Mazda 6 GJ
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Mazda 6 GJ (2012–2024) is generation three — with SkyActiv technology that earned Mazda its "Japanese BMW" reputation. High-compression engines, lightweight body, excellent handling.
Engine choice: PE-VPS (2.0 SkyActiv-G, 107–121 kW) — volume petrol, timing chain, 13:1 compression (!), frugal for an NA (6.5–8.0 L/100 km). Very durable. SH-VPTS (2.2 SkyActiv-D, 110–129 kW) — premium diesel with pressure-wave charging, extremely quiet. Injectors can wear from 150,000 km.
6-speed auto (SkyActiv-Drive): torque converter, NOT DSG/DCT — reliable, no judder drama.
Rust problem largely solved. Interior quality much better from 2018 facelift.
Test-drive checklist: SkyActiv-G: enjoy high-rev character, 2.2 diesel: quiet?, direct steering, crisp manual.
2026 market: 2015–2019 with 50,000 miles $13,200–19,800. Facelift from 2018 $17,600–24,200. Insider pick: 2.0 SkyActiv-G (PE-VPS) facelift with 6-speed manual — the Mazda 6 is the insider tip for drivers who want a car with soul. No turbos, no DSGs, no AdBlue problems. Just a good car.
194 PS
6 · Benzin
2.5-litre NA — Strongest GJ Petrol
Fun to Drive!120–165 PS
2.0L SkyActiv-G Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice150–184 PS
2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mazda 6 GJ is available as Kombi and Sedan — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mazda 6 GJ is available with 3 engine variants — from 120 to 194 hp.
2.2-litre SkyActiv-D with extremely low compression ratio (14:1) for a diesel. Clean combustion without a NOx storage catalytic converter, long-lived with regular oil changes.
- !! Camshaft Seized from 80,000 km
Insufficient surface hardening of the exhaust camshaft leads to heavy wear with metal particles in the oil. Secondary damage to the vacuum pump and turbocharger is possible. Primarily affects build years 2012–2015.
Symptoms: Warning 'Low oil pressure – engine damage possible', fault code P0056F, jerky gearbox, metal particles visible in oil on change. - !! Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress from 30,000 km
DPF regeneration injects fuel into the cylinder, which passes the piston and enters the oil. Dilution rates of up to 20–25% are possible. Increased engine wear and turbocharger bearing damage can follow.
Symptoms: Oil level rises above MAX mark, fuel smell in oil, onboard computer shortens oil change interval, up to 20% diesel detectable in oil analysis. - !! Leaking Injector Seals from 100,000 km
Failed flame protection seals on the injectors allow hot combustion gases into the oil system. The oil cokes up and blocks the oil sump strainer, leading to pressure loss and engine damage.
Symptoms: Rapidly ageing oil with fuel smell, elevated oil consumption, engine oil warning light, in severe cases oil pressure loss and piston damage.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0-litre SkyActiv-G with 13:1 compression ratio and chain drive. Core engine of the SkyActiv fleet with a wide power range from 88 to 121 kW.
- !! Carbon build-up on intake valves from 110,000 km
Direct-injection carbon build-up on intake valves from crankcase breather oil mist. Typically occurs between 100,000–160,000 km. Walnut blasting is the only lasting solution.
Symptoms: Rough cold start with misfire codes P0300–P0304, sluggish throttle response, increased fuel consumption - !! Low oil pressure — oil pump pressure relief valve from 80,000 km
Particularly on early build years 2012–2014, contamination in the oil pump pressure relief valve can reduce oil pressure. Persistently low oil pressure accelerates bearing wear considerably.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light illuminates, knocking noises from the engine, increased engine noise at low revs - ! Defective coolant control valve (thermostat)
A manufacturing deviation in the electric coolant control valve allows coolant to enter the dry chamber. The valve opens too early. TSI R054-21 affects all SkyActiv-G engines.
Symptoms: Extended warm-up phase, blue coolant warning light, poor heater output at idle
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation from 2018. Top of the naturally aspirated range with strong pull.
- !! Cylinder Head Crack (Exhaust Side) from 60,000 km
Micro-cracks form on the exhaust side of the cylinder head due to thermal stress. Primarily affects 2019–2020 CX-5 and Mazda6. Mazda extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles. Revised head design from 2021.
Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell after shutdown, dropping coolant level with no visible puddle, steam from engine bay - !! Recall: Cylinder Deactivation Valve Lash Adjuster
PCM software incorrectly controls hydraulic valve lash adjusters during the transition out of cylinder deactivation. Intake valve rocker arm can contact engine components. CX-5 KF 2017–2019, approx. 58,000 vehicles in Europe.
Symptoms: Misfires, power loss, rough running when upshifting out of cylinder deactivation - !! Fuel Pump Impeller Fracture
Recall for 2019–2020 CX-5: the low-pressure fuel pump impeller can fail due to cracking. Mazda notified owners in November 2021. Engine stall possible.
Symptoms: Engine won't start, power loss, irregular engine running, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Discs Warping at Low Mileage Brake discs on the Mazda 6 GJ warp from as little as 5,000 to 30,000 km, causing steering wheel judder. A well-known chronic Mazda weakness. Aftermarket discs from Brembo or ATE are a more lasting solution. Symptoms: Steering wheel judder when braking, vibrations in the brake pedal, vehicle wobbling when decelerating from 30,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
The Mazda6 GJ performs decently at inspection, but younger examples show premature brake disc wear.
2025-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
The Mazda6 sits in the mid-field of the mid-size class in breakdown frequency.
2025-04Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 25 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 6 GJ (2012–2024) — 19 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G), SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D). Typical issues affect Brakes, Body, Rust, Suspension. Considered reliable: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G).
6 (SH-VPTS, 2012–2024) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 150 PS.
6 (SH-VPTS, 2012–2018) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 175–179 PS.
6 (SH-VPTS, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 184 PS.
6 (PY-VPS, 2012–2018) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Head Crack (Exhaust Side), Recall: Cylinder Deactivation Valve Lash Adjuster, Fuel Pump Impeller Fracture. Power: 192–194 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee