2018 Mazda MAZDA6 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 15%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6, 15% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,600 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.
“I got this car in may of 2019 so the car is still new and ever since I purchased the vehicle I've been having issues with it first were the calipers sticking and Mazda gave me a hard time to repair the issue after the fact knowing that it was a manufacturing isssue and still tried to charge me I took my vehicle there more then 15 times just to deal things going bad in my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311402, filed 2020-02, 11,000 miles“Vehixle has open recall #3719f. Took vehicle in for service on july 15 and according to NHTSA recall has even out since june 27.2019. To this day I have not gotten any letter or anything stating car has open recall when the car can turn of randomly. Will be taking car in on 08/26/19 but I'm concerned as to why this has not been addressed in any letters or emails”
NHTSA complaint #11246313, filed 2019-08, 7,200 miles“The front and rear suspension pops, clunks, the vehicle shakes, vibration also happens, it also causing tires to be replaced faster than normal they go bold in the center its causing now the axles to shake at night time you can see the reflection from headlights bouncing, they have TSB's on this suspension issue however not for 2018 only 14-16 Mazda 6s I believe and supposedly the issue was corrected well they lied because mine is a 18 and it is a disaster, my transmission is now shifting very hard from 1st to second gear, turn wheel it makes a loud clunk sound or popping sound, go over a…”
NHTSA complaint #11405090, filed 2021-03, 400 miles“Noticed slight coolant leak, took car to mechanic, he stated cylinder head was cracked, & causing coolant to spray everywhere. Towed car to dealer. Was given repair estimate of over $11,000, for a new engine. I see a safety bulletin online for my year make & model car. This overheating can apparently cause an engine fire. So far, Mazda seems to be showing negligence & not properly addressing the issue for owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11581010, filed 2024-04“I recently discovered a significant oil leak near the exhaust manifold of my 2018 Mazda 6 (2.5L NA), which has resulted in visible smoke and a burning oil odor. Upon taking the vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealership for a diagnosis, the service department informed me that the vehicle has suffered a cracked cylinder head. An active oil drip is visible behind the engine near the exhaust manifold immediately upon starting the car; consequently, the engine is leaking oil directly onto the exhaust components. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709431, filed 2026-01Related 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…
- 10246127Nov 14, 2023Some vehicles may exhibit a chirp noise (stick-slip noise) from the automatic transaxle (AT) when shifting from 3 to 4 while driving. This may be caused by the automatic…
- 10244672Oct 31, 2023Some vehicles may exhibit a chirp noise (stick-slip noise) from the automatic transaxle (AT) when shifting from 3 to 4 while driving. This may be caused by the automatic…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 15% |
| 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 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
33 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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