Model year record

2005 Mazda Mazda6 recalls & problems

The 2005 Mazda Mazda6 has 6 safety recalls and 147 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (76 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints147filed by owners

Crashes · fires12 · 5reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints

2005 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.

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

2005 Mazda6 Wagon

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 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*
Air bagsSide/window; Frontal	76	9	1	6	88,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	19	0	0	0	27,100 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring	13	0	2	0	92,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine	11	0	0	0	40,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	7	0	0	0	75,200 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights	7	0	1	0	20,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members	6	2	1	1	103,000 mi
TiresSidewall	4	0	0	0	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core	4	0	0	0	64,174 mi
Unknown or other	4	1	0	2	106,000 mi
Suspension	4	0	0	0	106,000 mi
Engine	4	0	0	0	142,070 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Structure
I NOTICED MY VEHICLE WAS STARTING TO DRIVE FUNNY. I KEEP UP ON IT VERY WELL, ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, WASH IT OFTEN, FRESH ALIGNMENTS, NEW TIRES WHEN NEEDED. SO I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS UP AND TOOK IT INTO A GARAGE. I WAS CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD I HAD A HOLE IN MY PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT SUBFRAME. I WAS VERY SURPRISED BY THIS BECAUSE THE CAR IS VERY CLEAN UNDERNEATH FOR THE YEAR AND IN GOOD CONDITION COMPARED TO THE USUAL NEW YORK RUST. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AROUND MY YEAR AND SADLY MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. MY VEHICLE HAS NO RECALLS AND MAZDA DOESN'T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THE BILL SO SADLY I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Jun 10, 2020 · 120,000 miles
Electrical system
TCM UNIT FAULTY, CAR ONLY HAS 82K MILES, READING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAR TOO COMMON PROBLEM, I BELIEVE THE UNIT IS FAULTY!
Nov 4, 2019 · 82,455 miles
Air bags
I RECEIVED A PAPER SAYING IT WAS RECALLED
Aug 16, 2019
Electrical system › Wiring
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW ENGLAND MOTORS OF FITCHBURG (LOCATED AT 71 JOHN FITCH HWY, FITCHBURG, MA 01420) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT UNKNOWN WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Oct 4, 2018 · 90,000 miles
Air bagsFire1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CUTS, BURNS AND BRUISES ON THE LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT DROVE HIMSELF TO AN URGENT CARE MEDICAL FACILITY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SESI MOTORS DEALER: (734-668-6100, LOCATED AT 3990 JACKSON RD, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103) AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Aug 5, 2019 · 133,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE THROTTLE BODY AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
May 28, 2019 · 170,000 miles
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V402000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016. THE DEALER (BLAISE ALEXANDER HYUNDAI MAZDA, 1703 W. COLLEGE AVE, STATE COLLEGE, PA) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONTACT STATES DEALER REPLACED AIR BAGS ON 8/10/2018 AND NO FURTHER ACTIONS IS REQUIRED. *TT
Jun 1, 2016
Tires
I HAVE PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING II TIRES THAT HAVE A DATE CODE OF 0215 AND THEY STILL HAVE AROUND 50% TREAD LEFT. THE SIDE WALLS ON ALL 4 TIRES ARE COMING APART, THEY ARE SPLIT ALMOST ALL THE WAY AROUND. THESE TIRES ARE ON MY DAUGHTERS CAR AND I DID NOT NOTICE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SPLITS WHERE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE BUT FACING THE INSIDE, I FOUND THEM WHEN I WENT TO INSTALL THE SNOW TIRES. I CALLED PRIMEWELL AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THESE TIRES AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME AT ALL. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS BRAND AND MODEL OF TIRE FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND READING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE UPDATED TO COVER MORE SERIAL…
Nov 28, 2017

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