Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly suspension and brakes Extended coverage
16 serious complaints of 23, the most about suspension (5) and brakes (5); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 4 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Jul 2024
“I just baught a 2013 mazda6 the rear cradel and cross member was complety rusted away one mount was complety rusted off .the springs was almost ready to fall out the bottem of the spring purch .it looked like it was pulled out of the ocean where it had stayed for years .I tried to find a used replacement out of several we found from 10-13 and going thru…”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Dec 2023
Fixes and extended coverage
- 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)
- 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)
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.
23 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–24 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 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 2013
- Starting prices: +$180 to +$440 (4 trims; hover for each)
- Trim dropped: s Touring Plus
- Wheels: 17 in → 18 in (i Grand Touring, i Touring Plus)
2013 Mazda6 trims
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||
| Starting MSRP | $27,750 | — | $23,370 | $25,170 | $29,990 |
| Powertrain | |||||
| Engine | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 2.5L MZR | 3.7L MZI |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed overdrive | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode | Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode |
| Gears | 5 | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 5 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | 5-Speed Sport Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd |
| Size and capability | |||||
| Seats | 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 |
| Ground clearance | 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 |
| Curb weight | 3,323 lb | 5-Speed Sport Automatic: 3,323 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,268 lb | 3,323 lb | 3,323 lb | 3,597 lb |
| Tech | |||||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Bose | — | — | — | Bose |
| Speakers | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Driver assistance | |||||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Alert | — | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert | Blind Spot Alert |
| Comfort | |||||
| Seats | Leather | Cloth | Cloth | Cloth | Leather |
| Heated seats | Front | — | — | — | Front |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Climate zones | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Exterior | |||||
| Sunroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | — | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof |
| Wheels | 18 in | 16 in | 17 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | Halogen + option | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen + option |
Packages and options (26)
| i Grand Touring | i Sport | i Touring | i Touring Plus | s Grand Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation System $2,000 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Technology Package $1,785 | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Aluminum Fuel-Filler Door $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights $360 | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector $70 | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Spoiler | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards (Front and Rear) $170 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks (Set of 4) $55 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $100 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with HomeLink® | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start $350 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Changer | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-Month Trial Subscription to Sirius Select | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Autumn Bronze | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fireglow Red $200 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ingot Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Polished Slate | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Blue Mica | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| White Platinum Pearl $200 | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Beige Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Black Leather | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Third party, Third party, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules. "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…
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.