MazdaMAZDA62018Overview/mazda/mazda6/2018/base/

2018 Mazda MAZDA6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 MAZDA6.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 is a passenger car equipped with an automatic (S6) transmission and EPA-rated fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. In the reliability record, this model year has drawn 54 owner complaints, with the engine cited as the top complaint area, alongside 2 recalls. Within the 2002–2021 MAZDA6 complaint history, the 2018 model's 54 complaints sit far below the 2009 peak of 385 yet above the 2020 low of 2, placing it among the lower-complaint years and indicating a comparatively modest volume of reported problems.

Model year202020192018201720162015201420132012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque80-108 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy26/35/29 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 1WPY14302. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tail / brake / turnFUSEOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/60R16, P215/50R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1WPY14302 alt 1WPE14302
Engine air filterPY8W133A0 alt PE07133A0A
Spark plugPE5R18110A alt PY8V18110
Battery0000800035WB
Front wiper bladesGBEF67330 alt GBFN67330
Serpentine beltP30115908 alt PY0115908
ThermostatP50215171 alt PYFD1516ZA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length192.5 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase111.4 in
Curb weight3250 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined26 / 35 / 29 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the MAZDA6 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.4–7.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.40 sec — 2018 Signature Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018Signature Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec250 hpFWD
2018Signature Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-46.40 sec15.00 sec250 hpFWD
2018Signature Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec250 hpFWD
2016i Grand Touring Sedan 2.5L I-47.00 sec15.50 sec184 hpFWD
2016i Touring Sedan 2.5L I-47.30 sec15.80 sec184 hpFWD
2016i Grand Touring Sedan 2.5L I-47.90 sec16.10 sec184 hpFWD
2021Carbon Edition Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-46.10 sec14.70 sec250 hpFWD
2021Carbon Edition Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-46.20 sec14.70 sec250 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 80-108 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 80.0-85.0 ft-lbs, MT: 113.0-118.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts12-14 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts32-47 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15.0-19.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts80-108 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.03-1.13 lbs.
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.38 oz

Service checks

Engine Oil Pressure57-94 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash0.009-0.011 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.011-0.012 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
127.0-53.0 inch lbs.27–53 in
213.0-16.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
280.0-100.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
167.0-81.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 55 degrees-6567–81 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
19.5-12.5 ft. lbs.9.5–12.5 ft. lbs
224-26 ft. lbs.24–26 ft. lbs
3Turn 85-95 degrees85–95 degrees
4Turn 85-95
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Cap bolts

120.0-30.0 ft. lbs.20–30 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
323.0-25.0 ft. lbs.23–25 ft. lbs
458.0-62.0 degrees; Side bolts58–62 degrees
115.0-18.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi; coolant at 120,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 120,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBody Fasteners (torque) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 22,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 30,000 miFuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect)
Every 37,500 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect)
Every 40,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record shows a clear decline in complaints and recalls after the 2009 peak, with complaints falling from 385 in 2009 to 22 in 2013 and then fluctuating between 54 and 137 in the mid‑2010s. In 2018 the vehicle logged 54 complaints, 2 recalls, 0 investigations and 548 TSBs, which is lower than the 20142016 range (60‑137 complaints) and comparable to the 2015‑2017 levels (59‑76 complaints). Recall activity in 2018 (2 recalls) is slightly higher than the single‑recall years of 2016 and 2017 but remains well below the double‑digit recall counts seen earlier in the generation. After 2018 complaints dropped sharply to 6 in 2019 and 2 in 2020 before rising modestly to 17 in 2021, indicating that 2018 sits near the low‑end of a downward trend. Based solely on the reported numbers, the 2018 Mazda6 exhibits comparatively low complaint and recall frequencies, making it a reasonable year to consider for purchase, though the data does not specify any underlying causes for the remaining issues.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
548
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
54
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 54 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine21
Unknown Or Other4
Power Train,Engine3
Service Brakes3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other,Engine2
Structure2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V875000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 12/11/2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and… Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4…

19V497000EngineReported 27/06/2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall. Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 548 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SA-041-262026-06-18Electrical SystemThis SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in…
01-008-262026-05-01Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are…
SA-031-262026-04-30StructureDESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle…
SA-029-262026-04-21Power TrainThis Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are…
SA-026-262026-04-16EngineThis Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific MAZDA6. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2018 MAZDA6 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the MAZDA6 get?

EPA figures are 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg.