NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 presents a strong federal safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and placing it in the Exceptional band. This model year achieved a five-star overall NHTSA crash protection rating, complemented by a perfect score in avoidance technology. Furthermore, the 2020 Mazda6 has zero recalls on file, a notable distinction for used-market shoppers considering its safety record.
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 ranks 9 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.3% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda Mazda6?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 represents a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing nine points from the 2019 model's 87/100 Strong rating to a 96/100 Exceptional score. That jump is driven by a perfect 20/20 defect record, reflecting zero recall campaigns for this model year, and a full 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard equipment. Crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, anchored by five-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA. The four-star rollover score and 10 percent rollover risk figure are the only modest limitations in an otherwise dominant federal safety picture. The complaint record is exceptionally quiet at just two unverified allegations across the entire production run, touching brakes, engine, and structure. For a six-year-old sedan now circulating in the used market, the combination of zero recalls and near-perfect index scores makes the 2020 model year stand apart from its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 earned a measured rollover risk of 10 percent in NHTSA testing, resulting in a four-out-of-five-star rating in that category. This contrasts with its performance in other evaluations, where the vehicle achieved a full five stars in overall, frontal, and side crash protection. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14199
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open safety defect campaigns, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive notices associated with this specific model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check to confirm that status has not changed.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has received two owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda Mazda6. Alleged problem areas include Service Brakes, Engine, and Structure. These are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been confirmed as defects by any federal investigation.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda Mazda6?
For the 2020 Mazda Mazda6, NHTSA has recorded no recalls. While this indicates a strong record from the manufacturer at the time of publication, buyers on the used market should still verify any individual unit's VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been added since its initial release and that all applicable remedies have been completed.
- The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20/20, and is the first model year in this generation to reach the Exceptional Safety Index band at 96/100.
- NHTSA awarded this model year five stars in both frontal and side crash categories, with the only sub-five result being a four-star rollover rating and a 10 percent rollover risk figure.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Only two unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda Mazda6, alleging issues with Service Brakes, Engine, and Structure, one of the quietest complaint records in this segment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 places
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda Mazda6 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda Mazda6, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda Mazda6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda6. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mazda6 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14199), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda6 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 9 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.