Mazda · Mazda6 · 2018
2018 Mazda Mazda6
2
Recalls
53
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 has 2 recalls and 53 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (20 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 20 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 53 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (20), unknown or other (4), power train,engine (3).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Mazda Mazda6
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 53
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V875000November 12, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 fail.
Remedy Status
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 this recall is 5321K.
NHTSA ID: 19V497000June 27, 2019
ENGINE
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.
Remedy Status
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Owner Complaints
53 totalENGINE
Apr 4, 2026
Car had a coolant leak due to cracked cylinder head that was defective from the factory it was fixed but now the car has engine problems again. Don’t want to keep having these issues in the future
POWER TRAIN
Mar 2, 2026
System Failure: The Power Train (6-speed Automatic Transmission) suffered a major malfunction, documented by diagnostic codes P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio) and P0780 (Shift Error). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of propuls...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 13, 2026
Per Mazda inspection, the back side of cylinder head #3 has an oil leak which is leaking onto the exhaust manifold. This creates a direct fire hazard as Mazda said they highly recommend not driving it for that reason. The Mazda dealership inspected and confirmed the issue, it in...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Dec 23, 2025
I recently discovered a significant oil leak near the exhaust manifold of my 2018 Mazda 6 (2.5L NA), which has resulted in visible smoke and a burning oil odor. Upon taking the vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealership for a diagnosis, the service department informed me that the ve...
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ENGINE
Oct 11, 2025
Cracked cylinder head causing oil leak and possible coolant leak. This is a known issue with this year and model. Mazda is trying to suggest the issue is only for the turbo engine, but the non-turbo engine is also defective, per countless reports online. I have a video from the s...
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POWER TRAIN
Jul 25, 2025
Was driving then car suddenly shut down and all panel lights turned on. The car would not start after an hour it started but was Perkins when driving. Mechanics were unable to diagnose the issue.
ENGINE
Jun 1, 2025
My cylinder head is leaking coolant. There is a well known and well documented issue with these cylinder heads cracking due to poor casting. This has become such a big issue that Mazda has even recalled the cylinder heads, BUT, only if the engine is equipped with Turbo. However, ...
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ENGINE
Apr 18, 2025
Bought used with 47k miles. Two weeks later, took it to my mechanic for an inspection, they found a massive oil leak on the back of the motor. Took it back to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head, for which there is a known TSB and warranty extension. U...
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated upon taken the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, the dealer notified the contact of a fuel leak. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the top of the fuel tank and bolts connected to the fuel...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 5, 2025
I am having my brake pads changed at a local mechanic and when changing the pads, the mechanic was unable to change them because the rotors and calipers were rusted and the brake pistons stuck. The previous recall only considered Mazda 6 up to 2013 but my 2018 has had the same pr...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 53 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mazda Mazda6 Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have?
The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has received 53 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6?
The 2018 Mazda Mazda6 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda Mazda6?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 are engine (20 reports), unknown or other (4 reports), power train,engine (3 reports).
Does the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.