2016 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Report

2016 Mazda Mazda6: Strong crash test scores, but recurring seat, powertrain, and steering issues noted in consumer complaints and recall.

74Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
9Crash Reports
8Injuries
Most reported components: Seats (7)Power Train (7)Unknown Or Other (6)Service Brakes (5)Electrical System (5)Engine (3)Wheels (3)Vehicle Speed Control (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Steering (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with perfect 5-star scores in frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4-star rollover rating. However, a review of 74 consumer complaints reveals several recurring issues that owners have experienced. The most frequently reported component categories are SEATS (7 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), followed by UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints). These complaints include serious concerns such as seat heater overheating, passenger airbag sensor malfunctions, and transmission issues. The vehicle has been subject to one recall related to the 'STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM'. This recall addresses a critical safety concern where debris from the manufacturing process could damage wiring, potentially leading to a loss of power steering assist and deactivation of the passenger airbag, significantly increasing crash risk. Several complaints directly reference passenger airbag issues and steering problems, suggesting that this recall may not have fully resolved the underlying issues for all affected vehicles or that other related problems exist. While the crash test performance is exemplary, the pattern of consumer complaints highlights potential reliability and safety concerns that extend beyond the single recall. Issues like sudden loss of motive power due to engine problems (3 complaints), brake system failures (5 complaints including increased stopping distance and crack in brake booster), and infotainment system malfunctions (multiple complaints about constant reboots) indicate areas where the vehicle's real-world performance may deviate from its strong crash test scores. The 9 reported crashes and 8 injuries, despite no fatalities, underscore the severity of some of these reported failures.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Passenger Airbag Sensor Malfunction
Passenger airbag sensor fails to detect occupant, leading to airbag deactivation and SRS warning light illumination, even after recall service.		 High Common variable miles
Seat Heater Overheating/Burning
Seat heating element overheats, causing smoke and burning, posing a fire risk.		 High Occasional variable miles
Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Sudden loss of power steering, making the vehicle difficult to control, potentially linked to the recall for wiring damage.		 High Occasional variable miles
Transmission/Powertrain Failure
Vehicle loses motive power, fails to move when shifted, or exhibits abnormal sounds and warning lights, indicating transmission issues.		 High Occasional variable miles
Brake System Malfunction
Increased stopping distance, brake pedal going to the floor, or complete loss of braking power, potentially due to cracked brake booster.		 High Occasional variable miles
Infotainment System Constant Reboot
Infotainment unit enters a constant reboot loop, disabling radio, Bluetooth, car settings, and sometimes the rearview camera.		 Medium Common variable miles
Engine Failure/Loss Of Power
Sudden loss of engine power while driving, inability to restart, or internal engine component failure like a broken main bearing stud.		 High Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Mazda Mazda6:

Seats 9% of complaints

Issues with passenger airbag sensors, seat heater overheating, and driver/passenger seat instability.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Problems including loss of motive power, transmission warning lights, and vehicle failing to move.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Reports of increased stopping distance, brake pedal failure, and issues with the electronic parking brake.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Concerns related to security indicator lights, PCM issues, and general electrical malfunctions.

Engine 4% of complaints

Sudden loss of power, engine failure, and internal component issues like bearing failure.

Steering 2% of complaints

Loss of power steering assist and steering feeling loose or not in sync with wheels.

Vehicle Speed Control 4% of complaints

Adaptive cruise control buttons re-mapping on the steering wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Mazda Mazda6

Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars in rollover. However, consumer complaints highlight recurring issues with passenger airbag sensors, seat heaters, power steering, and powertrain components, which could impact real-world safety. There is one recall for steering/passenger airbag wiring.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6, based on 74 NHTSA complaints, are related to SEATS (7 complaints, including airbag sensors and overheating), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints, such as loss of motive power), and SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints, including increased stopping distance). Infotainment system constant reboots and engine failures are also noted.

Has the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 had any recalls?

Yes, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V355000) concerning the 'STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM'. This recall addresses potential damage to wiring that could lead to a loss of power steering assist and deactivation of the passenger airbag.

Are there issues with the passenger airbag in the 2016 Mazda Mazda6?

Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the passenger airbag sensor failing to detect an occupant, leading to the airbag not deploying and the SRS OCS light illuminating. This issue is also related to the recall concerning wiring damage that could deactivate the passenger airbag.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Mazda Mazda6?

When considering a used 2016 Mazda Mazda6, pay close attention to the functionality of the passenger airbag sensor, check for any signs of seat heater issues (e.g., burning smell), test the power steering for any unusual stiffness or loss of assist, and ensure the infotainment system operates without constant reboots. Also, inquire about service history related to the powertrain and brake system.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with passenger airbag sensors, seat heaters, and powertrain components; ensure all recall work has been completed and verify the functionality of these systems during a pre-purchase inspection.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Mazda Mazda6

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The data includes 74 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.