2020 Mazda Mazda6 problems

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The Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, derived from the Italian attenzione) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.

The Mazda6 was marketed as the first example of the company's "Stylish, Insightful and Spirited" design philosophy, followed by the Mazda2 in December 2002, the RX-8 in August 2003, the Mazda3 in January 2004, the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, the MX-5 in October 2005, and the CX-7 in November 2006. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the seventh-generation Mazda 626, part of the 'G' model code family.

First generation (GG1; 2002)

The first-generation Mazda6 was launched in Japan as the Mazda Atenza in May 2002. The model lineup consisted of a four-door sedan, a four-door hatchback and a five-door wagon, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon", respectively. In Australia, the lineup was first available in Limited trim, as a sedan; in Classic trim as sedan, hatch or wagon and in Luxury trim as a sedan and liftback — and Luxury Sports trim, as a liftback. In New Zealand, the lineup consisted of 2.0L GLX (sedan only), 2.3L GSX (sedan, liftback, and wagon), and 2.3L Limited (sedan and liftback).

The first generation was marketed as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada. In Europe, the luxury sports model was available as a 120 hp (89 kW) direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") estate up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog listed only the "Sport" version of the 146 hp (109 kW) turbodiesel estate, while the "Luxury Sport" version had been dropped.

Drivetrain combinations included the Mazda MZR engine in configurations of 1.8 L (L8-DE), 2.0 L (LF-VE) and 2.3 L (L3-VE), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with a sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "Four-Speed Sport AT"). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine was also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with a sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "5-Speed Sport AT"). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6, with much improved fuel economy.

In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models were replaced by an Aisin 6-speed automatic for the 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model received a Jatco five-speed automatic in the following year. Power was directed to the front wheels in most markets, although full-time all-wheel-drive models were available in Japan, Europe, and Australia. Not all configurations were available in all areas – for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia was available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, when the 626 it replaced had been available with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines. The MZI V6 engine was only fitted to vehicles manufactured at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant and destined for the U.S. and Canadian domestic markets.

Mazda's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture produced the Mazda6 for international markets from February 2002 to August 2007. In North America, Mazda6 production was handled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The first Mazda6 rolled off the AAI assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. There are also satellite plants building Mazda6 models in China and Thailand for local markets.

In September 2005, the Mazda6 received a facelift which introduced 5-speed auto and 6-speed manual transmissions, standard 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and minor bodywork upgrades.

In China, the Mazda6 was introduced by FAW Mazda in 2003. Despite the release of its successors, the first generation car, known locally as the Maliu (马六, "Horse 6"), continues to be manufactured at FAW's Changchun plant, having sold over 770,000 units as of 2014. This model is also used as the base for the FAW Benteng, also known as Besturn B70 or Hongqi C301.

2020 Mazda Mazda6

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Common 2020 Mazda Mazda6 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2020 Mazda Mazda6, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Engine Problems: Owners have reported issues related to the engine, which can lead to significant repair costs and potential safety concerns. Engine problems can manifest in various ways, such as poor performance, unusual noises, or engine stalling.
  2. Transmission Troubles: Another common complaint involves transmission issues, which can result in rough shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure. These problems can affect the vehicle's drivability and overall performance.
  3. Interior Accessory Troubles: Complaints regarding interior accessories often include problems with features like the infotainment system, climate control, or power accessories. Malfunctions in these components can impact the comfort and convenience of the driving experience.
  4. Body Issues: While not as prevalent in the 2020 model, some owners have reported body-related problems, such as rust, paint issues, or body panel misalignments. These issues can affect the aesthetics and structural integrity of the vehicle.
  5. Windshield Faults: Windshield faults are another common complaint, with issues like cracks, chips, or poor visibility due to defects in the windshield. These problems can compromise the safety of the driver and passengers.
  6. Electrical Faults: Electrical faults can encompass a wide range of issues, including problems with the vehicle's electrical system, lighting, sensors, or other electronic components. These faults can lead to malfunctions in critical systems and affect the overall reliability of the car.

Addressing these common problems in the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing any reported issues promptly can help mitigate these concerns and ensure a smoother driving experience for Mazda6 owners.

2020 Mazda Mazda6 engine

Is the 2020 Mazda 6 a reliable car?

How Reliable Is the 2020 Mazda6? The 2020 Mazda6 has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What is the common problem with Mazda 6?

What are the most common problems with a used Mazda 6 saloon? On the whole, owners seem to have high praise for their Mazda 6s, but the 6 can be quite hard on its brake discs, which can lead to vibration under braking. If you detect this on a test drive, it will need a new set of brake discs and pads to sort.

Is Mazda 6 high maintenance?

Mazda scores high in terms of reliability and is one of the most reasonable car brands to maintain and repair. Mazda maintenance cost comes in at an average of $426 per year, which is less than the $652 yearly average for the top 32 car brands.

Is it worth it to buy a Mazda 6?

The 2021 Mazda 6 isn't just the prettiest family sedan, it's also more enjoyable to drive and ride in than most of its peers. While the Mazda isn't as flawless as the Honda Accord or as fresh as the Hyundai Sonata, it definitely delivers a more expensive-feeling experience than either of those top-flight alternatives.

2020 Mazda Mazda6 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mazda6 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Engine problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Mazda Mazda6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Mazda Mazda6 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Mazda Mazda6.

2023-02-20

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-18
  • VIN: JM1GL1VM0L1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: Uneven premature brake wear. Right front and right rear pads and rotors worn beyond limits in 28,000miles of lite freeway driving. Left front and Left rear only half worn. Engine has multiple oil leaks.
2020-11-27

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-11-25
  • VIN: JM1GL1WY1L1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING. I HAVE THE SOUL RED (V46) PAINT. IT WAS PURCHASED ON 06JUN2020 AND HAS ONLY 2,000 MILES BUT IT HAS 3 LARGE CHIPS. MOST OF THE MILES ARE JUST GOING TO THE STORE. I WORK FROM HOME SO I DON'T DRIVE BUT A COUPLE DAYS A WEEK.

Negative 2020 Mazda Mazda6 car reviews

  1. Jimmy Keeling 2024-04-17

    I have to say that this wasn't the car I originally intended to buy. Due to the COVID season, everyone seemed to be buying cars, and I couldn't find what I wanted. However, the GT caught my eye and I have to admit, it's an attractive car with a well-appointed interior that doesn't look cheap. The turbo provides quick acceleration, which is a plus. On the downside, the handling isn't as tight as I'd like, and turning a corner at speed can be a bit of a challenge. The suspension also leaves something to be desired, as you feel every pebble on the road. The sport tires make a big difference in handling and drivability, but they wear out quickly. The navigation/radar/cruise control system can be a bit jarring, as the car will automatically brake when you approach someone in front of you. However, there are ways to turn off some of these features. Overall, it's not the most fun car to drive, but it gets the job done.

  2. Madison Little 2024-03-25

    Hey there! While the vehicle may not be perfect, it's still pretty good!

  3. Caden Abernathy 2024-01-21

    You have a beautiful car, a 2020 Touring in Soul Red. The interior is well done with materials that could easily belong to a car that is twice as expensive. The ride is smooth and quiet, and both front and back seats are comfortable. The car has tons of security features, and Apple CarPlay is awesome. The infotainment controller in the center console is actually easy to use, and I find it comfortable and responsive with big buttons. I actually prefer it over the touch screen. Although the gas mileage is so-so, averaging a little bit above 32 mpg, it is still a great car. However, there are a few flaws that you should be aware of. The designers went overboard and placed AC vents deep into the dashboard, so probably 30-40% of air coming out of the vent is blocked by the dashboard design. If you live in a hot area, I would seriously reconsider this car. Additionally, if you are 6’0 or taller, you may feel like you don’t have any headroom to spare. The rearview camera has extremely low resolution, making it hard to see at night and almost worthless in the rain. The car has limited interior storage space that is very hard to clean, so if you have a family with children, this is definitely not the car for you. The cup holders are big enough for a coffee cup or small water bottle from the store, but my 12-year-old Sonata was a better car for the family. The infotainment system takes a really long time to start, and the radio is hidden and complicated. The navigation system is beyond outdated and complicated, and on top of everything, you cannot even enter a destination while the car is in motion. This is a really stupid limitation, and Mazda is expecting you to get off the highway, enter a new destination, and then get back on the highway. The rear seats are really easy to lower, but they cannot be lowered from the inside, only from the outside. Overall, the car looks great, drives nicely, and is a decent option for a single individual or a couple. However, if you have children, I would consider something else.

  4. Adan Reichert 2024-01-03

    They announced that the manual transmission will no longer be offered, which is disappointing as it is a core feature of the driving experience. As someone who has driven a Mazda for 15 years, I have always appreciated this feature and will miss it. However, I am still open to considering Mazda as a brand and exploring their other offerings.

Positive 2020 Mazda Mazda6 car reviews

  1. London Rath 2025-01-09

    I checked out several competitors before stumbling upon Mazda. After almost purchasing the Hyundai Sonata, I noticed the Mazda dealer across the street and decided to hold off until I looked at what they offered. The Mazda 6 was hands-down the best value for my money. The styling immediately caught my attention with its sports sedan look, curvy front fenders, and oval grille. The interior was way better than the Hyundai and even nicer than the Honda Accord. Then I took it for a spin...I was impressed with how incredibly quiet it is on the road. No wind noise and other than the smooth rumble of the motor, you don't hear anything at all. Then I noticed the price...I chose the Touring model. Upgrading to the Signature wasn't worth it to me since I didn't care about navigation (the Touring has Apple CarPlay so nav wasn't needed.) My only requirements were leather and sunroof and any color but grey (every car on the road nowadays is grey!) The blue with the tan leather interior is awesome. If I took all the badging off, people would swear it was a BMW or a Mercedes. My only complaints are minor. I wish the center armrest was moved forward a little bit because my arm ends up resting on the cupholder section instead of the padded console. I also wish the USB connector for the Apple CarPlay was in the front of the console rather than the rear. That's it, those are my only complaints. The rest of the car is 100% perfect. It was worth every penny I paid.

  2. Newton Abbott 2024-11-06

    I am thrilled to hear that you have finally acquired your dream car, the Mazda6 Signature in soul crystal red metallic with parchment nappa leather interior. Your description of the car is truly captivating, and I can feel your excitement through your words. The exterior of the car is a work of art, and the color complements it perfectly. The interior is not only attractive but also practical, with high-quality controls that are logically arranged. The seats are the most comfortable you have ever sat in, and the leather is supple and gentle enough to keep you comfortable throughout your long drive. I can understand your concern about the infotainment system and camera resolution, but I am glad that you are getting used to it. It is evident that you have a strong connection with your car, and I am happy to hear that you feel like you and the machine are one on the road. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and I hope you continue to enjoy your Mazda6 Signature for years to come!

  3. Cloyd Okuneva 2024-10-27

    This car at this trim level seems to balance everything well and meet all of my needs as a 23 year old graduate student with no family to haul around in it. The interior is incredibly sleek and has been complemented by virtually everyone who has sat in it. The exterior is equally impressive. I opted for the soul red exterior and black interior, which I think complement each other perfectly. If you live in warmer/sunnier areas, I would suggest getting the sand interior color as the summer sun can make the interior a bit warm. Despite living in Michigan, I've had no problems getting through the snow with the FWD. One of the reasons I picked Mazda was because of their good track record for reliability, and with no major internal changes for the 2019 model year, I expect this car to last me a long time, as previous years have. When initially looking for cars, I test drove the Subaru Legacy along with the Mazda 6, and I'm very satisfied with my choice. Although the Legacy was the cheaper option, the Mazda 6 just looked better overall, with a leather interior option at a lower price point than offered for the Legacy. Standing at 6'3The glossy black plastic for the center console area and by the window controls does show fingerprints, hair, and dirt pretty well but these are minor issues. The addition of Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and an extremely quiet cabin have made long drives much more enjoyable than in my previous car, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The Mazda 6 also has very responsive handling and, despite being a 2.5L 4cyl, feels quick. Overall, I'm very happy with this car with no major complaints.

  4. Lucius Lemke 2024-10-23

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I'm absolutely in love with my new car. It's truly beautiful!

  5. Celestino Crooks 2024-10-19

    The car meets my basic requirements, but I have a few suggestions for Mazda to consider for the 2022 model. Firstly, a remote starter with smartphone access and monitoring should be a built-in feature. Secondly, the forward camera quality doesn't meet 2020 technology standards. Thirdly, the rear external design could be improved to resemble the Hyundai Sonata, with more beautiful rear lights. Fourthly, the interior back seat air conditioning vent shape looks outdated and could be improved by using a combination of metallic touch, similar to the dashboard. Fifthly, the gadget charger unit is only available from inside the armrest box, and there should be an option to plug the cord inside the mobile phone box in front of the gear unit. Lastly, there must be a wireless mobile phone slot available, and the blind spot could be improved by using cameras triggered with an indicator.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Mazda Mazda6 problems:

About to pull the trigger on 2020 Mazda6 Grand Touring, anything I ...
About to pull the trigger on 2020 Mazda6 Grand Touring, anything I ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda6/comments/10m69nd/about_to_pull_the_trigger_on_2020_mazda6_grand/

Jan 27, 2023 ... I had a 2020 GTR in Soul Red, and it too was my favorite possession ever. I never liked to drive until I bought a Mazda 6. No issues at all. I ...

2020 Mazda Mazda6 Ratings, Pricing, Reviews and Awards | J.D. ...
2020 Mazda Mazda6 Ratings, Pricing, Reviews and Awards | J.D. ...
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/mazda/mazda6

2020 Mazda Mazda6. Type: Sedan ... A higher rating means fewer problems. Driving ... See answers to common EV questions, tax incentives, charging maps & more.

How Reliable are Mazdas? : r/mazda6
How Reliable are Mazdas? : r/mazda6
https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda6/comments/r7cead/how_reliable_are_mazdas/

Dec 2, 2021 ... The most common complaint is going to be the front brake robot warp I believe. Other than that you'll run into many of the same problems you ...

2020 MAZDA MAZDA3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 MAZDA MAZDA3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/mazda/mazda3/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 MAZDA MAZDA3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Mazda 6 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Mazda 6 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/mazda/6

Top Mazda 6 Problems · Engine Overheating Due to Failed Cooling Fan Control Module · Ticking Noise From Valve Lash Adjusters Due to Infrequent Oil Changes.

Other years of Mazda Mazda6

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Mazda6 2021
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16

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18

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Mazda6 2002
Mazda

28

1

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Mazda6 2003
Mazda

175

9

20

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Mazda6 2004
Mazda

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7

25

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Mazda6 2005
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153

6

28

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Mazda6 2006
Mazda

193

6

29

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