2003 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Owners have filed 245 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Mazda6 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 15.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 15.1%.
Complaints245
Crashes14
Fires3
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 15.5% · 38
Engine and engine cooling 15.1% · 37
Air bags 12.2% · 30
Electrical system 7.8% · 19
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.3% · 18
Vehicle speed control 7.3% · 18
Structure 4.5% · 11
Engine 4.1% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 14 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 12 model years of the Mazda Mazda6 in this data, 2003 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 24,981 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Mazda 6. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle would not start after being parked for several hours. Discovered pcm needed to be replaced. *Smd the consumer was informed Mazda stopped manufacturing the pcm for vehicles manufactured in 2003 and therefore, it had to special ordered. It took eight weeks for the dealer to receive the part. Power train
Transmission kicks really hard making the car feel like it was hit from behind. The car is hard to control at the time this happens. I've seen numerous complaints about this. It is a serious problem,especially when our 90lb daughter is driving this vehicle. I feel that Mazda needs to take care of this issue before someone is injured or worse! Power train · reported at 105,000 miles
2003 Mazda6 6.0 Atx - car suddenly loses power while accelerating. The engine revs but no power to wheels. I have contacted local dealer without any resolution to why this is occurring. Upon a brief internet search I find this is not an isolated case. I have noticed it happens more often with ac unit on. Power train · reported at 125,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…