Mazda 6

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 110,632 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

110,632

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 was MOT tested 110,632 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (2002 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 1,786 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. With a 40 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 6s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 18 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2002) averages 98,087 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 26,540 miles.

Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the 6 is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,086

Per month£174/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Mazda 6?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-5% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread40 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mazda 6 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	118	26,540 mi
2020	94%	1,786	31,783 mi
2019	91%	7,381	44,030 mi
2018	89%	5,151	55,840 mi
2017	87%	7,764	68,812 mi
2016	84%	11,771	78,854 mi
2015	82%	11,898	88,374 mi
2014	80%	11,144	97,838 mi
2013	80%	7,682	103,079 mi
2012	75%	5,149	103,925 mi
2011	74%	7,535	117,021 mi
2010	73%	9,673	121,783 mi
2009	73%	7,396	124,353 mi
2008	71%	6,498	124,138 mi
2007	68%	4,401	109,611 mi
2006	69%	2,430	105,119 mi
2005	64%	1,596	100,805 mi
2004	62%	763	99,968 mi
2003	63%	356	98,803 mi
2002	54%	140	98,087 mi

Questions about the Mazda 6

Is the Mazda 6 reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (2002 to 2021), the Mazda 6 averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 110,632 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Mazda 6 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%, a 40 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.