2006 Mazda Mazda6

Do not drive

Owners filed 173 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

77 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags89
505
Power Train11
000
Exterior Lighting7
000
Engine7
000
Tires6
000
Electrical System6
010
Steering4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000
Structure › Body3
000
Service Brakes3
100

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V781000Do not drive
Filed Oct 31, 201947,006 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module18V402000Do not drive
Filed Jun 15, 2018308,591 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module17V474000Do not drive
Filed Jul 26, 2017308,992 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment09E011000
Filed Apr 2, 20092,323 vehiclesThule, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Apr 19, 2024WI

The front beam crossmember sub k frame of this vehicle has failed due to corrosion. This has resulted in a loss of steering control. Fortunately his failure was discovered while the vehicle was parked or it could have resulted in a very serious vehicle accident. There was an acknowledgment (and recall) of this corrosion failure issue issued by Mazda but it was for a subsequent model years. I contacted Mazda regarding this very dangerous issue and they denied any responsibility.

Structure
Filed Mar 18, 2024142,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center for maintenance, it was discovered that rust and corrosion was present on the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the model year was not included in a Manufacturer's recall for the same failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 18, 2022MI

Car is mint for age. Stock oem hid style headlights failed, headlights are still clear. The turn signals failed and activated safetys. Ground plug under air filter assembly that is a piece of metal bolted to car with 5 wires that plug into it corroded so bad no ground connection and each of the wires made no connection to the plug. No info on how to diagnose and/or repair. Common problem. Took everything apart and soaked all corroded parts in a solution of CLR, everything put back together clean with dielectric grease. Numerous shops could not diagnose including 1 dealer. Said headlights needed to be replaced at $500+/ side parts only. Very common on the rare factory installed HID systems. Wiring is different.

Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2022123,000 milesNM

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine made a loud ticking noise. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the would drive normal; however, while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Variable Valve Timing Actuator (VVTA) was not functioning as needed causing the engine stall and loud ticking sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 16, 2022OR

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the nearest dealer that was able to perform the recall repair was 3-hours away. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and suggested that the vehicle be taken or towed to the dealer for the free one-time repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH INCURRED COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 3, 2021VA

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the part did not fit the fuel tank. The technical advisor was contacted and informed the contact that the style fuel tank was no longer being used. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Feb 4, 2021163,000 milesPA

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE PUT IN A RECALL FOR THIS MY TRANSMISSION IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN AND THIS IS MY SECOND MADZA 6... THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE WE SPEND MONEY OF VEHICLES THAT SUPPOSE TO RUN WELL... SO WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THESE MADZA'S AND KNOW ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.... I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS WHEN THE CAR JUST CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T MOVE AND WHEN IT DID IT WAS STARTED GRINDING WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR.... THAT WAS A SCARY THING... THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME IN MY FIRST MADZA 6 WITH ONLY 89000 MILES ON IT... SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE....

Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 202150,000 milesIL

HAD RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS. I HAVE RECEIVED SECOND RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED AGAIN AS THE ONE THEY ORIGINALLY REPLACED IT WITH IS DEFECTIVE TO. IF THE PASSENGER SIDE IS DEFECTIVE THEN SO THE DRIVERS SIDE IS TO. WANT TO KNOW WHY DRIVERS SIDE ISN'T GOING TO BE REPLACED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 26, 2020FL

I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHENEVER I PUT GAS IN IT. MY CAR WON'T START UP OR CUT OFF WHENEVER I PUT GAS IN IT. I'VE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATION BECAUSE OF THIS.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 2020IN

THIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT AND OWNERSHIP TRANSFERRED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. STOP SENDIN ME RECALL NOTICES!

Steering
Filed Jan 11, 2020196,130 milesOH

FRONT SUB-FRAME RUSTED CAUSING LOWER SUSPENSION / CONTROL ARM TO COME APART, LEAVING FRONT WHEEL TO BE UNSTABLE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT DO TO INSTABILITY IN STARING SYSTEM. I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, HOWEVER FOR SOME REASON MY VIN DOESN'T SHOW THE RECALL. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT THE COMPANY IS PLANNING TO ADDRESS, OR AM A STUCK WITH THE PROBLEM? PICTURES INCLUDED.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 30, 2019CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V781000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED AND REPAIRED IN 2016 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V345000 (AIR BAGS) AT SIERRA AUTOCARS INC (626-359-8291, LOCATED AT 1450 S SHAMROCK AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INFORM HER THAT THE PREVIOUS REPAIRS WERE TEMPORARY REMEDIES. THE DEALER WAS AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 201980,000 milesCA

- VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. LOCATED IN ZONE A - RECEIVED MULTIPLE NOTICES IN MAIL SINCE 2016. - MAZDA WEBSITE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A RECALL EXISTS WHEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT WHEN PHONED IN - RECALL ALWAYS QUOTED TO TAKE A DAY, WITH NO ALTERNATE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE. DESPITE MAILER SAYING FREE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE. I'VE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES. - I NEED A VEHICLE - ALWAYS. RIGHT NOW MY CHOICE IS TO CONTINUE DRIVING MY CAR (AT RISK OF 'SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH') OR LOSE MY LIVELIHOOD.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 11, 201990,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. OURISMAN MAZDA OF ROCKVILLE (LOCATED AT 801 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, 301-424-7800) REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS TWICE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 27, 2019126,700 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CHANGING THE OIL, HE NOTICED A HUGE RUSTED HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GORDIE BOUCHER MAZDA OF JANESVILLE (2727 US-14, JANESVILLE, WI 53545, (608) 754-5511) WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THE CONTACT'S OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUBFRAME BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,700. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 201999,000 milesMD

TRANSMISSION ROUGHLY JERKS ITSELF INTO 2ND-3RD GEAR. WHEN THE CAR HAS COME TO A STOP AND IS THEN ACCELERATED, ENGINE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN SLAMS ITSELF INTO 2ND OR 3RD GEAR. THIS POSES AS A REAR-END THREAT, AS THE CAR IS FORCEFULLY PUT INTO GEAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK FORWARD SUDDENLY. FOR ME THIS ONLY OCCURS AT LOWER SPEEDS (10-30 MPH). I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND MANY OTHERS HAVE COME ACROSS THE SAME THING.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 6, 2019PA

LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS AREN'T BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD CLEARLY

Steering
Filed Nov 2, 2018140,000 milesIA

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT VEHICLE FRAME HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH WHERE THE STEERING MEMBERS ATTACH. FOUND THIS WHEN CHECKING THE BRAKES. APPEARS DANGEROUS!

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 16, 201886,000 milesMA

ON 6/18/2018, THE PASSENGER SIDE STEERING CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF THE SUB-FRAME OF MY 2006 MAZDA 6 WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET CLOSE TO HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY. I DID NOT KNOW AT THE TIME THAT IT WAS THE SUBFRAME. ALL I KNEW WAS THAT THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF THE SUB-FRAME BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED/CORRODED. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE AND A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR AN AUTO SUBFRAME TO ROT LIKE THAT AND MY CAR ONLY AS ABOUT 86,000 MILES. I CALLED MAZDA USA (1-800-222-5500) AND EXPLAINED MY SITUATION WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. THEY STARTED A CASE AND ADVISED ME TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION. ON 6/29/18, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO LIBERTY MAZDA. ON 7/5/2018, THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE SUBFRAME FAILED BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTED/CORRODED. AND THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME AN ESTIMATE OF $1,973 TO REPAIR THE CAR USING A USED SUBFRAME. ON 7/9/2018, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ANGELA (REFUSED TO PROVIDE LAST NAME) A MAZDA USA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. SHE STATED THAT MAZDA USA DECLINED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRING MY CAR. IN OTHER WORDS, MAZDA USA IS NOT OWNING UP TO THEIR ENGINEERING FLAW DESIGNING THE SUBFRAME. EVEN THOU NHTSA HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUBFRAME FAILURES DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. I DECLINED GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED SINCE MAZDA USA WAS NOT WILLING TO PAY ANYTHING TOWARDS THE REPAIR.

Air Bags
Filed May 29, 2018CA

FAILED TO BE NOTIFY IN A TIMELY MANNER.

20 of 173 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202117000Routine
20202000Routine
20196100Routine
201858210Routine
201760100Routine
201677100Routine
201560300Routine
2014137400Routine
201323400Do not drive
201299620Do not drive
2011134610Do not drive
2010225920Do not drive
20093861030Do not drive
2008111520Do not drive
2007156621Do not drive
2006 — this page173610Do not drive
2005147650Do not drive
2004160751Do not drive
2003174920Do not drive
200228100Routine

Compare every Mazda6 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 31, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.