Mazda 6
2.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation from 2018. Top of the naturally aspirated range with strong pull.
Sporting Mid-Sizer
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.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
Direct injection without port injection — PCV oil vapour deposits on unswept intake valves. Higher thermal load from the turbo accelerates buildup. Walnut blasting from 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, sluggish throttle response, slight power loss
Der hydraulische Riemenspanner des SkyActiv-G 2.5 verliert ab ca. 65.000–85.000 km Hydraulikflüssigkeit durch den Gummibalg. Ohne ausreichend Dämpfung flattern Riemen und Spanner, was zu vorzeitigem Riemenverschleiß und Geräuschen führt.
Symptoms: Quietschen oder Flattern des Keilrippenriemens; sichtbare Feuchtigkeit am Gummibalg des Spannrollengehäuses; Riemen schlägt bei Gaswechsel.
Der Klopfsensor des SkyActiv-G 2.5 fällt bei älteren Fahrzeugen aus und löst die Motorkontrollleuchte aus. Das Motorsteuergerät wechselt in den Schutzmodus mit verzögerter Zündung, was zu erhöhtem Verbrauch und reduzierter Leistung führt.
Symptoms: Motorkontrollleuchte dauerhaft an; leichte Leistungsreduktion und erhöhter Verbrauch; keine weiteren Fahreinschränkungen im Normalbetrieb.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.
On vehicles produced between July and December 2012, water can enter the rear brake caliper and impair the function of the electric parking brake.
Early Mazda 6 GJ (2012–2015) have a bonnet that flutters at around 170–190 km/h due to a defective seal at the rear of the bonnet. Mazda dealerships have a service bulletin to address this.
Light rust on door edges and underside folds appears on the Mazda 6 GJ from around 5–8 years. Without cavity wax treatment, corrosion forms at corners and folds that can become MOT-relevant.
Some Mazda 6 GJ develop clunking or banging noises from the dampers, especially on older vehicles from around 120,000 km. TÜV reports flag the suspension as above-average for defects.
Early Mazda 6 GJ (2012–2015) have issues with the MZD Connect infotainment system: Bluetooth dropouts, iPhone USB problems and navigation errors. Software updates resolve many cases.