2015 Mazda MAZDA6 Problems
Compared with other Mazda MAZDA6 years
Typical for this model
47/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Mazda MAZDA6 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 60 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Parking brake caliper corrosion recall and parts delays (12 complaints, median 42,172 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017, 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 21,500miles, 40 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 Mazda6 report brakes as the most frequent topic, with complaints split between the parking-brake caliper recall (17V393000) and unexpected pedal behavior. A separate, clearly repeatable pattern involves windshield glass cracking or chipping at very low mileage, often within the first few months of ownership. Transmission complaints center on the car dropping out of gear or failing to accelerate, and a smaller group describes front-end clunks and rear underbody corrosion at higher mileage.
- Brakes
Parking brake caliper corrosion recall and parts delays
- 12 complaints (20%)
- median 42,172 mi at 2.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2023
Owners describe the rear parking-brake caliper recall: water can get into the caliper boot, the actuator shaft can rust and stick, and the rear brakes may drag or the parking brake hold weakly. Many complaints focus on the remedy rather than the symptom, saying notices arrived but dealers had no parts for months and appointments were canceled or rescheduled. A few describe a repair that did not stop dragging or left noise afterward. Reported across a wide mileage range, most often on cars built before December 2014; several complaints were filed in 2017-2018 while parts were on backorder.
Recall 17V3930004 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether recall 17V393000 was completed and get the repair paperwork; on a test drive, listen for rear brake drag or scraping and check that the parking brake holds on a slope.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hand operated parking brake safety recall. I received a recall notice from Mazda stating that there is a defect in the brake caliper of MAZDA6 vehicles produced from october 25, 2012 through december 1, 2014. My vehicle falls into this recall category. I received the recall notice from Mazda on august 19, 2017 making me aware of the issue and stating that replacement parts are not yet available to correct this safety issue. I called Mazda USA on november 2 to get an update and they still don't have an eta for the parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11042607, filed 2017-11, 72,000 miles“Mechanical type parking brake, water may enter the brake caliper protective boot due to inappropriate sealing performance of the rear brake caliper. The actuator shaft may rust.which may stick result in the rear brakes dragging while driving and also a decreased parking brake holding force. Ref: recall 1217f (Mazda) 6 months and still haven't got parts for repair”
NHTSA complaint #11073920, filed 2018-02 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield and sunroof glass cracking
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 2,750 mi at 0.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2018
Owners report windshields cracking from small pebbles or, in some cases, with no visible impact at all, with cracks starting near the lower seal or defroster area and spreading quickly. Several say the glass had to be replaced entirely, and some mention the defroster leaving a dead line in the glass. One complaint describes a sunroof panel shattering at highway speed with the panel closed. Almost all reported under about 10,000 miles, several within the first weeks or months of ownership.
What to check: Inspect the windshield closely for chips, old repairs or stress cracks near the base of the glass, and check the sunroof panel and its seal for cracks or prior replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After my first trip on the highway in the 2015 MAZDA6, it got three chips/cracks in the windshield. This is not from a sizable stone, but tiny pebbles that in other cars would not have been affected. After owning many cars over the years, I have never witnessed one to be so quick to get cracks. I am quite bothered that in only seven days my new car needs something replaced due to a weak component.”
NHTSA complaint #10651532, filed 2014-10, 500 miles“I have my 2015 Mazda 6 for only one and half month. My windshield has a crack of almost 20 inch long. Almost everyday as I drive, I would hear little things hitting my car that leaves marks on my windshield and body. The reason I hear the sounds is because of its less than average soundproof structure. I do not drive any differently then I have been for years, and mostly I am just driving to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10648295, filed 2014-10, 2,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission drops out of gear or fails to accelerate
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 27,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2022
Complaints describe the car losing drive as if shifted into neutral, the engine revving, and warning lights such as ATS failure or check engine coming on; some say restarting restores movement temporarily. Others report the accelerator being pressed with no response at low speed while the engine revs, or the transmission locking in a low gear until the car is restarted. Dealers reportedly could not reproduce the fault or called it a one-off. Mostly reported between roughly 9,000 and 65,000 miles, often at low speed in traffic or during turns.
What to check: During a test drive, note any hesitation, revving without acceleration, or warning messages, and ask whether transmission fluid was serviced with the specified fluid and whether any diagnostic codes were stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On nov 27 16 the following safety issue occurred to my auto. While driving about 20-25 MPH in slow traffic my vehicle threw itself out of gear, the engine raced, after a couple of seconds it violently went back in gear. Prior to this happening the transmission had locked up twice and the auto could not be moved. By turning the ignition on and off that lock-up was freed. During this same driving period the following malfunction lights illuminated intermittently; engine light, low tire pressure, air bag, traction control (repeatedly). …”
NHTSA complaint #10928244, filed 2016-11, 27,000 miles“My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and radio and dash lights, had no power to drive train, had vechile dinogstic check done at O'Reilly auto and they told me it was a PCM power control module. …”
NHTSA complaint #11494081, filed 2022-11 - Body and structure
Front-end clunks and rear underbody corrosion
Mentioned in 4 of 55 sampled complaints
Owners report grunting, squeaking or popping noises from the front end over small bumps, worsening on driveway exits, which dealers could not duplicate. Others describe loud clanking or clicking from the rear with a bouncing ride, traced by independent mechanics to severe corrosion of rear suspension and subframe components, particularly where road salt is used. Front-end noise appears from moderate mileage; the corrosion complaints came in at roughly 100,000 miles and above.
What to check: Have the car put on a lift and inspect the rear subframe, control arms and stabilizer links for rust, especially on cars from salt-using regions, and listen for front-end clunks over bumps.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle has had strange grunting, squeaking, popping noises coming from the frontend, particularly the drivers side. It has had this issue since I bought the car in june 2017. The noise seems to be worse when driving over small bumps. It's very noticeable when I back out of my driveway. I have addressed this issue with the dealership I purchased my car from. They can't duplicate. I have researched this exact issue and found there is a TSB for the suspension issue I'm describing. I'm just getting worried about my safety. …”
NHTSA complaint #11271738, filed 2019-10“Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear Cross-member rusting at all weld locations. Cat. Sensor Protector Shield has disintegrated. Available for inspection upon request. …”
NHTSA complaint #11457882, filed 2022-03
Buying note. Check that the parking-brake recall work was actually completed and documented, since parts availability was a recurring complaint, and inspect the windshield and underbody closely. A pre-purchase inspection on a lift plus a thorough test drive covering low-speed braking and transmission behavior covers the patterns owners describe most.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6. 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 80% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 21,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 609 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Mazda MAZDA6 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 47 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes17 28%
- Air bags6 10%
- Electrical system6 10%
- Body and structure6 10%
- Engine4 6.7%
- Fuel system4 6.7%
- Suspension4 6.7%
- Wheels4 6.7%
Also reported: Steering (3), Tires (3), Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “This car is not safe and Mazda has known for years. The door sash molding has caused me permanent brain damage. At age 43, I had to retire/disability due to defects Mazda knew of and just inform consumer of in 2018? I was making right hand turn, legally. Someone in lane next to me decided to turn and hit side of car. I as not injure on impact. It was the three week had to drive damage car while wait for lady's insurance to pay. The metal piece that in sspa5 status stuck out and hit head on it multiple times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11074231, filed 2018-02, 28,911 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Was following a car and came up to a stop light. I depressed brake pedal and felt some resistance but car would not stop. Felt like the brakes were being bled off by perhaps computer control. I switched into a right hand turn lane that was clear, car still not stopping. Shifted into neutral, and engine started to rev up perhaps to 4500 RPM or so, then engine went back to idle on its own. The car had stopped and I put it in park. We then turned right and cautiously proceeded home, without a further problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10703622, filed 2015-04, 4,500 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I am the original owner of a 2015 Mazda 6. While traveling on a straight 60 MPH highway, my sunroof window suddenly exploded, with a loud bang! . The window was closed at the time and had not been opened in approximately 3 days. Fortunately, the interior deflector (sliding cover) was closed at the time, or glass shards would have rained down on my face and hair. No objects or sudden motions provoked the explosion. Police would not write a report because there were no suspects of vandalism and no collision with other vehicles or property . …”
NHTSA complaint #11132320, filed 2018-09, 32,000 milesAir bags: “When involved in a collision in an intersection, the airbag deployed incorrectly. It popped out of the steering wheel but failed to inflate. Not only did this not protect me from whiplash but it also burned a hole in my dress and caused 1st and 2nd degree burns on my upper inner thighs due to the malfunction. The airbag however was fully inflated 48 hours later when sitting in a towing yard.”
NHTSA complaint #10991087, filed 2017-05, 21,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
80% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,500 and 41,070 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA6 · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning not available, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| 6 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,250 |
| 6 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V393000Jun 22, 2017Parking brakeCovers: Mazda MAZDA6 2014–2015, MAZDA3 2014–2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
- 14V675000Oct 27, 2014Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systemsCovers: Mazda MAZDA6 2014–2015
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire…
- 14V173000Apr 3, 2014Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulatorCovers: Mazda MAZDA6 2014–2015, MAZDA3 2014
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped…
Recall details for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 609 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine…
- 11032003May 1, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and…
- 11032104Apr 30, 2026Other or unknown, Body and structure. DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Brakes, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine, Other or…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or more…
- 11028133Jan 26, 2026Other or unknown. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to…
- 11028127Jan 5, 2026Other or unknown. Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet.
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025Electrical system. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
Other model years of the Mazda MAZDA6
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | — | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Falling |
| 2019 | 6 | 53,000 | 1 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 58 | 11,400 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 10 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 60 | 23,450 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 77 | 29,774 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 60 | 21,500 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 137 | 39,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 23 | 50,000 | 4 | 4 | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 99 | 66,000 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 135 | 89,914 | 6 | — | 24 | 44 · Typical | Stable |
| 2010 | 225 | 80,000 | 9 | — | 23 | 75 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 386 | 80,856 | 9 | — | 23 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 111 | 65,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2007 | 156 | 77,750 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 173 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 147 | 58,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 160 | 66,100 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 174 | 24,990 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 28 | 48,611 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mazda MAZDA6 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6?
Owners of the 2015 Mazda6 report brakes as the most frequent topic, with complaints split between the parking-brake caliper recall (17V393000) and unexpected pedal behavior. The issues reported most often: Parking brake caliper corrosion recall and parts delays; Windshield and sunroof glass cracking; Transmission drops out of gear or fails to accelerate.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 17 complaints (28% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 8.
Has the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 (6, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 26 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 reported?
Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 21,500 miles and the middle half falls between 4,500 and 41,070 miles; 80% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.