2021 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Report
2021 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Mazda Mazda6. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (17) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 with 2 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 before buying across this generation. |
Mazda Mazda6 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mazda Mazda6 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda Mazda6 | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Mazda Mazda6 | 5 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Mazda Mazda6 | 50 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Mazda Mazda6 | 55 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Mazda Mazda6 | 74 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Mazda Mazda6 | 60 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Mazda Mazda6 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Mazda Mazda6, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Mazda onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Mazda onlyBack Over Prevention
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Mazda onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Mazda onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Mazda onlyUnknown Or Other,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Mazda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
Reliability Score
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption Frequent low oil level warnings and excessive oil burn have been reported, potentially leading to engine damage. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear View Camera Malfunction Some owners have experienced a rear view camera that freezes, showing a still picture of an unknown street. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mazda Mazda6:
Engine oil consumption issues are the most common problem reported.
Visibility issues, such as a malfunctioning rear view camera, are also reported.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Infotainment system malfunctions. The rear view camera freezes, not with the current conditions but a still picture of a street I do not recognize. This puts not only myself at risk for an accident but those of others as well. This malfunction has been taken into the dealership on two different occasions. Each time the dealer couldn't solve the issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit ...
Twice had low oil warning lamp appear. First time in July 2023, 2nd time in June 2024. Both times oil has just been changed 2-3 months prior. Saw articles that there was a recent lawsuit, which is why I am filling complaint as well. Not for lawsuit, but for repairs so this does not occur again.
Engine oil low warning 2k miles after oil change and again a week after topping oil off.
My car displayed a low oil level light between oil changes and after checking the dipstick it was low. No sign of visible oil leak so upon further research I was made aware of a TSB about defective valve seals causing excessive oil consumption. My cars VIN is in the affected range outlined in the TSB. Now when I drive it's likely that slow but permanent damage could be occuring in my vehicle.
Low oil light comes on. Using excessive oil between oil changes.
Oil Consumption Defect. I bought car on 7/10/21. Mazda aware of the problem at the time and still sold me the car. Since then I have had to add oil in between oil changes. Mazda states problem cannot be fixed. My car vin # included with defected cars. My Limited New Car Warranty will be up soon. I am aware others have concacted you with this problem. Can you tell me what is being done about thi...
Excessive oil burn. I have 12,7000 miles on my engine and the car is burning ~1 quart of oil every 3k miles and increasing.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the oil light continually illuminated on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. Upon investigation, the contact discovered information that a defective valve in the engine might have been the ca...
I been having problems with oil consumption in between oil changes,I am concerned with the potential for damage to other engine systems aside from the reported issue with the gasket stem seals. I been taking my car to the dealership and I been told they don’t have a solution and they don’t know how to fix it. This is a new car!!!
Vehicle displays low engine oil light about every 1,000 miles due to burning oil from faulty valve stem seals from factory assembly. Mazda has acknowledged the defect but plans to only refill engine oil. The defect could lead to possible injury due to low oil which could cause the engine to seize and cause sudden loss of power.
The engine oil low light has illuminated multiple times. I verified that there is no external engine oil leak. I have added oil and driven it for a couple thousand miles and the light is now on again. The car is brand new and should not be burning oil. Its a known issue as Mazda has a service bulletin but no fix for it. This is the bulletin number TSB-01-012/21.
Excessive oil consumption. Recently purchased new vehicle with 0 miles. Oil low level warning light on at 3500 miles. Manually checked oil level. Added one quart. Online research indicates problem is created by faulty valve guide seals which allows oil into the engine combustion chamber and exhaust. Vehicle will be taken to dealership for inspection.
The low oil pressure light had turned on shortly after my first oil change (roughly at around 6k miles). I had the service done at a trusted service shop back in April 2021. I wrote it off mentally thinking that it was just a one off thing and that the shop may have made a mistake and underfilled the engine because of unclear specifications between the mazda6 Turbo version vs other models within ...
Low engine oil light came on at around 13,700. Last oil change was at 10,000 miles. Checked oil dipstick, oil level slightly below first marker hole.
The issue I am experiencing is one that many are in regards to the oil consumption. My check oil light came on prematurely in regards to the recommended scheduling for these sorts of vehicles, at around 3500 miles approximately. This is a vehicle that experienced this issue under 10k miles.
Sunroof exploded while on the highway. Nothing hit the glass. Glass was facing outward and no evidence if anything striking it. Major safety concern, easily could have blinded my wife or I.
Visibility/safety issue with OEM Mazda windshields. Objects appear highly distorted from all angles, making it hard to judge distance, read road signs, and drive safely without a disorienting level of distraction occurring at all times. Some objects appear magnified while others seem shrunken, as well as shorter or taller than they actually are. Straight lines appear rippled and in some cases, com...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mazda Mazda6
Has the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 been recalled?
No, the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 have?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 has 17 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 involve engine (11 complaints), visibility/wiper (2 complaints), back over prevention (1 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, engine,fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6.
Should I buy a 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 is generally recommended. It has 17 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 are: 1. ENGINE (11 complaints), 2. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), 3. BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 11 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
Be cautious of engine oil consumption issues, as they can lead to frequent low oil level warnings and potential engine damage. Ensure regular oil checks and maintenance. The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 has 17 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
The 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 17 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Oil Consumption and Rear View Camera Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6?
Known issues with the 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 include: Engine Oil Consumption, Rear View Camera Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 17 NHTSA complaints.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
The most common issues are engine oil consumption and rear view camera malfunctions.
How often do owners experience engine oil consumption problems?
Owners have reported frequent low oil level warnings and excessive oil burn, often within the first 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Is the rear view camera issue a serious safety concern?
While not immediately dangerous, a malfunctioning rear view camera can affect visibility and safety, especially in reverse.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine oil consumption issues, as they can lead to frequent low oil level warnings and potential engine damage. Ensure regular oil checks and maintenance.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mazda Mazda6
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mazda Mazda6. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16