NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda Mazda6 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 achieves an Exceptional rating in our NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 96 out of 100. This strong performance is supported by its five-star overall crash protection from NHTSA. Furthermore, the model year records zero recalls, indicating a solid post-production safety record. Its advanced driver-assistance systems also received a perfect score, contributing to a comprehensive safety profile.
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 ranks 12 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 | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 12 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 secured a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, mirroring its 2020 predecessor. This consistent performance reflects a stable safety profile for the model year. A perfect 20/20 in the defect record category, directly attributable to the absence of any recalls, significantly contributed to this score. The vehicle also achieved a full 10/10 for its crash-avoidance technology, thanks to standard-equipped forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. In crash protection, the Mazda6 earned 66 of a possible 70 points; its four-star rollover rating, against a five-star maximum, accounts for the only shortfall in this area. While the 17 unverified owner complaints are modest, 13 of these reports pertain to engine-related issues, a concentration that warrants attention despite the lack of NHTSA validation. No complaints on file allege crash, fire, injury, or death.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 achieves a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top marks of five stars for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover performance is rated at four out of five stars, reflecting a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15163
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, because recall status can change after any publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has received 17 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda6. The dominant alleged issue involves the Engine component, cited in 13 of those reports. Visibility/Wiper and Unknown Or Other components each account for 2 alleged reports. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old sedan, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since this data was compiled, and verify that any future remedy has been completed at a Mazda dealer at no cost.
- The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a result that directly produced a perfect 20/20 defect-record score in the Safety Index for this specific model year.
- NHTSA's 2021 NCAP results show a five-star frontal and five-star side rating, with rollover the only category below the top mark at four stars and a 10 percent rollover risk figure.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies scored in the MotorCaliber index, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2021 model year, not optional add-ons.
- Seventeen unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda6, with 13 of those alleging Engine-related issues; none of the 17 reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 places
The 2021 Mazda Mazda6 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda Mazda6 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda Mazda6 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Mazda Mazda6?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15163), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda6 2021.
- 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 12 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.