2017 Mazda MAZDA6 Problems
Compared with other Mazda MAZDA6 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× 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.
- 8 of its 60 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Infotainment screen "ghost touch" (random inputs) (30 complaints, median 82,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 23,450miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints for this model year are dominated by the Mazda Connect infotainment touchscreen, which owners describe registering phantom "ghost" touches that change settings, raise volume, or place calls on their own. Many say the behavior is worse in hot or humid weather or at low speed, and that dealers quoted them for a paid replacement once the car was out of warranty. Other reports are scattered: brake and brake-component concerns at low mileage, a few drivability and fuel-smell reports, and individual sunroof glass shattering incidents.
- Electrical system
Infotainment screen "ghost touch" (random inputs)
- 30 complaints (50%)
- median 82,000 mi at 4.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the center touchscreen making selections without any input: menus and brightness modes change, volume jumps to maximum, radio stations switch, navigation reroutes, and connected phones place calls. Several note the screen becomes unusable or reboots on its own, and some mention this happening more when the car is hot or humid, or when slowing to a stop. According to the complaints, dealers often diagnosed a faulty display unit and quoted repairs ranging from a partial charge to full replacement, while some owners were told the repair was not covered. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 32,000 miles upward, with many accounts describing gradual worsening over months or years.
What to check: Before buying, sit in the car with it running and watch the screen for a few minutes, ideally after it has been in the sun, and test whether any buttons activate on their own. Ask whether the display unit or touchscreen has been replaced and whether any infotainment warranty extension applies to this car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My display infotainment system is acting weird and when I am driving all of a sudden it auto touches and changing brightness, increasing volume, changing tracks when playing music. It's very distracting and pose a serious safety risk. When I looked on the internet, there are a lot of people who also posting about the same issue. Please consider this as priority and fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11593346, filed 2024-06“The infotainment system randomly changes the screen very rapidly, ghosting . The screen didn't and brightens very rapidly while driving, going from night to day modes or vice versa even though I set it on auto mode. The worst is that it randomly makes calls to people in my contact list. This can very easily cause a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11593251, filed 2024-06 - Engine
Engine stalling, rough running and fuel smell
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine running rough, stalling at speed, or failing to accelerate as expected, with one car having a fuel pump replaced and the symptom returning later. Another owner reports a loud engine noise and knocking felt through the pedal that the dealer could not identify. A further account describes a fuel smell and a leak found to come from a rusted fuel tank and sending unit. Reported from roughly 24,000 to over 50,000 miles, and in one case past 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records covering fuel pump replacement and any stored diagnostic codes, and check under the car and around the fuel tank for dampness or a fuel smell after the car has sat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my 2017 Mazda 6 brand new. While the car was in warranty in january 2020 while I was driving with 50 miles in hour, the engine was running rough, the engine light was on and the engine stall. The car was towed by Mazda at dealer. They replaced the fuel pump at that time. Few days ago while I was driving with 35 miles in hour the car did the same thing. Mazda towed the car to another dealer. After diagnosis they told me that is nothing wrong with the car and the car is not under the warranty anymoore . …”
NHTSA complaint #11396179, filed 2021-02, 24,000 miles“I have a 2017 Mazda 6 that has an extremely loud engine. I have taken it in and I’m told the car is fine but I can feel the engine knocking through the pedal as I drive. The sound has gotten louder over time and it’s not getting any better. I’ve had some belts change and keep up my regular maintenance and Mazda can’t seem to figure out what the issue is. I have friends with the same model and their engine sounds normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11475478, filed 2022-07 - Forward collision avoidance
Forward collision braking engaging with nothing ahead
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Several owners report the automatic braking system activating when no obstacle was present, including one case where the car braked hard from highway speed with traffic flowing ahead. The complaints describe the response as sudden and unexpected, and one owner says they turned the system off afterward. A related account mentions that settings for these assistance features could be changed through the touchscreen. Reported across a broad mileage range, mostly at normal driving speeds rather than in any single condition.
What to check: During a test drive, try the adaptive cruise and automatic braking settings to confirm they are adjustable, and ask whether the forward-sensing camera has been serviced or the system recalibrated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving in an urban area, on a city street, and the car ahead of me was making a right turn. As my vehicle was slowing, I covered the brake pedal in anticipation of the possibility of the need to brake. The car in front of me was just about clear and there was still plenty of distance between us. At that time, the smart city brake support engaged and brought my car to a violent stop. I felt immediate pain in 2 locations of my back, due to the jolt. There was not an impending accident. It wasn't even close.”
NHTSA complaint #11306704, filed 2020-02, 23,000 miles“On a clear lane with the forward car 5 car lengths away with traffic flowing, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activated slowing my car down from 65mph to 30mph. I deactivated AEB on my exit and changed the AEB distance from “normal” to “near”.”
NHTSA complaint #11701744, filed 2025-11
Buying note. The infotainment screen is the main thing to verify on this model year, since replacing it is expensive and owners often paid for it themselves. A test drive long enough to watch the screen behave, plus a brake and fuel-system inspection, covers most of what else shows up in the complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 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 2017 Mazda MAZDA6. 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 72% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 23,450 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 516 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 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Other or unknown24 40%
- Electrical system19 32%
- Brakes4 6.7%
- Engine4 6.7%
- Fuel system2 3.3%
- Seats2 3.3%
- Body and structure2 3.3%
Also reported: Air bags (1), Exterior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “While driving my 2017 Mazda 6 today, the sunroof exploded. There was nothing that struck the sunroof, I had not traveled under an overpass and there wasn't a dramatic temperature change. I have been reading of the increased number of incidents of sunroofs exploding for no reason. My Mazda dealership denies there being any issues ; however, consumer reports and other publications.”
NHTSA complaint #11306931, filed 2020-02, 23,400 milesElectrical system: “Main wiring harness near engine coils chewed thru by rodent while it was parked in the city. One wire was completely cut and another nearby wire was chewed. These wires cary high voltages and can cause fire if shorted. This wiring harness may contain soy based products which can attract rodents. This car engine cover has enough room for robent to get inside and make their home near the wires. The white fibers materials you see in the image is from the engine cover insulation that rat removed from cover.”
NHTSA complaint #11058324, filed 2018-01, 2,070 milesBrakes: “The part was purchased via Rock auto and installed at home DIY. The vehicle failed to return form maintenance mode for the rear parking brake. Took it to a Mazda dealer and they determined the Calipers were both manufactured incorrectly or the spline gear in the rear of the caliper that meshes to the Electronic Parking Brake actuator. This caused the parking brake to stay in maintenance mode, making it unusable for parking nor emergency braking, making the vehicle undrivable. It also caused Damage that incurred costs for parts and labor of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11668599, filed 2025-06Engine: “The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a delay before the vehicle responded. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fuel leak on the driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the fuel tank was rusted and the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11624935, filed 2024-11, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
72% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,000 and 50,000 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 2017 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 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 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 2017 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 | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| 6 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| 6 FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
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
- 16V753000Oct 18, 2016Exterior lighting › Turn signalCovers: Mazda MAZDA6 2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured August 12, 2016, to September 28, 2016 and equipped with optional accessory fog lights. Due to an incorrect combination switch being installed, the turn…
Recall details for the 2017 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. 516 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, 2026Body and structure, Other or unknown. 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, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. 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…
- 11032101Apr 16, 2026Engine. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026Body and structure, Electrical system. 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…
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 2017 Mazda MAZDA6?
Complaints for this model year are dominated by the Mazda Connect infotainment touchscreen, which owners describe registering phantom "ghost" touches that change settings, raise volume, or place calls on their own. The issues reported most often: Infotainment screen "ghost touch" (random inputs); Engine stalling, rough running and fuel smell; Forward collision braking engaging with nothing ahead.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 24 complaints (40% of the total), followed by electrical system with 19.
Has the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 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 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 (6, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 26 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 23,450 miles and the middle half falls between 12,000 and 50,000 miles; 72% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.