Regular care and average usage can help your 2010 Mazda 6 last up to 17 years—but driving a lot or skipping basic maintenance can shorten that life span.

Written by Jaya Anandjit

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Mar 23, 2023

Table of Contents

How many miles can a 2010 Mazda 6 last?
Average life expectancy for a Mazda 6
How to extend a 2010 Mazda 6’s life expectancy
FAQs

The 2010 Mazda 6 has an average life expectancy of 200,000 to 250,000 miles, or 13 to 17 years. But the model year and Mazda’s brand name won’t carry you through a long and healthy lifespan with this durable sedan—instead,

regular maintenance

is the key to keeping your 2010 Mazda 6 on the road.

A 2010 Mazda 6 typically lasts between 13 and 17 years (200,000 to 250,000 miles).
To keep your Mazda 6 running for as long as possible, change the oil regularly, keep up with other maintenance tasks, and avoid driving more than 14,000 miles per year.

The Mazda 6 is one of the most durable, reliable, and good-looking sedans on the market, so it's no wonder the 2010 model receives such great praise. Although tech and safety may be lacking in this roomy midsize vehicle, fuel efficiency, affordability, and an upgraded V6 engine are some of its main highlights.

Let’s explore the 2010 Mazda 6’s life expectancy.

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How many miles can a 2010 Mazda 6 last?

Mazda is known for its durable makes, but the life expectancies of Mazda vehicles are pretty average when compared to similar makes. The 2010 Mazda 6 has a life expectancy of 200,000 to 250,000 miles, which equates to around 13 to 17 years depending on your driving frequency.

On average, most drivers add around 14,000 miles to their odometer each year, so you can expect your 2010 Mazda 6 to last a minimum of 14 years.

How long does a 2010 Mazda 6 engine last?

The 2010 Mazda 6 had two engine options: the base engine (170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder) or the upgraded engine (272-horsepower 2.3-liter V6). On average, the base and upgraded engines are made to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles, although they each have their fair share of issues that could shorten this span.

With equally reliable engines, you’ll have to decide between better fuel economy with the base engine, or higher horsepower with the upgraded engine. Once you’ve made your pick, regular oil changes will be your best bet to keep your Mazda 6 engine in good shape.

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Can a Mazda 6 last 500,000 miles?

Never say never, right? But there aren’t many cars that make it past 300,000 miles, so the chances of your Mazda 6 staying on the road for such a long haul are slim—even with its 83/100 reliability score from J.D. Power.

Average life expectancy for a Mazda 6

According to Mazda, a Mazda 6 can last anywhere between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Research from iSeeCars ranks the Mazda 6 as the last vehicle on the list of long-lasting sedans/hatchbacks—it gets a potential life span of 203,154 miles and follows nine other reliable vehicles (mostly Toyotas and Hondas). Meanwhile, Reader’s Digest names the Mazda 6 as one of the vehicles guaranteed to reach 250,000 miles.

So, what’s the truth? Well, the most realistic life expectancy mileage for the 2010 Mazda 6 will resemble its average life expectancy.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that most passenger cars in the United States last an average of 11 years, which is much lower than the expected 14-year lead-up to 200,000 miles for a 2010 Mazda 6.

But these estimates are based on a number of factors, and the life span of your 2010 Mazda 6 will depend on a few things as well. Here’s a summary of the main contributors to your vehicle’s longevity:

Regular maintenance: 200,000 miles is a realistic life expectancy, but only if you keep your vehicle in good shape.

Oil changes

, brake replacements, and monitoring your fluid levels can all help your Mazda 6 last longer.

Mileage: Driving more or less than the average 14,000 miles per year can affect your Mazda’s life expectancy. Drive less and your vehicle could last longer, but drive more and your Mazda may reach its breaking point sooner than 14 years.

Accident history: Accidents can have a huge impact on your vehicle’s durability, performance, and life span. Wear and tear are the leading issues associated with a failing vehicle, so try to avoid accidents, especially if they require serious repairs or aftermarket parts.

If a used 2010 Mazda 6 seems like the next best vehicle for you, you’ll want to pay attention to the mileage numbers on any prospects. A Mazda 6 with 100,000 to 150,000 will be the best option, especially if you plan on driving the vehicle for a few more years.

Otherwise, Mazda’s with closer to 200,000 miles could become problematic—you’ll want to research the vehicle’s maintenance history and find a good mechanic to inspect the car before you buy.

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How to extend a 2010 Mazda 6’s life expectancy

You may have guessed this, but just in case you weren’t sure—the number one way to help any vehicle last longer is through proper care and regular maintenance.

Regular oil changes, keeping up with fluid levels, and paying attention to the sounds and movements of your vehicle are all great ways to ensure your 2010 Mazda 6 continues performing. In fact, there are a few common problems with 2010 Mazda 6 models that you could avoid with a proper maintenance schedule.

Let’s go over them.

Common 2010 Mazda 6 problems to watch out for

The 2009 to 2013 Mazda 6 generation offers a lot to love, but just like most cars, these models have their fair share of issues. If you own a Mazda from the 2009 to 2013 production era, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these common problems:

Worn front brakes: The front brakes on the 2010 Mazda 6 are said to wear fast, including the front rotors. To replace your front brake pads, you can expect a repair cost of around $240 to $300. To replace the front brake pads, rotors, and calipers, you’ll be looking at a higher repair cost of approximately $500 to $800.

Rusting: Rusting on the 2009 and 2010 Mazda 6 models was such a huge problem that Mazda actually issued a recall. Regular washing and rust-proofing can help to prevent rusting.

Water pump failure: Many 2010 Mazda 6 owners reported water pump failures with the upgraded V6 engine. Replacing a water pump in your Mazda 6 can cost between $460 and $520.

Bad headlight bulbs: While headlight bulbs are easy and cheap to replace, they can get kind of annoying if they’re constantly going out. Mazda 6 models from 2010 with the I-4 engine reportedly burn out headlight bulbs at a faster pace than the V6 variations or newer models. This could be the result of a battery issue, which can cost around $150 to $200 to replace. Otherwise, bulbs typically cost around $15 and can be replaced at home.

Airbag malfunctions: The 2010 Mazda 6 is a part of the large pack of vehicles that experience airbag malfunctions after years of use. While a full airbag control module replacement can cost between $680 to $700, you may be looking at a sensor or computer issue that might cost less to fix.

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FAQs

What percentage of cars make it to 300,000 miles?

Around 0.03% of vehicles make it to 300,000 miles, so it's not a common occurrence. It’ll take close attention and proper maintenance to keep your Mazda 6 on the road for more than its average 200,000-mile to 250,000-mile life expectancy.

What is the highest mileage on a Mazda?

Around 1% of Mazda 6 models reach the 200,000-mile mark, which makes it the longest-lasting Mazda model on the market. The Mazda 6 was the only Mazda named on iSeeCars’ lists of long-lasting vehicles, and it gets a potential life expectancy of 203,154 miles—the lowest on the list for sedans and hatchbacks.

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