2003 Mazda Mazda6 recalls and problems
The 2003 Mazda Mazda6 has 6 safety recalls and 174 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mazda Mazda6 recalls
Recall 19V-781: Air Bags
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.
Recall 18V-402: Air Bags
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.
Recall 17V-474: Air Bags
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.
Recall 03V-531: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel sender unit (Fsu) may have been improperly installed in the fuel tank, producing an inadequate seal, and fuel may leak.
Risk: A fire could occur in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the top of the fuel tank, and if necessary, repair or replace it. Owner notification began february 9, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Recall 03V-207: Parking Brake
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." during production, the float in the fluid level sensor in the brake reservoir can be forced off of the guide rail during the filling of the master cylinder.
Risk: Should this occur, it is possible that the float will not return to the guide rail and the brake fluid level warning indicator may not function.
Fix: Mazda has not yet provided a remedy for this campaign. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Recall 03V-206: Exterior Lighting
Problem: On certain mini vans and passenger vehicles, the socket holder in the fog lights is installed in the lamp casing using pressure. During operation of the fog light, the heat from the bulb can expand the socket holder. The expansion can force the socket holder rearward. After repeatedly being subject to this expansion, if the fog light is also subjected to vibration during vehicle operation, the socket holder with the bulb holder and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light casing.
Risk: Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and possibly but rarely, the heat generated by the bulb can cause the bumper to burn.
Fix: Dealers will install a spring to prevent the socket holder from separating from the lamp case. Owner notification began on july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
2003 Mazda Mazda6 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 38 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 37 | |
| Air Bags | 30 | |
| Electrical System | 19 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 18 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 18 | |
| Structure | 11 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 | |
| Engine | 10 | |
| Suspension | 9 | |
| Steering | 7 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 7
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 6
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 4
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 4
- Suspension › Front — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Mazda Mazda6 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mazda Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Mazda Mazda6: 19V-781 (air bags), 18V-402 (air bags), 17V-474 (air bags), 03V-531 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-207 (parking brake) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mazda Mazda6?
Owners report power train problems most often (38 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.