2016 Mazda Mazda6 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has 1 safety recall and 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

9 / 0

Injuries / deaths

8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Mazda Mazda6 recalls

Recall 17V-546: Air Bags, Steering, Seats

Reported Aug 31, 2017 · 51,943 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.

Risk: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.

2016 Mazda Mazda6 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	12
Unknown or Other	11
Power Train	11
Service Brakes	11
Seats	9
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Engine	7
Steering	7
Air Bags	7
Structure	5
Wheels	5
Suspension	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 5
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Tires › Bead — 1
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Clutches/Bands › Actuators/Solenoids — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Mazda Mazda6 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Nov 9, 2026

All of the warning lights on my dashboard light up and beep sporadically. The vehicle stalls when I blow the horn or use the left turn signal, which is extremely dangerous on the freeway. The power steering occasionally fails. I took the vehicle to two service shops to have a diagnostic run and they both said that the code indicated that I would have to take the vehicle to the dealer. I checked the NHTSA website to check for recalls using my year, make and model. I found the NHTSA campaign number 17V-546 and the Mazda recall number 1517H, which accurately describes the issues that I am having…

Power Train · at 125,166 miles · reported Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was noticed inside the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the clutch disc kit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,166.

Power Train · reported May 19, 2026

The front CV axles on my car have failed. It begun with a clicking noise and vibration when accelerating. I took the car to the Mazda dealership, and they confirmed the sounds but said they weren't able to diagnose the issue and that I would have to leave my car for them to figure it out. This places my daughter and my life at risk, as well as other passengers, due to the critical role the CV axles play in operating a vehicle. More specifically, the ability to properly control my steering movement while transporting my daughter to and from school is necessary and if not present, very…

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Apr 22, 2026

The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may…

Electrical System · at 113,500 miles · reported Oct 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that after her husband had driven for approximately 2 hours with the seat heater activated, the passengerâs side seat overheated, and the seat started smoking. The driver stated that the seat heating element overheated and burned a hole in the seat, damaging the air bag located near the seat heater sensor. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.

Other Mazda Mazda6 years

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Compare all Mazda Mazda6 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6: 17V-546 (air bags, steering, seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (12 reports), followed by unknown or other (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.