FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

Owners have filed 197 complaints about the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2026. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 18 worst.

D

FaultScore 66/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mazda MAZDA6.

How this is worked out

The numbers

197

Complaints

14

Crashes reported

8

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

63,290 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

34%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 61 vs 50 Severity 81 vs 50 Early failure 58 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA6. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 81
15.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Mazda MAZDA6

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Mazda MAZDA6

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 55 27.9%

6 crashes, 1 fires · median 110,500 mi

Median failure at 55,000 miles

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 70,827 mi

Median failure at 92,900 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 55,000 mi

Brakes 11 5.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,857 mi

Median failure at 96,063 miles

Lights 9 4.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 85,746 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 8 4.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,894 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 3.0%

Median failure at 1,500 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 3.0%

Median failure at 23,454 miles

Other & Unspecified 4 2.0%
Seats 4 2.0%

Median failure at 58,927 miles

Tires 4 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,000 mi

Suspension 4 2.0%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Seat Belts 3 1.5%

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 70,878 mi

Steering 3 1.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 118,821 mi

Equipment & Accessories 2 1.0%

Median failure at 2,328 miles

Stability & Traction Control 2 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,253 mi

Wheels 1 0.5%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 8 25.0%
Automatic Transmission 6 18.8%
Latch 4 12.5%
Door 4 12.5%
Headlights 3 9.4%
Front 3 9.4%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 2 6.3%
Rotor 2 6.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 10 8.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 15 12.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 10 8.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 17 14.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 15 12.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 16 13.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 23 19.2%
150,000+ miles 14 11.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2004 peak 6 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

2 investigations are still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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. 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.C...

EA15001 Opened 24 Feb 2015 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air 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 fai...

PE14016 Opened 11 Jun 2014 Closed 2 Mar 2015 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air 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 fai...

Recalls on the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19V781000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

18V402000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

17V474000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

09E011000

EQUIPMENT

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.

04V582000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE RIGHT AND/OR LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY DUE TO MISSING RETAINING PINS ON THE HOUSING.

Risk: THE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY MALFUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. PASSENGERS SHOULD NOT SIT AND CHILD SEATS SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR SEATS UNTIL THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN CORRECTED.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2018578 42,826 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013-112 (Mazda Recall 6913D), 2014-245 (Mazda Recall 7714F), 2015-624 (Mazda Recall 9015L), 2016-259 (Mazda Recall 9416E) and 2017-011 (Mazda Recall 0617A).

Recall 2018036 38,909 units in Canada

Airbag

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. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes recall 2015-247 (Mazda Recall 8215F). Vehicles completed under 2015-247 do not need to be completed under recall 2018-036.

Recall 2015624 50,587 units in Canada

Airbag

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. On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator.

Recall 2015247 57,861 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag module. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018-036. Please see recall 2018-036 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018036">Click here for more information</a>.

Recall 2014570 46,000 units in Canada

Airbag

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. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This Safety Improvement Campaign is superseded by recall 2015-247 (Mazda Recall 8215F). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015247">recall 2015247</a> for more information.

Recall 2014245 1,111 units in Canada

Airbag

Note: For Mazda6 models, 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. For RX-8 models, this recall is superseded by recall 2019496 (Mazda Recall 2618F). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2019496">recall 2019496</a> for more information. On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2013112.

Recall 2013112 26 units in Canada

Airbag

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. On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator.

Recall 2004437 110 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the locking mechanism of the rear seat belt retractor may have been incorrectly assembled. As a result, the rear seat belts may not lock if the vehicle is involved in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear seat belt retractor assemblies.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 165,105 miles Salem, OR Crash

TIRES

I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND HAD INSTALLED AT COSTCO ON AUGUST 1ST 2016. I WENT TO HAVE THE TIRES RETORQUED AT COSTCO ON AUGUST 12TH. ON SEPT 1ST I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON A CITY PARKWAY STREET SO MOSTLY STRAIGHT ROADWAY WITH SOME GENTLE CURVES AT APPROX. 50-55 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, THEN WEAVING LEFT TO RIGHT, I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL BY STEERING STRAIGHT AND APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THAT JUST MADE IT WORSE AND THE CAR BEGAN SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE ROADWAY UNTIL IT FINALLY LANDED TO A STOP ON THE BANK OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SEVERAL PEOPLE STOPPED AT THE SCENE TO MAKE SURE I WAS OK. A COUPLE THAT LIVED NEAR BY SAID THEY HEARD A LOUD BOOM...A POLICE OFFICER ALSO CAME AND STAYED WITH ME WHILE I WAITED FOR THE TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD SAID THAT HE BELIEVED THE FRONT TIRE MAY HAVE BLOWN, IT IS CURRENTLY FLAT AND MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10908364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Hanover, MA 1 injured

ENGINE

THE V6 MOTOR IN MY MAZDA 6S HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FOR ALMOST 10 OF THE 12 YEARS I'VE OWNED IT. THE OIL LEAKS OUT OF THE FAULTY SEALS ON THE TIMING CHAIN COVER IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER, AND THE OIL DROPS ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS OIL VAPORIZES AND THAT VAPOR ENTERS THE CABIN IN SLOW SPEED DRIVING AND WHEN STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS. I COMPLAINED ABOUT A BURNING OIL SMELL MANY TIMES WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE MAZDA SERVICE TECHS ALWAYS PRETENDED LIKE THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. YEARS DOWN THE ROAD, I AM FINDING THIS IS A RAMPANT PROBLEM WITH ALL FORD AND MAZDA CARS AND SUVS WITH THIS "DURATEC" 3.0 V6 WHICH WAS MADE BY FORD. IT IS INSTALLED IN MANY FORD, MERCURY AND MAZDA VEHICLES. I CARRY A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITH ME IN THE EVENT I HAVE AN UNDER HOOD FIRE, AND I'M VERY WORRIED ABOUT MY HEALTH AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF BREATHING THIS VAPOR. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS SEAL FAILURE IS DAUNTING. I HOPE MHTSA CAN SEE THAT FORD HAS BEEN COVERING UP THIS DEFECT, ENDANGERING LIVES AND THE HEALTH OF DRIVERS AS WELL AS CREATING A TOUGH FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THE OWNERS TO FIX THE ISSUE. I GAVE A DATE ON THE FORM BELOW, SINCE IT WAS REQUIRED, BUT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 2006 OR SO.

NHTSA complaint #10862115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Houston, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V345000 (AIR BAGS), BUT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS MAY HAVE DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISING OF THE HANDS DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR WHIPLASH, BUT NO OTHER INJURIES OR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, BUT IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10854337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, AL Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10819684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,878 miles Buffalo Grove, IL Crash Fire

SEAT BELTS

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER WAS WEARING SAFETY BELT. AFTER EXITING VEHICLE, A FIRE WAS DISCOVERED NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE B-POST. FIRE BURNED AND MELTED THE INTERIOR TRIM AND SEATBELT, AS WELL AS CAUSING HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S INTERIOR DOOR AND WINDOW. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH A DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER. FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION ALSO FOUND HEAVY FIRE DAMAGE TO THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, WHICH WAS LOCATED IN THE AREA OF FIRE ORIGIN.

NHTSA complaint #10598559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,878 miles Buffalo Grove, IL Crash Fire

AIR BAGS

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER WAS WEARING SAFETY BELT. AFTER EXITING VEHICLE, A FIRE WAS DISCOVERED NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE B-POST. FIRE BURNED AND MELTED THE INTERIOR TRIM AND SEATBELT, AS WELL AS CAUSING HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S INTERIOR DOOR AND WINDOW. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH A DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER. FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION ALSO FOUND HEAVY FIRE DAMAGE TO THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, WHICH WAS LOCATED IN THE AREA OF FIRE ORIGIN.

NHTSA complaint #10598559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Roxboro, NC

AIR BAGS

Have contacted Sport Durst Mazda in [XXX] about recall on air bags. Told me I had to drive vehicle to their shop. Told them the letter said Do Not Drive. They said they'd do the recall if I bring it to them. I live in [XXX]. I don't understand why I can not get repair done unless I drive my 2004 Mazda 6 station wagon with over 300 thousand miles on it to them. What do I need to do. This is my only vehicle since my 2017 Hyundai sonata was stolen and motor locked up with only 70 thousand miles on it 7-28-2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spanish Fork, UT

POWER TRAIN

Very hard shifts from 1st to 3rd gear it's a automatic transmission it's getting worse it will do it at random times and it's getting to the point I'm scared to drive the car. mazda should listen to everyone else's problems with the same transmission it's ridiculous

NHTSA complaint #11578319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Kingston Springs, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights were inoperable and failed to illuminate as needed. The contact replaced the bulbs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the electrical wires had shorted out due defective wire coating. The mechanic attempted to fix the failure by covering the electrical wires, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #11518013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Kingston Springs, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights were inoperable and failed to illuminate as needed. The contact replaced the bulbs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the electrical wires had shorted out due defective wire coating. The mechanic attempted to fix the failure by covering the electrical wires, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #11518013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lockport, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WE NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS SOLD AT AUCTION ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME THESE REAL NOTICES. VIN IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11407838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1 miles Eugene, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR 3,000 FROM THE OWNER HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS, GOT OIL AND ALL FLUIDS CHANGED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE A BLOCK AWAY IT TOTALLY DIED ON ME AND NOW IT WONT START AT ALL. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY ABOTHER ONE. OR EVEN REPAIR IT.

NHTSA complaint #11344097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1 miles Eugene, OR

ENGINE

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR 3,000 FROM THE OWNER HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS, GOT OIL AND ALL FLUIDS CHANGED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE A BLOCK AWAY IT TOTALLY DIED ON ME AND NOW IT WONT START AT ALL. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY ABOTHER ONE. OR EVEN REPAIR IT.

NHTSA complaint #11344097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1 miles Eugene, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR 3,000 FROM THE OWNER HAD IT FOR 2 MONTHS, GOT OIL AND ALL FLUIDS CHANGED. WHEN I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE A BLOCK AWAY IT TOTALLY DIED ON ME AND NOW IT WONT START AT ALL. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY ABOTHER ONE. OR EVEN REPAIR IT.

NHTSA complaint #11344097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,800 miles Grafton, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE SUBFRAME ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.

NHTSA complaint #11252960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

REPEATED THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, CAR WHILE DRIVING WILL DROP TO A CRAWL WITH ERRATIC REVVING. DID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESS WAY, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. WILL NOT START DO TO REVVING LOOP CAUSED BY THROTTLE BODY. MULTIPLE TSB HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, SO IT SEEMS THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES PLAGUE MANY CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA complaint #11161141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REPEATED THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, CAR WHILE DRIVING WILL DROP TO A CRAWL WITH ERRATIC REVVING. DID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESS WAY, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. WILL NOT START DO TO REVVING LOOP CAUSED BY THROTTLE BODY. MULTIPLE TSB HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, SO IT SEEMS THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES PLAGUE MANY CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA complaint #11161141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REPEATED THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, CAR WHILE DRIVING WILL DROP TO A CRAWL WITH ERRATIC REVVING. DID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESS WAY, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. WILL NOT START DO TO REVVING LOOP CAUSED BY THROTTLE BODY. MULTIPLE TSB HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, SO IT SEEMS THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES PLAGUE MANY CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA complaint #11161141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

REPEATED THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, CAR WHILE DRIVING WILL DROP TO A CRAWL WITH ERRATIC REVVING. DID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESS WAY, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. WILL NOT START DO TO REVVING LOOP CAUSED BY THROTTLE BODY. MULTIPLE TSB HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, SO IT SEEMS THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES PLAGUE MANY CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA complaint #11161141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laurel, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

"TAKATA RECALL" I PARKED MY CAR WHEN I GOT OFF WORK. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO CRANK MY CAR IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT IT WOULDN'T START, SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID MY COMPUTER WAS OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY YARD

NHTSA complaint #11053597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laurel, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"TAKATA RECALL" I PARKED MY CAR WHEN I GOT OFF WORK. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO CRANK MY CAR IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT IT WOULDN'T START, SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID MY COMPUTER WAS OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY YARD

NHTSA complaint #11053597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hinesville, GA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V474000 AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FAIRWAY LINCOLN OF SAVANNAH (10101 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, PHONE NUMBER: (844) 921-2980) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11030175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SHORTLINE MAZDA, 90 HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80010 (303) 364-2200) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY AND THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #11019416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

SEATS

THE HEATING KICKS IN (MOSTLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT) AND I NEVER TURNED IT ON...I EVEN REMOVED THE FUSE AND IT STILL HEATS UP...WIERD...

NHTSA complaint #11012462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, AL

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10979591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kihei, HI

AIR BAGS

DRIVER AIR BAG INFLATOR FINAL REPAIR NOTICE - SAFETY RECALL 8215F. I TOOK MY VEHICLE WHEN I RECEIVED THE FIRST NOTICE AND WENT TO JIM FALK MAZDA IN KAHULUI,MAUI,HAWAII AND THEY TOLD ME SORRY WE DON'T HAVE THE PART TO REPLACE YET BUT WILL CALL ME WHEN IT COMES IN AND THAT WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO.NOW I RECEIVED THE 2ND AND FINAL NOTICE AND I CALLED TWO DAYS AGO TO THE SAME PLACE AND AGAIN THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE GOING TO LOOK INTO IT AND CALL ME BACK. WELL NO CALL BACK YET AND I AM GETTING VERY UPSET THAT THEY DON'T FEEL THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT TO CALL PEOPLE BACK TO FIX THIS IMPORTANT PROBLEM. BEING THAT THE AIRBAG IS IMPORTANT YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART ASAP AND CALL YOU TO COME IN AND HAVE IT REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10970630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Salisbury, NC

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA 6. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10957319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I SOLD THIS MAZDA6 TO AN AUTO DEALER (SHORTLINE AUTO GROUP, AURORA, CO) IN NOVEMBER 2015. I HAVE SINCE RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES REGARDING THE CAR FROM MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS. EACH TIME, I HAVE SENT BACK THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION CHANGE CARD, TELLING MAZDA THAT I SOLD THE CAR, AND GIVING THEM THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE BUYER. YET MAZDA CONTINUES TO SEND ME THE RECALL NOTICES. THIS MAKES ME WORRY THAT THEY ARE NOT UPDATING THEIR OWNER DATABASES WITH THE INFO FROM RETURNED INFORMATION CHANGE CARDS (SOMETHING THEY OBVIOUSLY SHOULD BE DOING).

NHTSA complaint #10938990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ST Paul, MN

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10937548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

AIR BAGS

I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY RECALL NOT BEING REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. GOING ON 11 MONTHS, STILL NO SOLUTION, AND I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER UNTIL IT GETS FIXED. RIDICULOUS. AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED IN DECEMBER 2015. IN JANUARY 2016 I CALLED MAZDA TO GET THIS SCHEDULED AND WENT IN LATE FEBRUARY ONCE THE PARTS CAME IN. I WAS TOLD BOTH MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD BE REPLACED THAT DAY. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR I WAS TOLD ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE HAD BEEN DONE AND I'D BE CONTACTED ABOUT THE PASSENGER SIDE SOON. ONE MONTH LATER I GET A CALL SAYING MY OTHER AIRBAG PART WAS IN. I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEN WAS TOLD, NO WAIT, IT WASN'T. A FEW MONTHS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL CONFIRMING MY APPOINTMENT FOR MY AIRBAG. GREAT BUT I DIDN'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. I CALLED AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT BUT WOULD LOOK IN TO IT. 3 DAYS LATER I WAS CALLED AGAIN AND SAID MY PART WAS IN TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. SO I DID. I SKIPPED WORK TO BRING MY CAR IN, SHOW UP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PART AND THERE NEVER WAS. I WAS TOLD THE PART WASN'T EVEN AVAILABLE AND NOT TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH A PASSENGER UNTIL ITS FIXED. I THEN RECEIVED CALLS FROM MAZDA'S CHICAGO OFFICE AND LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING INDEED, PARTS WEREN'T AVAILABLE YET AND REITERATED NOT TO DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER UNTIL ITS FIXED. THAT WAS OVER 4 MONTHS AGO AT THIS POINT. IT'S ABSURD THAT A RECALL THAT CAN SEVERELY INJURE MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS HAS TAKEN 11 MONTHS WITH NO SOLUTION. AND TO BE TOLD "DON'T DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER" IS EVEN MORE ABSURD. I USE MY CAR FOR DAY TO DAY LIFE, THAT IS NOT AN OPTION. I JUST WANT MY RECALL FIXED. I KNOW MANY PEOPLE THAT HAD BOTH THEIR SIDES FIXED, WHY IS MINE TAKING 11 MONTHS AN COUNTING WITH MULTIPLE TIMES BEING SCREWED AROUND AND OVER 4 MONTHS OF SILENCE NOW? IF SOMEONE GETS HURT, I'M SUING THE [XXX] OUT EVERYONE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10926324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,105 miles Salem, OR Crash

TIRES

I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND HAD INSTALLED AT COSTCO ON AUGUST 1ST 2016. I WENT TO HAVE THE TIRES RETORQUED AT COSTCO ON AUGUST 12TH. ON SEPT 1ST I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON A CITY PARKWAY STREET SO MOSTLY STRAIGHT ROADWAY WITH SOME GENTLE CURVES AT APPROX. 50-55 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, THEN WEAVING LEFT TO RIGHT, I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL BY STEERING STRAIGHT AND APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THAT JUST MADE IT WORSE AND THE CAR BEGAN SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS THE ROADWAY UNTIL IT FINALLY LANDED TO A STOP ON THE BANK OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SEVERAL PEOPLE STOPPED AT THE SCENE TO MAKE SURE I WAS OK. A COUPLE THAT LIVED NEAR BY SAID THEY HEARD A LOUD BOOM...A POLICE OFFICER ALSO CAME AND STAYED WITH ME WHILE I WAITED FOR THE TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER HAD SAID THAT HE BELIEVED THE FRONT TIRE MAY HAVE BLOWN, IT IS CURRENTLY FLAT AND MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10908364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.