2013–2024 Mazda Mazda6 · common problems & known faults

Skyactiv-D diesel carbon build-up and oil dilution on short journeys

Typically appears

70,000+ miles

What to inspect

Check the oil level for rising level and test under load

DPF blocking on town-used diesels

Typically appears

70,000+ miles

What to inspect

Run to temperature and confirm no light returns

Rear arch and sill corrosion on earlier cars

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Inspect the arches and sills carefully

Bush and drop link wear at higher mileage

Typically appears

90,000+ miles

What to inspect

Listen over rough tarmac

Infotainment screen delamination and 'ghost touch' erratic inputs without user interaction.

Typically appears

40,000-80,000 miles

What to inspect

Turn on the ignition, leave the car idling in neutral, and watch the screen for unprompted menu changes. Check the screen corners for spiderweb-like delamination under the glass.

Power folding wing mirrors fail to retract or deploy, often accompanied by a continuous grinding noise.

Typically appears

50,000-70,000 miles

What to inspect

Operate the mirror fold button on the driver's door control panel multiple times. Verify both mirrors move smoothly in sync and listen closely for stripped plastic gear noises.

Notchy shifting, crunching, or resistance when selecting second or third gear on manual Skyactiv-MT models.

Typically appears

60,000-90,000 miles

What to inspect

With the engine running and clutch fully depressed, shift briskly between first, second, and third gears to feel for synchro resistance, notchiness, or crunching.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) rear calipers seizing, causing dragging brakes and premature rear pad and disc wear.

Typically appears

60,000-100,000 miles

What to inspect

Engage and disengage the EPB switch. Listen for the actuator motors on both rear wheels, then ensure the car rolls freely in neutral without rear-axle binding.