The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 has 5 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (77 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints111filed by owners
Crashes · fires15 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints
2008 Mazda Mazda6 in an NHTSA crash test
3 recalls for this model year carries an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 19V781000 · Oct 31, 2019 · 47,006 vehicles · opened 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 bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 18V402000 · Jun 15, 2018 · 308,591 vehicles · opened 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 bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 17V474000 · Jul 26, 2017 · 308,992 vehicles · opened 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.
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, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 08V412000 · Aug 15, 2008 · 7,200 vehicles
Problem: MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,200 MY 2007-2008 MAZDA6 VEHICLES WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSION SPECIFICATIONS. THE METAL FUEL TANKS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE PVC PROTECTIVE COATING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS WHICH MAY RESULT IN REDUCED CORROSION RESISTANCE.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK FOR DAMAGE TO THE PROTECTIVE COATING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE COATING OR REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION 2.
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
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2008 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2008 Mazda6 5-DR. Hatchback w/SAB
Overall
Not 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 bags Side/window
77
11
0
4
91,500 mi
Power train Manual transmission
9
1
0
0
71,568 mi
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
5
0
1
0
37,363 mi
Fuel system, gasoline
4
1
0
0
38,431 mi
Steering
4
2
0
0
19,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
3
1
0
0
18,680 mi
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer
2
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine
2
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
2
0
0
0
—
Wheels
2
0
0
0
—
Engine
2
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Sep 18, 2024 · 235,000 milesFuel system, gasoline The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer added a protective coating. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that an abnormal fuel odor was on the interior of the vehicle, and fuel was leaking onto the ground. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V412000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated…
Sep 22, 2023Suspension The front subframe totally rusted out and the wheel disconnected. I purchased this car in 2009, but it was a 2008 vehicle. Apparently there was a recall on this part for the 2009 through 2018 vehicles but it did not include the 2008, which had the exact same problem. My car was kept in the garage its entire life and the last 10 years, I was retired and did not even drive it in the snow. The car only has 79,000 miles. Even if my car was not included in the recall, you would think the manufacturer would have notified me of the flaw and the danger. I sold this car to my nephew in February of this year and he was deriving it when the wheel fell off and separated from the subframe. He could have…
Oct 13, 2021Suspension The front frame is rusted out to the point it is unsafe. This is the same issue for the 2009 2010 models.
Nov 13, 2019 · 135,000 milesPower train TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND SHIFTS VERY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND IN THE COLD WEATHER.
Aug 23, 2019 · 125,802 milesElectrical system DRIVING 2008 MAZDA 6 WHEN THE AT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED FROM GEAR REENGAGED VERY HARSHLY INTO THIRD GEAR. THE 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DROPPED 4TH AND 5TH GEAR AFTER RE-ENGAGING.
Sep 29, 2018 · 106,000 miles · crashSteering TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK INTO PLACE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Jul 1, 2015Air bags TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A LETTER IN 7/2015 STATING MY CAR'S AIR BAGS HAD BEEN RECALLED AND TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER TO SCHEDULE A REPLACEMENT APPOINTMENT. NEVER RECIEVED 2ND LETTER AND NOW CAR IS NOT ON RECALL. I SUSPECT IT (MY CAR) WAS REPORTED AS HAVING AIR BAGS REPLACED WHICH HAS NOT HAPPENED. I AM CONCERNED AS IT WAS REPORTED ON THE NEWS THAT THIS TYPE OF THING HAS BEEN DONE A LOT. I'D LIKE MY AIRBAGS REPLACED WITH SAFE ONE...THANK YOU..
Aug 24, 2017Air bags I CALLED DEALER 3 TIMES TO HAVE MY AIRBAGS REPLACED (FINAL RECALL 1317F). THIS WAS OVER THE COURSE OF 6 MONTHS. THEY NEVER CALL ME BACK. THE THIRD TIME I CALLED (ON 8/24/2017) I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK (AGAIN) IN ONE MONTH. THEY STILL HAVE NEVER CALLED ME BACK.
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
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated 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. 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…
EA15001 · opened Feb 24, 2015 · open · led to recall 14V668Air Bag Inflator Rupture 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 · led to recall 13V172000Air Bag Inflator Rupture 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,…
