FaultScore

FaultScore report

2006 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

Owners have filed 207 complaints about the 2006 Mazda MAZDA6 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 18 worst.

D

FaultScore 64/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

207

Complaints

19

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries reported

75,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

26%

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 64 vs 50 Severity 75 vs 50 Early failure 45 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA6. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 75
14.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 45
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2006 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 2006 Mazda MAZDA6

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

Airbags 95 45.9%

10 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,000 mi

Median failure at 50,750 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 81,000 mi

Tires 7 3.4%

Median failure at 136,056 miles

Lights 7 3.4%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Body & Structure 7 3.4%

Median failure at 80,500 miles

Brakes 7 3.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 74,000 mi

Steering 7 3.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 109,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 6 2.9%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 2.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,250 mi

Suspension 4 1.9%

Median failure at 142,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 1.0%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

Seat Belts 2 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 1.0%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 0.5%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

Child Seats 1 0.5%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.5%

Median failure at 127,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.5%
Wheels 1 0.5%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

When it fails

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

Under 1,000 miles 1 1.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 9 8.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 12 11.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 11 10.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 16 15.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 23 22.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 26 25.5%
150,000+ miles 4 3.9%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2006 Mazda6 4-DR.

Frontal crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2006 Mazda6 5-DR. Hatchback w/SAB
2006 Mazda6 4-DR.
2006 Mazda6 Wagon w/SAB

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.

Feb 2006 peak 8 Apr 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2006 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 2006 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.

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.

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 120,000 miles Baltimore, MD Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MAZDA MAZDA6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11076509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bismarck, ND Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE HOME'S GARAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10950112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Lutcher, LA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ANOTHER MOTORIST ATTEMPTED TO PASS THE CONTACT IN A 'DO NOT PASS' ZONE AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS LATER DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10838952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Yorktown, PA Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS DELAYED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S HEAD TO IMPACT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE LACERATIONS TO THE UPPER LIP, DAMAGED TEETH, AND FACIAL CONTUSIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10776542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Yorktown, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS DELAYED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S HEAD TO IMPACT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE LACERATIONS TO THE UPPER LIP, DAMAGED TEETH, AND FACIAL CONTUSIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10776542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Edgewood, MD Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR STARTED TO SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO LET IT AIR OUT ENOUGH TO DRIVE HOME. AS SOON AS I MADE IT HOME, THE SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF THE WINDOW CONTROL AND THE WHOLE DOOR PANEL, RUSHED TO GET MY KIDS OUT OF THE CAR. AS THE SMOKE THICKENED A FIRE STARTED, I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE TOO MUCH DAMAGE WAS CAUSED.

NHTSA complaint #10661409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

Suamico, WI

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11584118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suamico, WI

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11584118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Dartmouth, MA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11577954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Dartmouth, MA

STRUCTURE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11577954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flat Rock, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11497946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flat Rock, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11497946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Albuquerque, NM

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11472316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grants Pass, OR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11452227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11442545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 163,000 miles Lancaster, PA

POWER TRAIN

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....

NHTSA complaint #11394758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Springfield, IL

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11390695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altamonte Springs, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11351464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altamonte Springs, FL

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

NHTSA complaint #11351464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altamonte Springs, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11351464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomfield, IN

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11302267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 196,130 miles Cleveland, OH

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11298568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 196,130 miles Cleveland, OH

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11298568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monrovia, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11292033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Oakland, CA

AIR BAGS

- 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.

NHTSA complaint #11290599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Kensingston, MD

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11288343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,700 miles Helenville, WI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11258498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Pikesville, MD

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11256471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Pikesville, MD

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11256471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stewartstown, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

NHTSA complaint #11194302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Cedar Falls, IA

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11145050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.