Is the Mazda 6 reliable?
39% of the 31 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 57/100 — it scores a little below average.
31
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections57/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10039%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 31 used Mazda 6s we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 57/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
77%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
42%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
39%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
35%
Worn suspension joints · Suspension
32%
Share of inspected Mazda 6s where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 23%
Good 16%
Mediocre 35%
Poor 26%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
87%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 74%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
26%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
More on Mazda
Other Mazda models we've inspected — or see the full Mazda profile.
Straight from recent Mazda 6 reports
2014 Mazda 6 · 77k mi — flagged: oil leaks, worn brake rotors, tires condition & wear. Inspected Oct 10.
2016 Mazda 6 · 182k mi — flagged: oil leaks, sway bars, cooling. Inspected Oct 5.
The bottom line
Standing in front of a Mazda 6, ignore the shine and assume the paint has already been redone. Your first checks belong in the engine bay and underneath: oil leaks hit 77 percent of them, so a dry motor is the real test, then fuel-trim, cracked bushings, worn joints, and the tires. Find a leak or tired suspension and walk rather than haggle, because those jobs add up and a large share of these cars already sit in mediocre or worse shape.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Mazda 6?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (77%), tires condition & wear (42%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (39%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 26% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Mazda 6? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 31 inspections · updated Oct 16, 2026
