2018 Mazda Mazda6 engine problems

Related recalls

• 19V497000 · Engine

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.…

Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

• “Cracker cylinder head at only 68,000 miles on it. No warning came on, only reason we knew it started was oil leaking really bad”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 11/03/2026

• “I'm having an issue getting the recall serviced. Apparently, because the car's VIN number traces it's origin to [XXX], Mazda USA is unable to confirm the recall notice and the local dealership (Norcross Mazda) couldn't confirm it either when I tried to book an appointment. Mazda USA and the local Mazda sites both show the open recall on the customer end, but not on the corporate end for some reason. I spoke with a rep at Mazda USA and was told to reach out to Mazda XXX[XXX], but the service rep …”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 10/29/2026

• “The car only has 70k miles on it. The engine started smoking under the hood. Immediately stopped to look. There was oil leaking but I could not see from where. I took it across the street to the Toyota dealership and had them look at it. They explained to me that there was a crack in the cylinder head and oil was leaking everywhere. Potentially causing a fire or even an explosion. The old was leaking all over the exhaust manifold and engine. I had my 2 toddlers in the car not long before this ha…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 08/07/2026

• “Crack in Cylinder Head of engine. Mazda has been sued about this and have issued recalls on turbo engines, but not on non turbo ones though its the same systemic design issue with these engines. Wants me to pay 5-7k out of pocket.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 04/30/2026

• “My cylinder head is leaking coolant. There is a well known and well documented issue with these cylinder heads cracking due to poor casting. This has become such a big issue that Mazda has even recalled the cylinder heads, BUT, only if the engine is equipped with Turbo. However, this issue is becoming enormous even for non turbo owners and is a huge safety issue as it can lead to overheating, stalling, and further damage to other components. I feel very strongly that it is time for Mazda to take…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 04/22/2026

• “Car had a coolant leak due to cracked cylinder head that was defective from the factory it was fixed but now the car has engine problems again. Don’t want to keep having these issues in the future”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 04/07/2026

• “Per Mazda inspection, the back side of cylinder head #3 has an oil leak which is leaking onto the exhaust manifold. This creates a direct fire hazard as Mazda said they highly recommend not driving it for that reason. The Mazda dealership inspected and confirmed the issue, it in February 2026, with only 74,000 miles on the vehicle.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 02/22/2026

• “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 c…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 01/07/2026

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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