda 6, it’s crucial to know that some model years come with significant issues. The Mazda 6 is known for its stylish design, sporty handling, and affordability. However, certain years have been plagued by reliability concerns that could cost you big in repairs.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the Mazda 6 years to avoid, the most common problems, and how to make a smart purchase decision when buying a used model. Stick around to learn which years you should avoid and which ones are the most reliable.

Key Takeaways

Mazda 6 years to avoid include 2003, 2009, 2014, and 2016.
Common issues range from transmission problems and engine failures to electrical glitches and rusting.
Avoiding problematic years can help you dodge expensive repairs and poor reliability.
Newer Mazda 6 models tend to offer better reliability and performance.

History and Popularity of the Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 has been a favorite in the midsize sedan category since its launch. Known for its sleek design, sharp handling, and competitive pricing, the Mazda 6 stands out in a crowded segment.

However, despite its reputation for sportiness and value, not all Mazda 6 models are created equal. Certain years have a higher rate of mechanical problems, leading to frustrated owners and costly repairs.

Let’s explore the Mazda 6 years to avoid and why some models have tarnished the vehicle’s otherwise solid reputation.

Mazda 6: The Years to Avoid

If you’re considering a used Mazda 6, certain model years are notorious for significant problems. Below are the Mazda 6 years to avoid and the issues that have made them infamous.

1. 2003 Mazda 6

The first model year for the Mazda 6, 2003, is also one of the worst. Owners have reported a variety of problems, including:

Engine overheating: Early models faced persistent issues with overheating engines, leading to premature failure in some cases.
Transmission failures: Sudden transmission breakdowns are common in the 2003 Mazda 6, often requiring a complete rebuild or replacement.
Electrical malfunctions: Problems with power windows, door locks, and dashboard electronics have been reported frequently.

The 2003 Mazda 6 saw a high number of recalls, and parts shortages made repairs both expensive and time-consuming. If you’re thinking about purchasing a 2003 model, you may want to reconsider due to its long history of reliability issues.

2. 2009 Mazda 6

Another year to avoid is the 2009 Mazda 6. Although it featured a redesigned look, it also came with its fair share of headaches for owners.

Transmission problems: Owners frequently complain about the automatic transmission slipping and jerky shifting. This can be an expensive fix, often requiring a new transmission or major repairs.
Brake wear: Premature brake wear is a common issue with the 2009 model, forcing owners to replace brake pads and rotors more often than normal.
Excessive oil consumption: The 2009 Mazda 6 has also been reported to consume an excessive amount of oil, which can lead to engine damage if not carefully monitored.

Despite the Mazda 6’s visual and performance improvements in 2009, these issues make this year one to avoid, especially if you’re concerned about long-term reliability.

3. 2014 Mazda 6

Although the 2014 Mazda 6 was praised for its sporty handling and fuel efficiency, it suffers from several notable mechanical issues.

Engine stalling: Many owners have reported engine stalling issues, particularly at low speeds or while idling. This can pose a serious safety risk, especially on the highway.
Acceleration problems: The 2014 Mazda 6 often struggles with slow acceleration and delayed throttle response, frustrating drivers.
Infotainment glitches: The 2014 model year introduced a more advanced infotainment system, but it was buggy. Owners have complained about frequent system crashes and slow response times.

In addition to these issues, the 2014 Mazda 6 has seen numerous recalls for both safety and mechanical concerns. Overall, this is another year you’ll want to skip.

4. 2016 Mazda 6

While more recent, the 2016 Mazda 6 still faces a handful of significant problems that make it a year to avoid.

Transmission-related recalls: Some models from 2016 were recalled for transmission problems, specifically issues with clutch engagement and gear slippage.
Suspension problems: Owners have reported hearing clunking noises from the suspension, particularly in the front end. This can lead to premature wear and even safety concerns.
Rusting issues: Depending on the climate, some 2016 Mazda 6 models suffer from premature rusting, particularly in the underbody and wheel wells.

Although the 2016 Mazda 6 received high marks for safety and performance, these lingering mechanical issues make it a potentially risky purchase.

Why These Mazda 6 Years Had Problems

The Mazda 6 years to avoid generally face issues due to a combination of factors. Here’s a breakdown of why these models have such high reliability problems:

Manufacturing changes: Some of these problematic years correspond with changes in manufacturing processes or the use of cheaper components, which led to an increase in defects.
Design flaws: Models like the 2009 and 2014 Mazda 6 saw design overhauls that introduced new technology and systems. Unfortunately, some of these new designs came with bugs that weren’t fully resolved until later years.
Supplier issues: In certain years, Mazda faced problems with parts suppliers, particularly regarding transmissions and electrical components, leading to quality control issues.

These factors, combined with customer complaints and recall data, contribute to why certain Mazda 6 years are better left on the lot.

Common Problems Across the Mazda 6

While the Mazda 6 is generally a reliable vehicle, many model years, especially the ones mentioned above, share common mechanical issues that you should be aware of.

Transmission Issues

One of the most frequent complaints across the worst Mazda 6 model years is transmission failure. Symptoms include:

Jerky shifting
Slipping gears
Delayed engagement, particularly in automatic transmissions

These issues often require costly repairs, with transmission replacements ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

Engine Problems

Many Mazda 6 models, particularly from 2003 and 2014, suffer from engine-related issues, including:

Overheating
Oil consumption
Stalling

Failing to address these problems early can lead to complete engine failure, which may cost upwards of $6,000 to fix.

Electrical Issues

Another common problem in many Mazda 6 years to avoid involves electrical malfunctions, including:

Infotainment system glitches
Power window failure
Malfunctioning dashboard lights

These issues can be annoying and costly to repair, as they often require replacing multiple electrical components.

Suspension Issues

Suspension problems are also widespread in certain Mazda 6 models, particularly the 2016 version. Signs of suspension trouble include:

Clunking noises
Uneven tire wear
Difficulty steering

While less expensive than some other repairs, suspension issues can still cost several hundred dollars to fix, and they can affect the overall safety of the vehicle.

What Are the Best Mazda 6 Years?

While some years should be avoided, other Mazda 6 model years offer great reliability and performance. If you’re in the market for a used Mazda 6, consider the following years:

2010 Mazda 6: This model saw improvements in engine performance and addressed many of the transmission issues that plagued earlier years.
2017 Mazda 6: With better reliability ratings and fewer recalls, the 2017 Mazda 6 is a solid choice for used car buyers.
2019 Mazda 6: Known for its refined handling and safety features, the 2019 Mazda 6 is one of the best models for modern buyers.

How to Identify a Reliable Used Mazda 6

Before purchasing any used Mazda 6, there are a few key steps you should take to ensure the vehicle’s reliability:

Check for recalls: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if the car has been subject to any recalls.
Inspect the vehicle: Look for obvious signs of wear and tear, rust, or leaks.
Review the car’s service history: A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to have serious problems down the road.
Get a mechanic to inspect the car: Before committing to a purchase, have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle to ensure it’s in good condition.

FAQs

Q1: What is the worst year for the Mazda 6?

The 2003 and 2009 Mazda 6 models are considered the worst years due to frequent engine and transmission problems.

Q2: Is the Mazda 6 a reliable car?

Yes, many Mazda 6 models are reliable, especially those from 2010 onwards. However, you should avoid certain years, such as 2003, 2009, and 2014, which have documented reliability issues.

Q3: What Mazda 6 models have transmission issues?

The 2009 and 2014 Mazda 6 models are notorious for transmission problems, with many owners reporting slipping gears and transmission failures.