2018 Mazda Mazda6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
78 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6, alongside 2 recall campaigns and 0 defect investigations. It scores 16/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Engine leads the reports.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2018 sits among all Mazda6 years
What owners report
“Due to design issues, the engine cylinder head became cracked after normal everyday usage. Coolant began to leak badly and car engine became hot while driving.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 Mazda6
Recalls (2)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to…
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for…
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.
Fix: 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.…
Technical service bulletins
548 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on engine and electrical — are on file for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
See the 2018 Mazda6 TSB list →
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 drew 78 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 16/100, scored against the model's worst year (2009).
What are the most common 2018 Mazda Mazda6 problems?
The top reported problems for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 are engine (32 complaints), other (11), and transmission & drivetrain (9).
Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?
2 recall campaigns apply to the 2018 Mazda Mazda6. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.