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Mazda · Mid-Size · 2012–2024

Mazda 6 GJ

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

192–194 PS

2.5L SkyActiv-G Benzin

Sporting Mid-Sizer

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

120–165 PS

2.0L SkyActiv-G Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

150–184 PS

2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Mazda 6 GJ is available as Kombi and Limousine — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Kombi
3 Engines 1× Good Choice 2× Stay Away!
view Kombi →
Limousine
3 Engines 1× Good Choice 2× Stay Away!
view Limousine →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 6 GJ is available with 3 engine variants — from 120 to 194 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 150–184 PS Engine Change
2012 2024
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2012 2018
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2018 2024
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 145–165 PS Engine Change
2012 2024
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2012 2024
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2.5L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 192–194 PS
2012 2018
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses

The Mazda 2.2L SkyActiv-D (Diesel, 150–184 PS) comes with 3 different engines: SH-VPTS (2012–2024, Stay Away!) und SH-VPTS (2012–2018, Stay Away!) und SH-VPTS (2018–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2L SkyActiv-D!

The Mazda 2.0L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 145–165 PS) comes with 2 different engines: PE-VPS (2012–2024, Good Choice) und PE-VPS (2012–2024, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L SkyActiv-G!

The Mazda 2.5L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 192–194 PS) has the PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
Ad brake discs Mazda 6 GJbrake discs Mazda6 GL front Brembo ATE
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
521 complaints · 2012–2024
Electrical
99 ⚠ 4
Other
86 ⚠ 6
Engine
74 ⚠ 1
Brakes
59 ⚠ 8
Airbags
50 ⚠ 13

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (99 complaints)
⚠ Other (86 complaints)
⚠ Engine (74 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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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

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda 6 GJ have? +
The Mazda 6 GJ has 19 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 6 GJ? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). The most reliable engine is the PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G). Problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D) — stay away!
Which Mazda 6 GJ engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 6 GJ. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda 6 GJ engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 6 GJ — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} G-Vectoring Control, direct steering feel and a strong engine make the 6 GJ a driver's car in its class. Short throws and a taut chassis convince.
Is the Mazda 6 GJ worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mazda 6 GJ — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 6 GJ? +
The Mazda 6 GJ is available with engine variants from 120 to 194 hp. Petrol: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G), PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G). Diesel: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee