How Long Does the Mazda 6 Last? (Solved & Explained)

The Mazda 6 is a sleek midsize sedan that combines strong performance and good fuel economy.

It has an exterior appearance on par with luxury brands although you won’t be paying luxury prices.

In this article we’ll examine how long a Mazda 6 lasts, read on to find out…

Here is the short answer to how long Mazda 6 last:

The Mazda 6 has gained a reputation for long-lasting durability and on average can last between 200,000 – 250,000 miles. With conservative driving habits and careful attention to maintenance, Mazda 6 owners can expect 13 – 17 years of service based on driving 15,000 miles per year.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Mazda 6?

Throughout its entire production run, the Mazda 6 has demonstrated its longevity – with plenty of data to support our estimation, we would expect the Mazda 6 to last in the region of 200k-250k miles.

There is also anecdotal evidence of Mazda 6’s lasting up to 300,000 miles with some repairs along the way and although this is very possible it shouldn’t be expected.

Regular maintenance is the key factor to extending the life of your Mazda 6.

This includes staying up to date with factory scheduled maintenance intervals as recommended by the owner’s manual as well as routine maintenance such as topping up of fluids and keeping tire pressures in check.

Driving habits will also play a significant role – by using smooth acceleration and braking you can reduce wear and tear on components and thereby improve your Mazda 6’s longevity.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Mazda 6?

In older models, think pre-2010 – rusting was a serious issue for the Mazda 6, in particular the under-chassis of the vehicle.

To such a great degree, this led the NHTSA to lead an investigation into the matter.

Fortunately, nowadays the Mazda 6 is not a vehicle that is known for having extensive rust problems although there have been a small number of reports of rusting of the rear wheel wells.

All vehicles have the potential to rust and this can vary greatly depending on location and maintenance.

Coastal regions are infamous for rust problems as salt particles in the air can cling to your vehicle and accelerate corrosion.

Similarly, areas where salt and chemicals are poured on the road during the winter to melt the snow, are also high risk – the corrosive agents used can wreak havoc on your Mazda 6.

Here are some tips for preventing rust on your Mazda 6:

• Inspect the vehicle regularly. Rust starts as a minor problem that can quickly spread out of control. Examine the car’s underside for developing rust and inspect the body for paint chips that can expose body panels to rust. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to fix it yourself – if not take it to a reputable autobody shop.

• Invest in a quality rustproofing treatment. This is especially necessary if you live in a wet, snowy or coastal area. Contact a professional and have them apply a rust-prevention coating – this helps to keep moisture away from metal to prevent corrosion.

• Washing. Wash your Mazda 6 regularly, particularly after exposure to snow, mud, and rain.
• Storage. Keeping your Mazda 6 stored in a garage out of the elements can help keep rust at bay.

Related: 8 Most Common Problems With Mazda 6 (Explained)

How Long Does the Mazda 6 Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

There are many other choices of mid-size sedans which compete with the Mazda 6.

Here is how the Mazda 6 stacks up in terms of longevity:

Mazda 6 vs. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the most prominent competitors to the Mazda 6.

The Accord boasts a similar sleek aesthetic, performance and purchase cost.

The lifespan of the Honda Accord is about the same as the Mazda 6: 200,000 to 250,000 miles, depending on how well the car is looked after, however, the Honda Accord is cheaper to maintain.

The Honda Accord has a higher reliability rating on RepairPal – the Accord’s 4.5-star rating exceeds the Mazda’s 4-star rating.

This means that the Accord breaks down less frequently than the Mazda 6, although the Mazda’s rating is still good overall.

Finally, the Honda Accord has an annual estimated repair cost of $349.

In contrast, the Mazda 6 has an estimated yearly repair cost of $481, meaning the Honda is cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Related: Honda Accord Sport in snow and winter driving

Mazda 6 vs. Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is cheaper to purchase than the Mazda 6, but that cost comes back in the form of repair expenses.

A well-maintained Ford Fusion has about the same lifespan as a Mazda 6. A Fusion owner can expect upwards of 200,000 miles if they maintain the vehicle properly.  

The Ford Fusion is expensive to maintain. RepairPal estimates the annual cost of Fusion repair to be $559, much higher than the Mazda’s $481 estimated annual repair cost.

The Fusion has a reliability rating slightly lower than the Mazda 6, and you can expect a Fusion to break down more frequently than a Mazda 6.

Mazda 6 vs. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular sedans in the US and is known for reliable, efficient driving.

The Toyota Camry has one of the most extended lifespans in its class. A well-maintained Camry can keep driving for 250,000 – 300,000 miles which equates to 17 – 20 years of service.

Both the Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 are similarly priced, and the features offered by each are comparable.

Despite the longer lifespan, the Camry and Mazda 6 both achieve a 4-star rating for reliability on RepairPal.

The Toyota Camry is cheaper to maintain over time; the Camry has an estimated annual repair cost of $365, much lower than the Mazda’s estimated yearly repair cost of $458.

Full Comparison Chart

How Reliable is the Mazda 6?

Overall, the Mazda 6 has above-average reliability – it’s not known to be the most reliable car in its segment however it has been given very respectable scores by some of the bigger automotive sites.

The RepairPal rating of 4.0 / 5.0 indicates that the Mazda 6 breaks down less than average for cars in its class, based on this rating Repair has ranked it in 6th place out of 24 for midsize cars.

In recent years, JD Power has awarded the Mazda 6 scores of around 80/100 or ‘Average’ for quality and reliability – other sedans such as the Camry and the Accord rank higher in their Consumer Rated Sedan charts.

Kelley Blue Book reports good consumer reliability ratings of 4.6 / 5.0 for the Mazda 6, based on 217 reviews.

Edmunds gives the Mazda 6 a reliability rating of 8.1/10. Again, this rating is above average and indicates that the Mazda 6 is more reliable than most other similar vehicles.

Overall it’s safe to say the Mazda 6 is a reliable vehicle.

You may also be interested in our article: Where Are Mazda 6 Made?

Reliability Compared to Other Midsize Cars

The Best and Worst Years for the Mazda 6

Like all vehicles, the Mazda 6 has had its good and bad years…

Mazda 6 Worst Model Year

Car Complaints database of complaints indicates that the worst model year for the Mazda 6 was in 2014.

The 2014 Mazda 6 was prone to severe, frequent engine problems and received the highest number of complaints for any Mazda 6 model year, 41 in total.

This model year also had high rates of transmission failure before reaching 50,000 miles.

The severity of engine and transmission problems render the car undrivable and are expensive repairs to make.

In terms of the impact of the repair, this makes the 2014 Mazda 6 much more severe compared to other model years.

In addition, the fact that customers reported the failures after relatively few miles of driving raises the concern surrounding the 2014 model year.

Mazda 6 Best Model Year

The most recent iterations of the Mazda 6 represent the most reliable model years.

The 2017 Mazda 6 has only four reported complaints, and the 2018-2021 model years have no complaints recorded at this time.

All model years 2017 and onward have received solid reviews in terms of quality, performance and reliability.

Regarding model years over five years old, the 2015 Mazda 6 is the most reliable, with only eight complaints reported.

Related: 8 Best & Worst Mazda6 Years (With Facts & Stats)

Model Year Comparison

Below is a table showing the number of complaints for each Mazda 6 model year compiled from data obtained from the Car Complaints website.

What About Recalls for These Models? 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database, the Hyundai Elantra has been recalled a total of 37 times since 2003.

A recall is issued when a manufacturer or the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) deems that a vehicle or one or more of its components creates an unreasonable safety risk or does not meet minimum safety requirements – recall related problems are fixed free of charge.

Mazda recalled the 2011 – 2013 model years of the Mazda 6 due to possible corrosion of the front cross member when driving in an area that uses salt on the roads during winter.

The front cross member is a critical structural component of the car that, if broken, can severely impact steering and handling.

A recall was issued for the 2018 and 2019 Mazda 6 model years related to engine performance.

This recall indicated that the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module could produce a fault and cause the engine to shut down while in motion.

Other recalls issued by Mazda are for less critical issues that are still relevant to a driver’s safety.

Recalls for individual model years are listed below:

• 2003: 9 recalls
• 2004: 7 recalls
• 2005: 6 recalls
• 2006: 7 recalls
• 2007: 6 recalls
• 2008: 5 recalls
• 2009: 12 recalls
• 2010: 11 recalls
• 2011: 7 recalls
• 2012: 7 recalls
• 2013: 5 recalls
• 2014: 4 recalls
• 2015: 3 recalls
• 2016: 3 recalls
• 2017: 1 recall
• 2018: 2 recalls
• 2019: 2 recalls

Mazda 6 Model Year List

First Generation:

• 2002 Mazda 6
• 2003 Mazda 6
• 2004 Mazda 6
• 2005 Mazda 6
• 2006 Mazda 6

Second Generation:

• 2007 Mazda 6
• 2008 Mazda 6
• 2009 Mazda 6
• 2010 Mazda 6
• 2011 Mazda 6

Third Generation:

• 2012 Mazda 6
• 2013 Mazda 6
• 2014 Mazda 6
• 2015 Mazda 6
• 2016 Mazda 6
• 2017 Mazda 6
• 2018 Mazda 6
• 2019 Mazda 6
• 2020 Mazda 6
• 2021 Mazda 6

Please also read our Mazda 6 facts and statistics article

Are Mazda 6s Expensive to Maintain?

Overall, the Mazda 6 has a lower-than-average maintenance cost. The estimated annual repair cost of the Mazda 6 is $481. The average annual repair cost for similar vehicles is $526. 

How Long do the Brakes Last?

The brakes on the Mazda 6 are designed to last 30,000 to 60,000 miles. 

If you live in a city or regularly drive in stop-and-go traffic your brakes will wear faster than if you tend to do mostly highway driving. 

To prolong the life of your brakes and brake pads, we recommend to start braking at a generous distance, to allow the brakes to ease the vehicle into full stop.

How Long do the Tires Last?

Depending on the quality and cost of the tires you purchase and your driving habits, they will typically last anywhere from 35,000 to 75,000 miles. 

• Having your tires inspected, rotated and balanced regularly will help extend the life of each tire. 
• Checking your tire pressure regularly and keeping them at the correct pressure will improve their longevity and improve fuel economy.

How Long Do Mazda 6 Batteries Last?

Most Mazda 6 batteries will last between three to five years, depending on climate, driving habits and maintenance.

As a general rule, warmer weather will degrade the battery faster due to sulfation.

If your battery is older than that range, it is recommended that you have regular battery check-ups or replace the battery soon.

How Long do the Spark Plugs Last?

Mazda 6s come equipped with modern spark plugs designed to be replaced infrequently and should last at least 100,000 miles. 

How Long do the Transmissions Last?

With proper care and maintenance, a Mazda 6’s transmission will last for 150,000 miles or more. 

Its important to check Transmission fluid levels on a regular basis to help keep everything running smoothly.

What About Insurance Cost?

The Mazda 6 is relatively cheap to insure, with an average annual cost of $1,382. 

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Acura TSX Last?

Tips to Prolong the Life of your Mazda 6

1. Wash and inspect your vehicle regularly to prevent rust. 
2. Follow recommended maintenance schedules outlined in your owner’s manual.
3. Adopt smooth driving habits – this includes acceleration and braking.
4. Address small issues before they become large issues. 
5. Familiarize yourself with and be on the lookout for the most common problems.

Resources:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mazda/MAZDA6/

https://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/6

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/03/16/mazda6-grand-touring-vs-midsize-sedans-comparison/

https://www.dealerrater.com/recalls/Mazda/Mazda6/

https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-mazda-cx-30-last/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/mazda/mazda6

https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/2021-mazda6

https://enginepatrol.com/mazda6-facts-statistics/