Mazda 6 road test reports and car reviews

Mazda 6 Katano 2007

Despite continual ingress of damp into the headlights I have been told by Mazda that this was quite normal and to keep my headlights on for at least 15 minutes daily! The boot was almost impossible to open as as lifting arms were obviously not strong enough for the weight of the aerofoil on Katano model. I waited some 3 months for Mazda to obtain stronger arms, which I think came from Japan. I find that after you purchase a new Mazda the dealership isn’t really interested in any complaints you have after that time. I find the clutch very fiery. I do not think I shall buy another Mazda.

Mazda 6 2002

I cannot fault the Mazda6 (52 plate) apart from the rear wheel arches. I have had them done once under warranty but they are starting to rust again. Also, I have had the alloys replaced under warranty but with a £200 penalty.

Mazda 6 TS 2.0.Diesel 2007

We bought this car from new and after 12 weeks I took it back because the engine dipped at 60mph, was informed by the main dealer nothing was wrong! This car went back several times and again was told nothing wrong!! However in October 08 I was driving home and a great cloud of smoke flew out the exhaust, the engine was reving at 4000 and I had no gears, the DPF had gone on it, went into be mended it had also melted the computer system - over 6k worth of damage. Eventually they said it was covered on the warranty also got told "not another one"!! Mazda knew this was a fault but failed to tell us when buying it, also got told the dipping at 60 was a quirk of the car, I nearly smashed the guys face at the garage having paid 17,500k - was not impressed to hear it was a quirk, the customer service at Mazda is rubbish. I logged a complaint with them every time my car had an issue, this model has been recalled and eventually it will be recalled for the dipping as I know a lot of other people have experienced the same, also the oil level, why is it the only car whose oil level rises surely this is not right?? I will never ever buy another Mazda, which is a shame as the handling on this car is superb. I had to drive other models whilst ours was being fixed and they were big noisy tanks, we are currently looking to get rid of it before the warranty is up...

Responses to this review

Same opinion about Mazda’s after sales service. I agree with you. In Malta, it is the same. They blame Mazda Japan. I won’t buy another Mazda next time - Aldo Mamo from Malta

Mazda 6 2.0 Diesel 2004

This car has been nothing but a complete and utter nightmare. Clutch went at 44000 miles and required a new flywheel as well, cost £1200. Speaking to a Mazda technician I was informed that its a common fault on this model!!!! I have a 1997 VW Passat with 118000 miles on the original clutch. I’ve had continuous engine problems as well. Mazda cannot find a fault despite me taking the technician for a run in the car and him experiencing the problem first hand. Have been advised to replace various bits and also told in the same breath that it might not fix the problem???????? Mazda do not want to know. There is talk of a class action ongoing in the States over the dismal performance of the Mazda 6 diesel. I would certainly be willing to join a UK class action. Mazda customer service are worse than useless and will not accept any liability for the faults. I will NEVER buy another Mazda and will not recommend them to anyone. Mazda seem none too concerned. In closing I can only advise avoid this car like the plague.

Mazda 6 MPS 2006

Since I bought my 6MPS it has been provided to me as a new car with clutch issues creating the gear shift from 1st, 2nd gear as notchy and the car slips out of 2nd gear intermittently. Performed all scheduled services as per manufacturer warranty and each time I take the car back to the dealership advising the same gear issues, they give me different reasons, charge enormous service fees and tell me all is OK. Car has done 60 000km’s now and just took back to get service done by dealer, again same gear problems, however now the manufacturer warranty is out and only dealer extended warranty available with minimal cost coverage for up to 175,000km’s only or 5 years and I am quoted I need a new gearbox and parts which will cost me $18500.00 AUS to replace the gearbox. My advise do not buy a Mazda vehicle as the dealership are only making money out of the owner with false advise and when you raise your concerns to fix the bloody thing they hit you with a new gearbox which is not covered by warranty. Mazda does not return calls and don’t care about the consumers.

Responses to this review

I've had my Mazda 6 MPS from new (Feb 06), I've loved every minute of the car, until now. Yes the warranty has run out and funny noises started to come from the engine. A friend who is mechanic looked it over and said the gearbox was breaking up. Took it to Mazda (Shires Taunton, Somerset) and got this response "No sir Mazda gearboxes do not break up, it's the dual mass flywheel", so I left the car with them. 2 weeks later they rang to say they had replaced the flywheel and as they were doing that they also replaced the clutch! but it hasn't solved the problem, therefore they will have to take it apart again. 7 weeks later and the gearbox bearings and a cog have been replaced and all is well. Yes the bill came to over 2k, obviously i argued the case and the dealership deducted 20% and Mazda themselves deducted 20% (parts only though), still the final bill was just over 2k. I love this car and have driven 78k miles in it (mainly motorway driving & also a whole year out due to a bad leg injury), do you really think this type of thing should happen? I defiantly don't! Mazda will not shift and basically told me to go to the press and complain, they really don't give a sh*t about after-care at all. Although I have loved driving this car, I will definately not buy another Mazda, due to their attitude after warranty. Yes I was unlucky, I must have bought the Friday car! - Andy White from England

Mazda 6 TS 2.0 petrol 2008

Rubbish car - had nothing but problems with it: clutch judder in reverse could not get 1st gear when cold and at speed the car used to vibrate through the drivers seat. I took it to two Mazda dealers, one said there was a fault, one said there was not. I had an independent engineer look at it and he agreed there was a fault. Mazda turned there backs on it as it would cost to much money to find the fault. So I went and got the new Mondeo - what a car!!!!!

Mazda 6 4dr Saloon TS Petrol 2004

Reading the above, my 6 has done 64k and I’ve had since 32k. Other than tyres, pads & discs and a power steering pipe nothing else has been required. Faultless starting at -16, comfortable cruiser at 85mph with cruise control on or off, handles reasonably well for such a lump, and when you hoist up her petticoat she goes like a bat out of hell. 4/5 score as the fuel consumption is a bit on the big side, and £210 per year for Darlings highway robbery/road Tax.

Mazda 6 2006

Clutch and Fly wheel problems seem to keep cropping up with diesel 2L - my mazda6 is ay 75k and clutch apparently will fail; I experienced same problem on 2L TDi Freelander at 55k miles, cost £800 for a clutch + dual mass flywheel, 2LTDi Mondeo’s - have same problem; There is definitely a common problem - design fault? Poor installation? Never had this problem and expense for a clutch with older cars. What's the point in doing 50 mpg when eco savings go up in smoke on cost prohibitive modern mechanical failings??

Mazda 6 Diesel Sport 2005

I have owned my 6 diesel sport from new. (now 4 years old) I have to say I have been generally pleased with it. However, I have just had the clutch go at 45,000 miles - this cannot be right! The price of repair is also outrageous - my research shows that this is a common occurance on the 6. I will never own another Mazda.