2016 Mazda 6: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2016 Mazda 6 at 29–32 mpg combined across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 77 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Safety recalls
1
EPA combined mpg
29–32
NHTSA overall rating
5/5
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MAZDA6.
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Mazda dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2016 Mazda 6 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 1 safety recall for the 2016 Mazda 6, newest first.
Air bags: Sensor: Occupant classification and 2 more components
NHTSA 17V546000Reported Aug 31, 2017
Filed by
Mazda Motor Corp. (manufacturer recall no. 1517H)
Components
Air bags: Sensor: Occupant classification; Steering: Electric power assist system; Seats
Units affected
51,943 (estimate)
Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.
Risk
If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2016 Mazda 6 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2016 Mazda 6 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2016 Mazda 6 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2016 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
4 stars
10.3%
Optional
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2016 Mazda 6 owner complaints
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda 6, most recently on Aug 31, 2026. 9 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 8 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2016 Mazda 6 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Service brakes
11
Unknown or other
11
Electrical system
10
Power train
10
Seats
8
Engine
7
Air bags
6
Steering
6
Vehicle speed control
6
Structure: Body
5
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
