2003 Mazda Mazda6 Problems: 4 Known Issues

2003 Mazda Mazda6 Problems: 4 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls12 recalls

PARKING BRAKE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.

Campaign #17V39300022/06/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative engine braking system. When driving the affected vehicles in heavy rain or in deep puddles, the alternator belt may slip causing the Power Control module (PCM) to incorrectly assume failure of the charging system.

Campaign #14V17300003/04/2014

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not warn the driver of the drop in pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Campaign #14V67500027/10/2014

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V71700012/10/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V01800009/01/2018

+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda Mazda6 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2003 Mazda Mazda6 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion, Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture (Do Not Drive), Alternator Premature Failure and Charging System Issues. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

The 2003 Mazda Mazda6 has 4 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion and Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture (Do Not Drive). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda Mazda6 problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda Mazda6 issues range from $250 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2015 Mazda Mazda6 Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion?

First and second generation Mazda6 models are prone to severe underbody rust, particularly in the rear subframe, control arm mounting points, and rocker panels. Road salt accelerates corrosion to the point where structural integrity is compromised. Mazda issued TSB 09-007/15 and… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2013 Mazda Mazda6 Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture (Do Not Drive)?

The passenger-side Takata airbag inflators in 2003-2013 Mazda6 vehicles can degrade over time, especially in high-heat and high-humidity climates. When deployed, the inflator can rupture and spray sharp metal fragments into the cabin. NHTSA has flagged certain Mazda6 model years… Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6 Alternator Premature Failure and Charging System Issues?

First-generation Mazda6 models (especially with the 2.3L and 3.0L engines) experience premature alternator failure, often between 60,000-100,000 miles. The internal voltage regulator and rectifier diodes fail, causing undercharging or overcharging. Symptoms include dimming lights… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6 Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Deterioration?

The rear trailing arm bushings on first-generation Mazda6 models deteriorate and crack with age, causing a noticeable clunking sound from the rear over bumps and during braking. The degraded bushings allow excessive rear axle movement, leading to vague handling, rear tire inner-e… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

2003 Mazda Mazda6 Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

2003-2015 Mazda Mazda6: Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion#

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2003-2013 Mazda Mazda6: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture (Do Not Drive)#

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2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6: Alternator Premature Failure and Charging System Issues#

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2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6: Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Deterioration#

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Other Mazda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda Mazda6 problems?

Is the Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda Mazda6 problems?

What is the 2003-2015 Mazda Mazda6 Subframe and Underbody Rust / Corrosion?

What is the 2003-2013 Mazda Mazda6 Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture (Do Not Drive)?

What is the 2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6 Alternator Premature Failure and Charging System Issues?

What is the 2003-2008 Mazda Mazda6 Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Deterioration?