2016 Mazda MAZDA6 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 14%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6, 14% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought my Mazda 6 new on 10/04/15 with 40 miles. On 3/26/16 at 3245 miles the transmission failed, very similarly to another complaint listed on this site that stated that there were hundreds if not more transmissions failures of this model at very low miles. My car took at least six to eight seconds to enter drive from park. While driving, the car abruptly began slamming into much lower gears than necessary with little or no change in change in the accelerator pedal. Slightest of grade change on the road only exasperates the problem. I was devastated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10854596, filed 2016-04, 3,245 miles“My brand new Mazda 6 with only 6000 miles transmission quit on 3/21/16. The cars gears wouldn't engage until the rpms would hit 3000 and then the car would lurch forward. The dealer has ordered a new transmission. This seems to be a common issue with Mazda 6 and Mazda cx-5. A recall needs to be issued. This is a major safety issue. Someone could have rear ended me or I could have caused an accident. The dealer said this is the first they have heard of this but there have been 100s of reports about this. Mazda needs to issue a statement and recall before someone gets hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10851718, filed 2016-03, 6,000 miles“The car sometimes has a delay between going from reverse into drive. During the delay, the engine revs up and then it lurches forward. This seems to be happening more frequently with a longer time before the engine engages. This also occurred after stopping at a stop sign (and staying in drive the entire time.) the car has ~12,000 miles on it but this has been happening soon after I purchased it brand new from the dealer with less than 10 miles on the odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #10949692, filed 2017-02, 11,500 miles“At around 9000 miles my 2016 Mazda 6 grand touring with tech pkg. Automatic is having transmission delays. When the car stop and the gear lever moved into neutral(n), reverse (r), and park (p) then back to drive (d). It has a 4-5 seconds delay before the gearbox being engaged. Also at 60+ MPH cruising on freeways, when step deeper into the gas pedal to increase speed for overtake the transmission has a choke, felt like the gear was forced into place.”
NHTSA complaint #10928242, filed 2016-11, 9,000 miles“The front CV axles on my car have failed. It begun with a clicking noise and vibration when accelerating. I took the car to the Mazda dealership, and they confirmed the sounds but said they weren't able to diagnose the issue and that I would have to leave my car for them to figure it out. This places my daughter and my life at risk, as well as other passengers, due to the critical role the CV axles play in operating a vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11738817, filed 2026-05Related service bulletins
- 11032003May 1, 2026This 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…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This 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…
- 11026350Nov 8, 2025Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three…
- 11026351Nov 6, 2025Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 11009654Oct 24, 2024The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ”. Only use “ATF-FZ” to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in…
- 11007010Aug 7, 2024Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 10252507Mar 6, 2024Due to limitations, certain vehicles from 2016 to current models might display an inaccurate transmission part number in the Global Electronic Parts Catalog (GEPC). To provide…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10237199May 17, 2023Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877…
- 10225767Oct 17, 2022The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses "Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ". Only use "ATF-FZ" to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 11 | 14% |
| 2015 | 8 | 13% |
| 2014 | 19 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% |
| 2008 | 9 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 11% |
| 2006 | 20 | 12% |
| 2005 | 19 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 36 | 21% |
| 2002 | 12 | 43% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6
14 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology