Mazda 6 GG
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
260 PS
2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing — 260 hp AWD Saloon
Legendary!170 PS
2.5L MZR Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice260 PS
2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mazda 6 GG is available as Kombi and Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mazda 6 GG is available with 5 engine variants — from 90 to 260 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mazda 2.0L DiTD (Diesel, 121–143 PS) comes with 2 different engines: RF (2002–2008, Be Careful) und RF (2002–2005, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L DiTD!
The Mazda 1.8L MZR (Benziner, 120 PS) has the L8 (1.8L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.0L MZR (Benziner, 136–147 PS) comes with 2 different engines: LF-DE (2002–2005, Good Choice) und LF-DE (2005–2008, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L MZR!
The Mazda 2.3L DISI Turbo (Benziner, 260 PS) has the L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.3L MZR (Benziner, 162–166 PS) has the L3C1 (2.3L MZR) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Sills and Wheel Arches Rust Heavily The Mazda 6 GG/GY up to 2006 has serious corrosion issues on sills, wheel arches, lower door edges and tailgate. Inadequate corrosion protection from the factory. Rust blisters appear after just a few years. Symptoms: Rust blisters on sills and wheel arches, rust on lower door edges, through-rust under the rear bumper from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Audi S6 C6
Mittelklasse (2006–2011)
Alfa Romeo 159 939
Mittelklasse (2005–2011)
Audi RS4 B7
Mittelklasse (2005–2009)
BMW 3er E90
Mittelklasse (2005–2013)
Fiat Croma 194
Mittelklasse (2005–2011)
Subaru Legacy BL
Mittelklasse (2005–2009)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 52 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 6 GG (2002–2008) — 46 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo). Typical issues affect Rust, Brakes, Suspension, Steering. Considered reliable: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR), L5-VE (2.5L MZR).
6 (RF, 2002–2008) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 121 PS.
6 (RF, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 136–143 PS.
6 (RF, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 136–143 PS.
6 (RF, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 140–143 PS.
6 (R2AA, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Camshaft Wear from Hardening Defect, Bi-Turbo Failure. Power: 163 PS.
6 (R2AA, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Camshaft Wear from Hardening Defect, Bi-Turbo Failure. Power: 179–185 PS.
6 (L3C1, 2002–2008) — Be Careful: Conrod bearing failure due to oil starvation, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings, Timing chain elongates. Power: 162–166 PS.
6 (L3-VDT, 2005–2008) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Turbocharger seal leaks oil into engine, High oil consumption due to piston ring wear. Power: 260 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mazda 6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda 6 GG have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 6 GG? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mazda 6 GG engine is the most reliable? +
Which Mazda 6 GG engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mazda 6 GG worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 6 GG? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee