Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 recalls
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 19V781000 · reported October 31, 2019 · Mazda North American Operations · 47,006 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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.
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 18V402000 · reported June 15, 2018 · Mazda North American Operations · 308,591 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 17V474000 · reported July 26, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations · 308,992 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
NHTSA campaign 03V531000 · reported December 16, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 56,700 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- A fire could occur in the presence of an ignition source.
- The 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.
Exterior lighting: fog lights
NHTSA campaign 03V206000 · reported June 5, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 64,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Parking brake: indicator light
NHTSA campaign 03V207000 · reported June 5, 2003 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 45,600 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jan 25, 2022 · Fuel system, gasoline · 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure under the NHTSA Campaign Number…
May 24, 2021 · Air bags
In 2018, the car was part of a trade in for a certified used car at my dealership. The car had over 350,000 miles and could no longer run.
Aug 3, 2020 · Service brakes · 159,185 miles
WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS IT STAYS AT THE SAME SPEED OR IT SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN. WHEN I PRESS ON THE BREAK SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE IT'S NOT GOING TO STOP AND JUST KEEP GOING OR IT JERKS FORWARD WHEN I STOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
Oct 15, 2019 · Power train · 50,000 miles
AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING THIS CAR THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKE PUNCTURING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL AND BRAKE RESERVOIR, LUCKILY I WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE IN A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT WHEN I PUSHED THE CLUTCH IN IT WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT COME BACK UP. IT WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, I HAD TO…
Sep 7, 2019 · Air bags
ON 01/18/2019 I TOOK VEHICLE I PURCHASED, TO MOCK FORD IN GRANT'S PASS OREGON FOR TAKARA AIRBAG RECALL. THIS IS WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF SAFETY ISSUE THAT VEHICLES AUR BAGS HAD BEEN CUT OUT AND REMOVED. THE SERVICE GUY AT MOCK FORD EXPLAINEDAND GAVE ESTIMATE WHICH WAS GREATER THAN WHAT CARS VALUE WAS. THE SELLER OF CAR…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 25, 2022.