2017 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Report
2017 Mazda Mazda6 earns 5-star safety rating but plagued by infotainment 'ghost touch' issues and a turn signal recall.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Mazda Mazda6
Reliability Score
The 2017 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 2017 Mazda Mazda6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Mazda Mazda6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment 'Ghost Touch' System Malfunction Touchscreen registers phantom inputs, changing settings, increasing volume, making calls, or altering navigation without user interaction, causing significant driver distraction and potential safety risks. Many complaints reference this as a known issue by Mazda. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Activation The AEB system activates without apparent reason, slowing the vehicle abruptly, even in clear lanes, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Coolant Leak/Failure Coolant leaks into the engine system, potentially leading to engine failure and requiring replacement. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Exterior Lighting: Turn Signal Malfunction (Recall) Turn signal may continuously flash due to a manufacturing defect in vehicles with optional accessory fog lights, potentially confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk. Subject of a recall. |
Medium | Rare | new miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Mazda Mazda6:
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, often encompassing the infotainment system issues not specifically categorized.
Frequent issues related to the electrical system, including the widely reported infotainment 'ghost touch' problem and other electrical glitches.
Reports of engine-related problems, including coolant leaks and the need for engine replacement.
Issues with the back over prevention system, including disoriented screen displays while reversing.
Problems specifically with the electrical components of the forward collision avoidance system, including unexpected AEB activation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Mazda Mazda6
Is the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 55 complaints, with a notable pattern of 'ghost touch' infotainment system issues that can be distracting and potentially unsafe while driving. There was also one recall for turn signal functionality.
What are common problems with the 2017 Mazda Mazda6?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 are related to the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' malfunction, which accounts for a significant portion of the 55 total complaints. Other common problems include general electrical system issues, and some reports of unexpected automatic emergency braking activation and engine problems.
Has the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 has had one recall. This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V708000) pertains to certain vehicles equipped with optional accessory fog lights, where the turn signal may continuously flash, potentially confusing other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.
How does the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Mazda Mazda6 performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating a high level of occupant protection in various collision scenarios.
Are the infotainment system issues a safety concern?
Yes, the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' issues are a significant safety concern. Multiple complaints describe the screen randomly changing settings, increasing volume, or making calls while driving, which can be highly distracting and lead to unsafe situations on the road.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 offers excellent crash safety, be aware of the prevalent 'ghost touch' infotainment system issues that can be distracting; investigate if the specific vehicle has had this addressed or if it falls within the recall for turn signals.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Mazda Mazda6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Mazda Mazda6. The data includes 55 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.