Skip to main content

The Mazda6 is a sporty midsize sedan that debuted in 2002 and retired after the 2021 model year. Its production is still going strong overseas, where consumers can even purchase it in a wagon style. Used models aren’t hard to find, but proceed with caution if you’re considering one of these worst Mazda6 years with the most owner complaints. 

2009 Mazda6

The 2009 Mazda6 is among the worst Mazda6 years with the most problems
2009 Mazda6 | Mazda North American Operations

Owners have reported that the 2009 Mazda6 knocks and emits unusual odors before the engine fails. Though the problem is relatively uncommon, it carries an average repair cost of $3,000.

In addition, 2009 Mazda6 owners have complained about melting dashboards and rusty subframes. Mazda addressed the former with a warranty extension and the latter with a recall of over 84,000 vehicles. 

This Mazda6 also has nine other recalls, including a few for the notorious Takata airbags. Faulty exploding inflators could send metal fragments into passengers, causing injury or death. Mazda issued the latest of these recalls in 2019.

Furthermore, some 2009 Mazda6 examples were manufactured with weaker fuel canisters, which could rupture after extensive use. Other recalls address faulty door latches and roof racks. 

2010 Mazda6

The 2010 Mazda6 is among the worst Mazda6 model years with the most owner complaints
2010 Mazda6 | Mazda North American Operations

The 2010 Mazda6 is far less of a hassle to maintain than the previous model year, but it still has its share of annoyances. Owners complain about rusted subframes, and some drivers have reported their headlights burned out as early as 36,000 miles. Replacements cost only about $40 each, but one CarComplaints.com user said the bulbs last only eight to 10 months. 

Like the 2009 model, the 2010 Mazda6 has experienced melted or cracked crash pads on the dashboards. According to one of many owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the melted material caused a glare so severe the driver couldn’t see through the windshield on the passenger side. Mazda remedied the sticky-dashboard situation through a warranty extension.

Some complaints also warn other drivers about losing control of their cars if the subframe becomes too corroded. The 2010 Mazda6 is included in eight of the same recalls as the 2009. However, only the 2010 model has received reports of spiders living inside the fuel tank. 

2014 Mazda6

The 2014 Mazda6 Sport is among the worst Mazda6 years with the most problems
2014 Mazda6 Sport | Mazda North American Operations

The 2014 Mazda6 has the most complaints of recurring problems on CarComplaints.com.

The costliest issue is premature transmission failure around 51,000 miles. One driver reported needing a new transmission after only 17,000 miles. Several said they discovered the problem when the transmission emitted a high-pitched sound at highway speeds. Replacing this Mazda6’s transmission costs about $3,300 to $5,600.

Additionally, the 2014 Mazda6 might have build quality issues, prompting random rattling and other noises inside the cabin. This year is also known for having a faulty start/stop ignition button, which can be replaced for around $80.

So far, the 2014 model has had only four recalls. The most significant one addresses a corroded parking brake actuator in over 227,000 Mazda6 and Mazda3 vehicles. The 2014 Mazda6 should also have its tire pressure monitoring system, fuel tank, and power control module checked. 

Related

The 3 Most Reliable Mazda6 Years Are Excellent Used Sedans on a $15,000 Budget

Best in Sedans & Coupes
Contributing Writer

Rebekah Forsythe

Rebekah Forsythe began contributing content to Endgame360 in 2019 and works primarily with content for MotorBiscuit. She has a certification in Technical Writing along with a background in Creative Writing.

Rebekah’s passion for cars began at an early age. Her father collected Ford Mustangs and she attended car shows with him. She is particularly a fan of older designs of Ford Mustangs and Chevy Corvettes, as well as AMC cars. Rebekah loves learning as much as possible about these cars through books, podcasts, and documentaries.

Aside from her work at Endgame360, Rebekah enjoys reading and collecting diecast models of her favorite cars. She also enjoys watching auto content from Sarah-n-Tuned and SavageGeese on YouTube.