Model year record

2003 Mazda Mazda6 recalls & problems

The 2003 Mazda Mazda6 has 9 safety recalls and 174 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (38 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints174filed by owners

Crashes · fires11 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

2003 Mazda Mazda6 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

3 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsOct 31, 2019

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 19V78100047,006 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.

Air bagsJun 15, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V402000308,591 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.

Air bagsJul 26, 2017

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 17V474000308,992 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

EquipmentApr 2, 2009

Equipment

Recall 09E0110002,323 vehicles

Problem: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 16, 2003

Delivery

Recall 03V53100056,700 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL SENDER UNIT (FSU) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK, PRODUCING AN INADEQUATE SEAL, AND FUEL MAY LEAK.
Risk: A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, AND IF NECESSARY, REPAIR OR REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Exterior lightingJun 5, 2003

Fog lights

Recall 03V20600064,000 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Parking brakeJun 5, 2003

Indicator light

Recall 03V20700045,600 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." DURING PRODUCTION, THE FLOAT IN THE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR IN THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAN BE FORCED OFF OF THE GUIDE RAIL DURING THE FILLING OF THE MASTER CYLINDER.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE FLOAT WILL NOT RETURN TO THE GUIDE RAIL AND THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION.
Fix: MAZDA HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Mazda6 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	38	0	0	0	24,490 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	37	0	0	0	13,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal	30	9	0	4	39,500 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring	19	1	1	0	40,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	18	0	0	0	89,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc › Pads	18	0	0	0	10,460 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	11	0	0	0	80,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	10	0	0	0	107,000 mi
Engine	10	0	1	0	107,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › U-bolt, leaf spring to axle	9	0	0	0	47,126 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Steering wheel/handle bar	7	1	1	0	24,981 mi
Service brakes, airDisc › Pads; Antilock	6	0	0	0	8,351 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V531000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Jan 16, 2022 · 124,000 miles
Air bags
In 2018, the car was part of a trade in for a certified used car at my dealership. The car had over 350,000 miles and could no longer run.
Jan 3, 2018
Service brakes
WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT STAYS AT THE SAME SPEED OR IT SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN. WHEN I PRESS ON THE BREAK SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE IT'S NOT GOING TO STOP AND JUST KEEP GOING OR IT JERKS FORWARD WHEN I STOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
Aug 2, 2020 · 159,185 miles
Power train
AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING THIS CAR THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKE PUNCTURING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL AND BRAKE RESERVOIR, LUCKILY I WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE IN A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT WHEN I PUSHED THE CLUTCH IN IT WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT COME BACK UP. IT WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AFTER PATCHING THE FIREWALL AND REPLACING THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY FOR $1800 I WAS TOLD THAT PART WAS FAULTY ON THIS VEHICLE AND IF IT HAPPENED ONCE IT WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN AGAIN. ONE YEAR LATER IT BROKE AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I WENT TO SHIFT GEARS THE CLUTCH WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DIDN'T COME BACK UP, I HAD TO PULL OVER…
Jan 15, 2012 · 50,000 miles
Air bags
ON 01/18/2019 I TOOK VEHICLE I PURCHASED, TO MOCK FORD IN GRANT'S PASS OREGON FOR TAKARA AIRBAG RECALL. THIS IS WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF SAFETY ISSUE THAT VEHICLES AUR BAGS HAD BEEN CUT OUT AND REMOVED. THE SERVICE GUY AT MOCK FORD EXPLAINEDAND GAVE ESTIMATE WHICH WAS GREATER THAN WHAT CARS VALUE WAS. THE SELLER OF CAR AARON RONSON NEVER DISCLOSED ANY ISSUES. ONLY THAT HE BOUGHT FROM A FRIEND THAT BUYS AND FIXES CARS. HIS FRIEND WORKED AT A WRECKING YARD. MY SAFETY CONCERN AS WELL AS INSURANCE COVERAGE IS HAVE BEEN B.CEFFECTED. MY COMPLAINT IS NO FOUND RECORDS OF VEHICLEACCIDENT. AND NO BRANDING OF TITLE IT IS CLEAR. NO EVIDENCE OF AIRBAD DEPLOYMENT. I HAVE BEEN REFUSED COPIES IF PREVIOUS…
Jan 18, 2019
Air bagsCrash1 injury
I HIT A DEER AT 45 MILES AN HOUR THEN HIT THE HIT TOTALLING THE CAR, THE AIRBAG DID NOT COME OUT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING ME TO BE SLAMMED INTO THE STEELING WHEEL, NOW I SUFFER GREAT PAIN, CAN'T MOVE MY NECK, CAN'T LAY DOWN BC OF SUCH BAD HEADACHE I THROW UP, I SLEEP SITTING UP, SOMETHING IN THE CAR LIKE METAL FRAGMENT HIT ME IN THE LEFT EYE, NOW I CAN BARELY SEE OUT OF MY LEFT EYE. AND MUST CONTINUE MEDICAL TREATMENT. AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO PAY FOR MY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND PAIN AND SUFFERING, BC THAT SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING CAUSED MY INJURIES, MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALLED MY CAR OUT BC OF THE SEVERE DAMAGE TO IT.
Aug 19, 2019 · 11,800 miles
Unknown or other
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE NOTIFIED MAZDA AT LEAST 5 TIMES THAT THIS CAR HAS BEEN JUNKED, YET I KEEP GETTING HARASSED WITH MAILINGS. PLEASE STOP! THIS IS HARASSMENT!
Jul 27, 2019 · 240,000 miles
Unknown or other
I JUNKED THE CAR IN JANUARY OF 2018 DUE TO HAVING TOO MANY PROBLEMS
Jan 15, 2018 · 170,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
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. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpenLed to recall 14V668
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico,…
EA15001 · opened Feb 24, 2015
Air Bag Inflator RuptureClosedLed to recall 13V172000
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico,…
PE14016 · opened Jun 11, 2014 · closed Mar 2, 2015
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT SEAL LEAKClosedLed to recall 03V531000
IN SOME OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE FSU LOCK RING SEAL MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY.THE FUEL TANK MAY BE ASSEMBLED WITH INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION ON THE FSU LOCK RING SEAL DUE TO CROSS-THREADING THE LOCK RING, THE SEAL MAY BE OUT OF POSITION AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION,OR THE FUEL TANK MAY BE ASSEMBLED WITH INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION ON THE SEAL DUE TO DISTORTION OF THE TANK SHELL.EACH OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY OCCUR.MAZDA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT FSU SEAL INSTALLATION PROBLEMS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.MAZDA DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FSU LOCK RING, FSU LOCK RING SEAL, OR TANK.
PE03047 · opened Oct 14, 2003 · closed Dec 24, 2003