2018 Mazda Mazda6 power train problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“System Failure: The Power Train (6-speed Automatic Transmission) suffered a major malfunction, documented by diagnostic codes P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio) and P0780 (Shift Error). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of propulsion while attempting to accelerate. This created an immediate risk of a rear-end collision and left the vehicle unresponsive in the path of oncoming traffic. The transmission's unpredictable shifting makes the vehicle un…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/01/2026
“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
“Was driving then car suddenly shut down and all panel lights turned on. The car would not start after an hour it started but was Perkins when driving. Mechanics were unable to diagnose the issue.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/18/2025
“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 · filed 04/03/2024
“The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that he had experienced a transmission surged on five separate occasions since owning the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer after each failure and various unknown repairs and software updates were performed on the vehicle. However, the failure persisted after each visit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The fai…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/12/2022
“I took my car in for scheduled maintenance and the technicians at the Mazda dealer found out the tensioner and belt needed to be replaced, when the car is less than 36k in miles. Vehicles being repaired under warranty but a tensioner should not be going out this early in the lifespan of a 2 year old car. I have found a lot of people are complaining for the same issue. This can cause the cars to not run as there’s no notice ahead of time that the belt and tensioner are bad. I do have paper work s…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 07/06/2021
“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 H…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/26/2021
“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. MY CAR STALLS ON ME OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I'M DRIVING WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE ME TO CRASH ALSO MY CAR BRAKES WHEN…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/25/2020
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2018 Mazda Mazda6 power train problems?
- 9 owners reported power train issues to NHTSA for the 2018 Mazda Mazda6. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2018 Mazda Mazda6 power train problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.