This page covers 2 recalls, 75 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2016 Mazda6 spread across a few systems, with seats and the powertrain drawing the most reports. On the seat side, owners describe unstable or loosely anchored front seats that rock or shift, along with reports of seat heaters overheating, in some cases producing smoke and visible damage to seat materials. Powertrain and electrical complaints overlap considerably, with owners reporting transmission irregularities and a handful of powertrain control module issues that owners say affect transmission behavior, key fob programming, and other vehicle functions. A recurring seat complaint describes one front seat vibrating or shaking noticeably during braking and low-speed stops, with dealers in some cases telling owners the behavior is normal.
75
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mazda6 has two recalls, both stemming from the same defect: weld debris on the front passenger seat frame can wear through nearby wiring and cause the power steering and passenger airbag systems to fail.
Rough edges left on the seat frame during manufacturing can gradually cut through the wiring that runs alongside it. If that wiring shorts out, the electric power steering can lose its assist, making the car significantly harder to steer, and the passenger airbag system can shut down entirely, leaving that seat unprotected in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
Rough weld spatter on the front passenger seat frame can wear through a sensor wire harness, causing an electrical short that disables power steering assist and airbags.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective pad on the seat frame. If the harness is damaged, they'll apply insulating tape or replace the seat cushion and harness if needed.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing debris from welding the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system wiring, which detects whether the seat is occupied.
What the fix does
Dealers will attach a protective pad to the seat frame and apply insulating tape to any damaged wiring at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
