2015 Mazda Mazda6

The 2014-2016 Mazda6 has a significant rust problem, particularly on the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and hatch/trunk area. The paint can bubble and flake away revealing extensive corrosion underneath, even on vehicles with relatively low mileage in northern climates. The issue is attributed to insufficient corrosion protection during manufacturing.

Mazda extended the corrosion warranty on certain models and issued service bulletin 09-001/17 addressing premature rust. Contact your dealer to check coverage. Affected panels may be repaired or replaced under the extended warranty. For non-covered vehicles, professional rust repair, treatment, and repainting is required. Apply rust prevention coating to vulnerable areas.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system suffers from slow performance, screen freezes, and system crashes. The navigation can take a long time to load, Bluetooth audio may skip or disconnect, and the touchscreen can become unresponsive. USB device recognition is inconsistent, and the system sometimes fails to resume audio playback after a phone call.

Update the Mazda Connect software to the latest version through the dealer. Reformatting or replacing the SD card used for navigation can resolve some issues. A system master reset may help. If the hardware is failing, the CMU (Connectivity Master Unit) may need replacement. USB issues are often resolved by using a higher-quality USB cable.

The front brakes develop squealing, grinding, and pulsation issues prematurely. The factory brake pads can wear quickly, and the rotors are prone to warping, especially in stop-and-go commuting conditions. Some owners report needing brake work as early as 20,000-25,000 miles.

Replace the front brake pads and rotors with quality aftermarket components. Consider ceramic brake pads for reduced noise and dust. Ensure proper bed-in procedure after installation. Have the caliper slide pins cleaned and relubricated during every brake service to prevent uneven pad wear.

The headlight assemblies can develop internal condensation and moisture buildup, reducing illumination and potentially damaging the LED daytime running light elements. The moisture is caused by failed seals or cracked housings. The issue is more prevalent in humid climates and can worsen over time.

Check the headlight housing vents and seals for blockage or damage. If seals are intact and condensation persists, the headlight assembly may need replacement under warranty. Some owners have had success with removing the bulbs and allowing the housing to dry out, then resealing with silicone. Mazda TSB 09-002/17 may address this concern.

AWD-equipped Mazda6 models can develop a clunking noise from the rear when accelerating from a stop or shifting between drive and reverse. The rear differential mounting bushings wear and allow movement in the differential, producing the clunking noise. The noise is particularly noticeable in cold weather when the rubber is stiff.

Replace the rear differential mounting bushings. Access is from underneath the vehicle and requires supporting the differential while the mount is replaced. Use OEM bushings for proper fitment and durability. Check the rear driveshaft U-joints and center support bearing at the same time, as these can produce similar symptoms.

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1217F.

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not warn the driver of the drop in pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

A vehicle that is driven with under inflated tires may experience a sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.