Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 145 of 147 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 75 of 147 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
76 complaint records1 fire report9 crash reports
"2005 MAZDA6. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER AIR BAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT RECALL REPAIRS TAKING TOO LONG TO COMPLETE. *SMD..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
19 complaint records
"CAR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. PAST 2 WEEKS ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, CAR WILL NOT SHIFT AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 20 MPH. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
15 complaint records
"DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND COULDN'T ACCELERATE THEN CAR DIED OUT AND SHUT DOWN. TOOK IT TO MAZDA DEALER WHICH HAD NO EXPLANATION TO HOW OR WHY ENGINE WAS BLOWN. IT WAS A 2005 MAZDA 6 3.0 L V6 THAT HAD AROUND 69,000 MILES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
| EA15001 opened Feb 2015 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| PE14016 opened Jun 2014 | closed Mar 2015 | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V781000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 18V402000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. | Normally free |
| 17V474000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018036 2018-01-19 | Airbag | 38,909 | On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. |
| 2015624 2015-12-31 | Airbag | 50,587 | Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018578 (Mazda Recall 2618F). Please see recall <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018578">2018578</a> for more information. |
| 2015247 2015-06-04 | Airbag | 57,861 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2014570 2014-12-17 | Airbag | 46,000 | Mazda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Mazda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-055-26 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system. | |
| 09-022-26 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or... | |
| SA-029-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. | |
| 07-004-25a Dec 2025 | Unknown Or Other | A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. | |
| SA-039/25 Aug 2025 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-036-25 Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio. | |
| SA-032-25 Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. | |
| 07-004-25 Apr 2025 | Unknown Or Other | A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. | |
| SA-058-24 Aug 2024 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| 09-038-24 Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| SA-011-24b Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| SA-011-24a Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| SA-011-24 Feb 2024 | Service Brakes | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| SA-032-23a Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. | |
| SA-039-23a Sep 2023 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| SA-039-23 Jul 2023 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| 09-016-23 Feb 2023 | Electrical System | Speedometer replacement procedure | |
| 02-004-22a Nov 2022 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| SA-008-22a Oct 2022 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| 09-024-22 Jul 2022 | Electrical System | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. | |
| 01-006-22 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| SA-014-22 Mar 2022 | Equipment | Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. | |
| 01-003/22 Mar 2022 | Equipment | The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 00-001-22 Feb 2022 | Steering | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| SA-008-22 Feb 2022 | Structure | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| 01-006-21-3779b Dec 2021 | Electrical System | Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 05-002-21-3854 Dec 2021 | Power Train | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). | |
| MT-002-21a Oct 2021 | Fuel System | Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. | |
| MT-003-21 Oct 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: | |
| MT-002-21 Sep 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85. | |
| 01-006-21-3779a Aug 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 09-025-21-3824 Aug 2021 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâÂÂs floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. | |
| SA-041-21 Jun 2021 | Equipment | Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. | |
| SA-040-21 Jun 2021 | Visibility | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. | |
| MT-003-21 Jun 2021 | Visibility | Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. | |
| SSPB3 May 2021 | Air Bags | Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. | |
| 01-005-21-3778 Feb 2021 | Electrical System | The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 01-006-21-3779 Feb 2021 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 07-001-21-3775 Jan 2021 | Equipment | A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. | |
| 00-001-21-3768 Jan 2021 | Wheels | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 09-002-21-3770 Jan 2021 | Vehicle Speed Control | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer | |
| MT-005-20 Nov 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. Record the vehicle mileage. 2. | |
| MT-002-20 Aug 2020 | Tires | New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010. | |
| 09-006-20-3673a Jul 2020 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). | |
| 00-001-20-3689 Mar 2020 | Service Brakes | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 09-006-20-3673 Jan 2020 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). | |
| 02-002-20-3651 Jan 2020 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| 09-003-20-3671 Jan 2020 | Electrical System | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 04-001-20-3672 Jan 2020 | Service Brakes | Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in... | |
| MT-002-19 Dec 2019 | Equipment | If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. | |
| 07-002-19-3616a Dec 2019 | Equipment | A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. | |
| 01-022-19-3657 Dec 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Bulletin is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not. | |
| MT-003-19 Oct 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: | |
| MT-002-19 Sep 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. | |
| SA-029-19a Jul 2019 | Equipment | The database error discovered with IDS 114.00-114.02 release has been fixed with IDS 114.04 release and is now available for download. | |
| 07-002-19-3616 Jul 2019 | Equipment | A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. | |
| SA-029-19 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Due to a database error discovered with IDS 114.00-114.02 release (which affects Recall 3719F), it will be necessary to uninstall IDS 114 and install IDS 113.00 and 113.06 update. The Recall can be performed after removing IDS 114 and installing IDS 113. | |
| SA-013-19 Apr 2019 | Equipment | MAZDA IDS INOPERATIVE WITH VCM-II LICENSE EXPIRATION MESSAGE - If you encounter an IDS inoperative problem with VCM-II license expiration message, follow the instructions below: 1. CLICK HERE to download the resetting tool to your PC desktop. 2. | |
| 00-003-19-3583 Mar 2019 | Equipment | In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually. | |
| 09-003-19-3555a Mar 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. |
Showing 60 of 191 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mazda Mazda6 →