MODEL
Mazda Mazda6
NHTSA safety across every Mazda Mazda6 model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Mazda Mazda6 we cover (2019 to 2021), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2021 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 87. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Mazda6 is a mid-size sedan aimed at drivers who want a more engaging, driver-focused alternative to the mainstream family sedan crowd. Offered in the 2019 through 2021 model years covered here, it targets buyers who appreciate refined styling and a premium feel without fully crossing into luxury-brand territory. It competes in one of the most scrutinized segments in the American market.
The Mazda6 puts together a genuinely impressive safety record across the 2019 to 2021 model years MotorCaliber covers, and the numbers back that up without much need for qualification. The best NHTSA Safety Index score here is 96 out of 100, earned by the 2020 model, placing it in the Exceptional band. That is not a participation trophy in a weak field. The mid-size sedan segment is crowded and well-tested, so a 96 represents real performance under pressure. Crash-test results in the best year reach 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection, with a solid 4 out of 5 for rollover resistance. The rollover rating is the only place the Mazda6 leaves any points on the table, and that is a physics reality common to low-slung sedans rather than a specific engineering failure. The recall count across three model years sits at just one, which is a lean number for any modern vehicle covering this span. Owner complaints total 25 across all covered years, with zero reported crashes, zero fires, zero injuries, and zero deaths in that dataset. Those complaints are unverified allegations, and the volume is notably low for a three-year window. The bottom line is straightforward: the Mazda6 presents one of the cleaner safety profiles in its class for these years.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Mazda6 as one of the most rewarding mid-size sedans to drive, praising its responsive handling, upscale interior quality, and composed ride. They tend to highlight it as a strong choice for buyers who prioritize driving engagement and refinement, though some note that its cargo and technology offerings can trail segment leaders.
- The 2020 Mazda6 earned a 96 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, placing it in the Exceptional band and representing the strongest single-year safety result across the 2019 to 2021 coverage window.
- Frontal and side crash-test results reach 5 out of 5 stars in the best year, meaning the Mazda6 performs at the top of the rating scale in the two impact scenarios most relevant to real-world collisions.
- Only one recall was issued across the full three model years covered, which is a low count and suggests Mazda identified and addressed manufacturing or design concerns without repeated corrective actions.
- Owner complaints across 2019 to 2021 total just 25, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the NHTSA dataset. While these are unverified allegations, the low volume adds context to the Mazda6's overall safety picture.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Mazda Mazda6 with 1 recalls.