Thinking about buying a used Mazda Mazda6 GG (2002–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 14 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
14
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mazda Mazda6 GG faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01L3-VE 2.3T Timing Chain Tensioner and Plastic Guide Wear
CriticalOccasionalEngine $2,500–$5,500 to fix
The MPS-spec L3-VE 2.3 turbocharged engine fitted to GH Atenza MPS models uses a hydraulic timing chain tensioner backed by injection-moulded plastic guide rails. Under high-heat turbo operation the plastic guides wear and can fracture, allowing the chain to slap and skip. If the tensioner loses prime after an extended cold-start crank the chain can jump a tooth, triggering immediate camshaft timing deviation. Left unaddressed this leads to valve-to-piston contact on warm restart.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start metallic rattling from the top-front of the engine that fades within 5-10 seconds as oil pressure builds
MIL illumination with cam-crank correlation codes P0016, P0017 or cam position sensor codes P0340/P0345
Rough idle and misfires on cold start that resolve once fully warm
In severe cases: sudden loss of power or engine stall as the chain jumps a tooth under load
What to check
With engine cold, listen for a metallic rattle during the first 3-5 seconds of start-up that clears as oil pressure rises. Pull codes — P0340/P0345 cam position sensor faults and P0016/P0017 cam-crank correlation codes are typical. Remove the oil filler cap and inspect for sludge. If a workshop inspection is possible: If a rattle is present, remove the valve cover to inspect guide integrity before authorising a start.
Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain cover, upper and lower guide rails
Ask the seller
“Has the timing chain and guides ever been replaced or inspected?”
“Does the engine rattle on a cold start before settling down?”
“Has a cam-crank correlation or cam sensor fault code ever appeared?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix
EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring
What to check
Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.
Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly
Ask the seller
“Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
EngineCritical
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
12 more documented faults on the Mazda Mazda6 GG
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 14 documented faults for the Mazda Mazda6 GG, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and transmission. A Mazda Mazda6 GG with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mazda Mazda6 GG?
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We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Mazda Mazda6 GG, covering engine, body & rust, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mazda Mazda6 GG?
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Most single repairs on the Mazda Mazda6 GG fall between $400–$1,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mazda Mazda6 GG?
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Yes. A Mazda Mazda6 GG inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.