2011 Mazda 6: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mazda 6?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mazda 6 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Sub-frame3.3× usual
  Mazda 6

  13.7% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm4.9× usual
  Mazda 6

  11.7% All 2011 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Mazda 6

  14.1% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint dust cover4.2× usual
  Mazda 6

  11.3% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Headlights2.4× usual
  Mazda 6

  11.9% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2011 Mazda 6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Mazda 6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  6% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2011 Mazda 6

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• DPF clogging (2.0 diesel)

  2.0 diesel

  The 2.0 diesel has particular trouble with its diesel particulate filter clogging, even after long fast runs.

  At the viewing: Make sure no DPF or engine warning light shows, and ask what kind of driving it has done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda6 buying guide (2008-2012)

• Cam chain losing tension (2.2 diesel)

  2.2 diesel

  There are reports of the 2.2 diesel's cam chain losing tension, which can mean major engine work.

  At the viewing: Listen for a rattle from the engine, especially at start-up.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda6 buying guide (2008-2012)

• Electrical faults and false blind-spot warnings

  All engines

  Electrical problems are reported, and the blind-spot lights on higher-spec cars can come on with nothing there.

  At the viewing: Test all the electrics and watch the mirror warning lights on the test drive.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda6 buying guide (2008-2012)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Mazda 6

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the DPF ever been cleaned or replaced?
2. Has the timing chain been checked or replaced?
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2011 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2011 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2011 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?