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Buying guide

Mazda Mazda6 GJ and GL (2012 to 2024): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mazda Mazda6 GJ and GL was built from 2012 to 2024 as a sedan or wagon, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: GJ2FP, GJEFP, GJ5FW and GJ2AW. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2012 to 2024
Chassis codes
GJ2FP, GJEFP, GJ5FW, GJ2AW
Body types
Sedan, Wagon
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mazda6 and Atenza GJ (2012 to 2024). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 2.2 diesel engine

    An Australian used review advises avoiding the diesel, citing turbo and wastegate failures, injector seal leaks that leave carbon which can block the oil strainer, and coked inlets and EGR.

    Where to look
    The 2.2 diesel engine, the injector seals on top and the oil pressure warning
    How to test
    Listen for a puffing noise from the injectors and watch for the oil pressure light. Ask for injector seal and turbo invoices.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost turbo or engine repairs

    Sources: redriven.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Diesel DPF and oil dilution

    Shutting the engine off during a DPF clean can put fuel in the oil, so the oil level rises over time, and the diesel needs regular motorway runs.

    Where to look
    The dipstick on the 2.2 diesel
    How to test
    Check the oil level is not above the full mark and does not smell of diesel. Ask how the car has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine damage if ignored

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab), redriven.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Petrol inlet carbon

    The direct injection petrol engines build carbon on the inlet tracks and need periodic cleaning.

    Where to look
    The inlet ports of the 2.0 and 2.5 petrol engines, and service records
    How to test
    Ask whether the inlets have been cleaned. Feel for a rough idle or hesitation.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost walnut blasting or chemical cleaning

    Sources: redriven.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Engine mounts

    Hydraulic engine mounts can lose their fluid and let vibration through the car.

    Where to look
    The engine mounts in the engine bay
    How to test
    Look for fluid leaks at the mounts and feel for vibration at idle in drive and under load.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost new mounts and labour

    Sources: redriven.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brake discs

    The 6 is quite hard on its brake discs, which can cause vibration when braking.

    Where to look
    The front brake discs behind the wheels
    How to test
    Feel for vibration through the wheel and pedal when braking from speed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost discs and pads

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Boot struts recall

    Boot struts are known to fail, and Mazda ran a recall in early 2017.

    Where to look
    The boot lid struts, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Open the boot and check it stays up. Ask a Mazda dealer whether the recall was done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mazda dealer

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  7. Driver airbag inflator recall

    A recall covers driver airbag inflators that may rupture after long exposure to high humidity.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the airbag inflator recall has been done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mazda dealer

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  8. Stop start battery and electronics

    Battery management warnings with the stop start system are reported, along with sporadic Bose amplifier faults and frozen infotainment screens.

    Where to look
    The stop start warning on the dash, the Bose speakers and the infotainment screen
    How to test
    Let the car stop and start at lights and watch for warnings. Play audio through every speaker and work through the screen menus.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a battery, update or amplifier

    Sources: redriven.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0, 2.5 or 2.2 diesel?
  • On a diesel, have the injector seals or turbo been replaced?
  • Have the boot strut and airbag recalls been done?
  • Has it mostly done short trips or open road running?
  • Have the inlets ever been cleaned?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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