Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010–2011, 2018Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2012, 2014, 2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011AVOIDSerious complaints 3.2× usual, mostly suspension and structure Extended coverage
104 serious complaints of 135, the most about suspension (50) and structure (30); per car on the road, 3.2× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 mazda mazda6. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear cross member of the subframe broke from rust and corrosion while reversing.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Oct 2020
“The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel inadvertently moved to the left at a 30–35-degree angle. Additionally, the rear end of the vehicle swayed while coming to a stop.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, May 2024
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Any other condition for dashboard replacement, such as discoloration, warping, or material splitting, is covered only for 36 months or 36,000 miles. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for dashboard crash pads on certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles produced from February 4,… (SSPA0, Dec 2015)
- Extended coverage Subject: - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. (SSPB3, May 2021)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
135 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2011
- Starting prices: +$480 to +$780 (2 trims; hover for each)
- Trim dropped: i SV
- Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve I4 → 2.5L MZR (i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring, i Touring Plus)
- Engine: 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 → 3.7L MZI (s Touring Plus, s Grand Touring)
2011 Mazda6 trims
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | s Touring Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||||
| Starting MSRP | — | — | — | — | $29,320 | $27,080 |
| Powertrain | ||||||
| Engine | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 3.7L MZI | 3.7L MZI |
| Horsepower | 2.5L MZR: 170 hp 2.5L MZR PZEV: 168 hp | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 170 hp 2.5L MZR PZEV 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 168 hp | 2.5L MZR: 170 hp 2.5L MZR PZEV: 168 hp | 2.5L MZR: 170 hp 2.5L MZR PZEV: 168 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 2.5L MZR: 167 lb-ft 2.5L MZR PZEV: 166 lb-ft | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 167 lb-ft 2.5L MZR PZEV 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 166 lb-ft | 2.5L MZR: 167 lb-ft 2.5L MZR PZEV: 166 lb-ft | 2.5L MZR: 167 lb-ft 2.5L MZR PZEV: 166 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 5-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode 2.5L MZR 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed overdrive | 5-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 5-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 6-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 6-speed Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode |
| Gears | 5 | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 5 2.5L MZR 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | 2.5L MZR / 2.5L MZR PZEV | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic / 2.5L MZR PZEV 5-Speed Sport Automatic / 2.5L MZR 6-Speed Manual | 2.5L MZR / 2.5L MZR PZEV | 2.5L MZR / 2.5L MZR PZEV | Fwd | Fwd |
| Size and capability | ||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in |
| Length | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in | 193.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lb | 2.5L MZR 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 3,329 lb 2.5L MZR 6-Speed Manual: 3,272 lb | 3,329 lb | 3,329 lb | 3,574 lb | 3,574 lb |
| Tech | ||||||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Bose | — | — | — | Bose | — |
| Speakers | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Driver assistance | ||||||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Alert | — | — | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Seats | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Cloth + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | Front | — | — | — | Front | — |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Climate zones | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior | ||||||
| Sunroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | — | — | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof |
| Wheels | 17 in | 16 in | 17 in | 17 in | 18 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen + option | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen + option | Halogen |
Packages and options (41)
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | s Touring Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation System $2,000 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Technology Package $1,785 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Fuel-Filler Door (Pearl Satin or Bright Chrome) | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car-Cover Cable Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights $360 | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Front Mask | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Illuminated Doorsill Trim Plates | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License-Plate Frame | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector $70 | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Wing Spoiler $435 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards (Front and Rear) $170 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Touch-Up Paint | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks (Set of 4) $50 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $80 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ashtray with LED Illumination | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and HomeLink® | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat (Carpet) | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $40 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cigarette Lighter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Portable Navigation Devices | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start $350 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roadside Assistance Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3.5 mm Audio Cable | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Portable Bluetooth® Car Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| iPod® Integration System | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio with Free 6-Month Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cherry Metallic | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comet Gray Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ingot Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Kona Blue Mica | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sangria Red Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Techno White Pearl $200 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Beige Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 17 | Engine (13) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 187–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 187–227 hp | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 2 | Service brakes (1) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 187–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 187–227 hp manual available | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 6 | Unknown or other (2) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 184–227 hp 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 184–227 hp manual available | FWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 58 | Engine (32) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 184 hp manual available | FWD | 28–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 60 | Unknown or other (23) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 77 | Power train (11) | No |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 60 | Service brakes (15) | No |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 29–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 137 | Electrical system (47) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–24 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 23 | Suspension (5) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 99 | Air bags (30) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 135 | Suspension (50) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 20–24 mpg | Not rated | 9 | 225 | Structure (60) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Head-up displayAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Mazda6 2018–2022 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR AWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 6 |
| 2019 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 6 |
| 2018 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 58 |
| 2017 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 60 |
| 2016 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 77 |
| 2015 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | Optional | 3 | 60 |
| 2014 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 137 |
| 2013 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 23 |
| 2012 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 99 |
| 2011 | Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 135 |
| 2010 | Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 9 | 225 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2020 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2019 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2018 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
26–29 |
| 2017 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
28–30 |
| 2016 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2015 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2014 | 6 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI |
29–32 |
| 2013 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–24 |
| 2012 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–25 |
| 2011 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
21–25 |
| 2010 | 6 | Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L |
20–24 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.