Mazda 6 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda 6 is a large family car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 107 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 216 of 442, and 30.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (4.5% of tests).
Ranked 216 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 11 of 16 large family cars
In 2024, 61,526 Mazda 6s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda 6 is 7% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
30.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,300
Typical age at test: 10 years
Mazda 6 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda 6 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working4.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2% of tests
What the Mazda 6 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.5% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Suspension | 10.3% | About average |
| Brakes | 10.2% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 6.1% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Visibility | 4.2% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.2% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.8% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | About average |
| Steering | 0.9% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | About average |
What MPG does the Mazda 6 do?
Official economy for the Mazda 6 ranges from 37.2 to 42.2mpg across the 7 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2023–2023). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mazda 6?
Any Mazda 6 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carMazda 6 specs and running costs
Official figures for 7 versions sold in the UK between 2023 and 2023.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
37.2–42.2 mpg
CO2
152–172 g/km
Power
146–194 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Saloon 2.0 145ps SE-L / Black Cloth (12/20)146 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 152g | £200 | 36% |
| 6 Tourer 2.0 145ps SE-L / Black Cloth (12/20)146 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 155g | £200 | 37% |
| 6 Saloon 2.0 145ps SE-L Auto / Black Cloth (12/20)146 PS · A6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 40.4 mpg | 159g | £200 | 37% |
| 6 Saloon 2.0 165ps Sport / Black Leather (12/20)165 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 42.2 mpg | 152g | £200 | 36% |
| 6 Tourer 2.0 165ps Sport / Black Leather (12/20)165 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 155g | £200 | 37% |
| 6 Saloon 2.5 194ps GT Sport Auto / Brown Nappa Leather (12/20)194 PS · A6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 38.2 mpg | 167g | £200 | 37% |
| 6 Tourer 2.5 194ps GT Sport Auto / Brown Nappa Leather (12/20)194 PS · A6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 172g | £200 | 37% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate.
What a Mazda 6 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 41.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mazda 6Buying a used Mazda 6?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mazda 6 with other large family cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mazda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda 6 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mazda 6 is 7% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 107 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda 6?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 4.5% of tests. It fails on brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mazda 6 do?
Official economy for the Mazda 6 ranges from 37.2 to 42.2mpg across the 7 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2023–2023). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda 6?
Any Mazda 6 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Mazda 6s fail their MOT?
30.4% of Mazda 6s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda 6 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.