2008 Mazda MAZDA6 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6.

4
recalls
111
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

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.

2008 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: storage, tank assembly

NHTSA campaign 08V412000 · reported August 15, 2008 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 7,200 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda is recalling 7,200 my 2007-2008 mazda6 vehicles with california emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have had the pvc protective coating on the outside of the fuel tank damaged during the assembly process which may result in reduced corrosion resistance.
The risk
This could lead to perforation of the fuel tank, causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the bottom surface of the fuel tank for damage to the protective coating and, if necessary, repair the coating or replace the fuel tank. The recall began on august 28, 2008. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option 2.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 20, 2024 · Fuel system, gasoline · 235,000 miles

The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer added a protective…

Oct 6, 2023 · Suspension

The front subframe totally rusted out and the wheel disconnected. I purchased this car in 2009, but it was a 2008 vehicle. Apparently there was a recall on this part for the 2009 through 2018 vehicles but it did not include the 2008, which had the exact same problem. My car was kept in the garage its entire life and…

Dec 17, 2021 · Suspension

The front frame is rusted out to the point it is unsafe. This is the same issue for the 2009 2010 models.

Nov 14, 2019 · Power train · 135,000 miles

TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND SHIFTS VERY HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND IN THE COLD WEATHER.

Aug 23, 2019 · Electrical system · 125,802 miles

DRIVING 2008 MAZDA 6 WHEN THE AT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED FROM GEAR REENGAGED VERY HARSHLY INTO THIRD GEAR. THE 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DROPPED 4TH AND 5TH GEAR AFTER RE-ENGAGING.

MAZDA6 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 3147125
2006 3173131
2007 4156152
2008 4111152
2009 938683
2010 922552
2011 613581

Across all years, the 2009 MAZDA6 has the most complaints (386). All Mazda MAZDA6 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6, the most recent reported on October 31, 2019 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6?
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (77 complaints), followed by power train (9).
How many 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 111 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 20, 2024.