The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 is a mid-size sedan that continues to receive great reviews for its fuel efficiency and stylish cabin. Since 2002, the Japanese automaker has produced the Mazda6. This sedan is known by the nameplate “Atenza” in China and Japan. This name stems from the Italian word attenzione, meaning “Attention.” It was the first in a specially-created lineup from the company, which resulted in the Mazda2, the RX-8, the Mazda3, the Mazda5, as well as the MX-5 and CX-7. It’s the seventh generation of the previously loved Mazda 626 model.
Sales in the United States were best for this model in the first four years it was released. Since then, production numbers have slowly dwindled down, with only 16,000 units in 2020, making it the worst year to date.
Most Common Problems
When it comes to the 2021 Mazda Mazda6, most drivers agree that the sedan looks great. It has a stylish appeal and seems to check all of the top boxes. However, after driving the car, owners find that there are numerous hidden problems, ranging from small to major as reported by NHTSA. The engine issues alone are causing customers to worry, while the visibility and body defects become more of a nuisance.
Engine Problems
Faulty Valve Stem Seals: The car is coming off of the assembly line with faulty valve stem seals. This defect is allowing for the oil to burn faster than it should, with oil lights coming on as soon as every 1,000 miles. If the engine were to run low on oil without being noticed, it could lead to permanent damage.
Burning Engine Oil: While this sounds similar to the previous complaint, it’s an issue with or without the valve stem seal defect. Even without it, customers find that the oil is being burned far faster than it should. Check Oil lights are coming on far sooner than expected, creating more service needs than customers are hoping for.
Underwhelming Power: The Mazda6 isn’t meant to be a powerhouse, but it should provide enough acceleration and torque for a fun drive. Yet, the engine doesn’t get people to 60 mph before 7.1 seconds, which is anything but sporty and quite clunky.
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Visibility Issues
Exploding Sunroofs: The last thing anyone expects from a vehicle is to have the sunroof break. Customers complain that it can randomly explode while heading down the highway. The glass broke with nothing hitting it and it could have led to serious injuries within the cabin.
Distorted Windshield: When looking through the windshield of a Mazda6, some of the objects can be distorted, no matter what angle it is viewed from. Because of this major defect, drivers can’t accurately judge distances, read the road signs or stay focused on what’s ahead. Some of the distortions include magnified objects, ripped lines that are actually straight and shrunken sizes. When operating the vehicle for long periods of time, drivers complain about motion sickness, vertigo and rapid eye fatigue.
Problems with Structure
Under Hood Rust: The Mazda6 comes with a 36-month warranty that should cover any issues with rusting or corrosion. However, customers are having trouble getting warranty coverage when the under-hood area rusts, which seems to be common. Considering the area is protected by the hood, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for rust to be appearing there in the first place, but what’s worse is that customers are being blamed for the defect. It’s being chalked up to poor maintenance practices, leaving customers to foot the bill.
Tight Cabin: While the Mazda6 appears to have all of the room needed for regular drives, tall people are having trouble getting inside. Even with the seat back all the way, people who are six feet tall can’t adequately fit. Not only that, but putting the seat back causes the door to become unreachable when it’s open.
Chipping Paint: Even if everything works mechanically with the Mazda6, having a newer car that doesn’t look right can be downright embarrassing. That seems to be the case with this sedan. Many customers have noticed paint chipping within the first years of ownership, creating quite the eyesore. Again, the paint issues seem to center around the hood, plus some side panels.
Limited Interior Space: There isn’t a lot of storage space inside the car. Families with children seem to have a lot of problems finding room to hold gear and equipment. Plus, the included cup holders will only carry a tiny water bottle or a small cup of coffee, which is enough for most people’s drives.
Awkward Rear Seats: If customers want to lower the rear seats, it is possible. However, they have to step outside the vehicle to make the adjustments. Nothing can be changed from inside the vehicle, so there’s no way to create more comfort while on the go.
What to do if your 2021 Mazda6 is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
Suspecting you’ve ended up with a lemon purchase? If your Mazda6 is plagued by recurring and persistent issues, particularly concerning the brakes, transmission, or engine, it might indeed fall under the lemon category.
Yet, there’s no need to merely speculate. Reach out to our Helpline for a free evaluation
We have decades of experience in lemon law and we know what to look for. Options we negotiate include cash settlements, replacement cars, buybacks, and trade-ins. Circumstances differ, which is why we invite you to contact us for help. It won’t cost you anything because the law insists Mazda must pay legal fees for lemon cases.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
