2016 Mazda 6

The 2016 Mazda 6 is a mid-size sedan known for its sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and attractive styling. It came standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, producing 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This engine was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. A key advantage of the Mazda 6 is its engaging driving experience and upscale interior for its price point. However, some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system and certain mechanical components.

Engine

2.5L Skyactiv-G Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. The consumption is often gradual, increasing over time. Some drivers notice blue smoke from the exhaust as well.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly. If consumption is excessive, a compression test and leak-down test may be performed to identify the source of the leak (worn piston rings or valve seals). Depending on the severity, the engine may need a rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knocking Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported a knocking noise coming from the engine.
  • Solution: Replacing the engine with a new one or a rebuilt one.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, or 2nd and 3rd gear. Others report a noticeable hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: A transmission flush and fluid replacement may resolve minor issues. If the problem persists, a valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild may be necessary. Inspecting the transmission fluid for contamination or debris is important.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the rear shock absorbers can lead to a bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps. Owners may also notice excessive noise or leaks from the shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers. Replacing them in pairs is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mazda Connect infotainment system is known to freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced. Resetting the system to factory defaults sometimes helps temporarily.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported issues with batteries draining overnight.
  • Solution: A parasitic drain test can diagnose the issue and determine if the faulty component can be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling in Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have complained about rattling noises coming from the dashboard, often near the instrument cluster or center console. This can be difficult to pinpoint and can be caused by loose trim pieces or wiring.
  • Solution: Locate and secure the source of the rattle. This may involve removing and reinstalling trim pieces, adding padding, or tightening fasteners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (DIY) - $200+

Summary

The 2016 Mazda 6 is generally a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it has its share of potential issues. The most common complaints revolve around the infotainment system’s functionality, transmission shift quality, and occasional engine-related issues like oil consumption. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine or transmission repairs, can be costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect any used Mazda 6 before purchasing it, paying close attention to the vehicle’s maintenance history and addressing any concerns with a qualified mechanic.