Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Mazda Mazda6
Our scoring places the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $19,357–$22,555, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda6 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 ranks #272 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 79% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $19,357 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 30%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Mazda6 Year Should You Buy?
Across the Mazda6 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Mazda Mazda6 (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Steering / Electric power assist system 31/08/2017 · 17V546000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Mazda Mazda6 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Mazda Mazda6
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?
We rate the 2016 Mazda Mazda6's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #272 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 79% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 cost?
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 starts at $19,357 and ranges up to $22,555 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Mazda6 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mazda6 years we've rated are 2015 (7.7/10), 2017 (7.8/10), 2019 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Steering (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mazda Mazda6
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More Mazda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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