Federal safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle until the repair is completed.

Model year record

2003 Mazda MAZDA6

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 245 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V781000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 47,006
Reported to NHTSA: 2019-10-31
Owners notified: 2019-12-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V402000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 308,591
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-06-15
Owners notified: 2018-07-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V474000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 308,992
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-07-26
Owners notified: 2017-09-12

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V531000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 56,700
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-12-16
Owners notified: 2004-02-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 03V207000

Parking brake: indicator light

Component: Parking brake: indicator light
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 45,600
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-06-05
Owners notified: 2003-07-14

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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 campaignNHTSA 03V206000

Exterior lighting: fog lights

Component: Exterior lighting: fog lights
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 64,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-06-05
Owners notified: 2003-07-14

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Air bags	28	16,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	18	81,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	14	13,000 mi
Electrical system	12	82,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	12	61,000 mi
Engine	10	107,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	10	13,000 mi
Power train	7	50,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	7	24,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	7	10,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	6	300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	6	86,900 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	5	8,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	4	700 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	4	14,500 mi
Structure	4	2,000 mi
Suspension	4	—
Unknown or other	4	170,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	3	80,000 mi
Steering	3	57,650 mi
Structure: body	3	110,000 mi
Suspension: front	3	8,000 mi
Tires	3	2,300 mi
Air bags: frontal	2	36,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	2	2,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	2	10,000 mi
Equipment: electrical	2	500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	2	10,000 mi
Fuel system, other	2	71,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	2	8,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: pads	2	7,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	2	10,460 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	4,100 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	2	24,981 mi
Structure: body: door	2	4,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator	1	—
Electrical system: wiring	1	3,413 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	1	40,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan	1	4,449 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	4,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	1	750 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	1	—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	—
Exterior lighting	1	85,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	1	128,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages	1	85,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	24,981 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	1	10,000 mi
Power train: driveline	1	129,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly	1	100 mi
Seat belts	1	11,800 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	750 mi
Seats	1	87,790 mi
Service brakes	1	159,185 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	3,413 mi
Service brakes, air: controls: foot control/valve	1	9,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	1	7,800 mi
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	8,903 mi
Service brakes, electric	1	71,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	1	10,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	1	—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	5,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	12,072 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	—
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly: u-bolt, leaf spring to axle	1	13,253 mi
Suspension: rear	1	82,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	150 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element	1	100 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	1,170 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	100 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—
Wheels: rim	1	500 mi

The 2002 model has 6 times as many complaints as this one. The 2004 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

EA15001Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.