Mazda 6
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.
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 7
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.
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.
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.
The particulate filter reaches its capacity in frequent short-trip and city driving because regeneration temperature is not achieved. DPF cleaning or replacement required.
Symptoms: Warning light 'DPF check required', DPF message on display, noticeably elevated consumption during regeneration phases up to 18.5 l/100 km, bluish smoke.
The 2.2D has two EGR valves, both of which clog with soot deposits. Above 100,000 km, centimetre-thick soot layers in the intake tract and on the intake valves are possible.
Symptoms: Power loss, heavy blue smoke above 3,000 rpm, fault codes P1412, P0404, P042E, engine warning, failed emissions test.
Eine fehlerhafte Steuerungssoftware führt zu Rußablagerungen an der Einlassschließklappe des SkyActiv-D 2.2. Blockiert die Klappe im geschlossenen Zustand, stirbt der laufende Motor ab. Mazda rief 348.617 Fahrzeuge in Europa zurück (Modelle 3 BM, 6 GJ, CX-5 KE/KF, Produktion 2012–2018).
Symptoms: Unerwartetes Motorabsterben ohne Vorwarnung; Motorkontrollleuchte; betroffene Fahrzeuge springen nach Neustart meist wieder an.
Der Schrittmotor der Drosselklappe (Teilenr. SH01-136B0) verschleißt oder bricht an seinem Kunststoffgetriebe. Hohe Abgasrückführungsrate und Ölnebel beschleunigen die Verkokung, was den Aktor mechanisch belastet und zu Fehlercode P2118 führt.
Symptoms: Schlechte Gasannahme; mehrere gleichzeitige Warnleuchten (Motor, DSC, Traktionskontrolle); geringer Leistungsverlust; manchmal Geräusch des Stellmotors.
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.