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2006 Mazda Mazda6

The Verdict

56 Proceed with Caution

The 2006 Mazda Mazda6 has 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (108 complaints) and engine (33 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 56/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Mazda Mazda6, consider the 2020 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 98% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Mazda Mazda6 dashboard →

56

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20033819375625
20044410743818
2005218901717
20062261083320
20071811072118
20081527886
20092388107266
2010118148184
20117844273
20122916270
2013105511
20144316422016
20152315976
2016321312109
20172742053
20181130355
201940110
202010010
2021400130

By Category

Electrical
108
Engine
33
Body
22
Transmission
20
Brakes
6

By Severity

1
96
2
78
4
15

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

The front beam crossmember sub k frame of this vehicle has failed due to corrosion. This has resulted in a loss of steering control. Fortunately his failure was discovered while the vehicle was parked or it could have resulted in a very serious vehicle accident. There was an acknowledgment (and recall) of this corrosion failure issue issued by Mazda but it was for a subsequent model years. I contacted Mazda regarding this very dangerous issue and they denied any responsibility.

27mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center for maintenance, it was discovered that rust and corrosion was present on the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the model year was not included in a Manufacturer's recall for the same failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,000.

28mo ago
Electrical 1

Car is mint for age. Stock oem hid style headlights failed, headlights are still clear. The turn signals failed and activated safetys. Ground plug under air filter assembly that is a piece of metal bolted to car with 5 wires that plug into it corroded so bad no ground connection and each of the wires made no connection to the plug. No info on how to diagnose and/or repair. Common problem. Took everything apart and soaked all corroded parts in a solution of CLR, everything put back together clean with dielectric grease. Numerous shops could not diagnose including 1 dealer. Said headlights needed to be replaced at $500+/ side parts only. Very common on the rare factory installed HID systems. Wiring is different.

43mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine made a loud ticking noise. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the would drive normal; however, while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Variable Valve Timing Actuator (VVTA) was not functioning as needed causing the engine stall and loud ticking sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

49mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the nearest dealer that was able to perform the recall repair was 3-hours away. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and suggested that the vehicle be taken or towed to the dealer for the free one-time repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH INCURRED COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL.

53mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the part did not fit the fuel tank. The technical advisor was contacted and informed the contact that the style fuel tank was no longer being used. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

56mo ago
Transmission 1

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE PUT IN A RECALL FOR THIS MY TRANSMISSION IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN AND THIS IS MY SECOND MADZA 6... THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE WE SPEND MONEY OF VEHICLES THAT SUPPOSE TO RUN WELL... SO WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THESE MADZA'S AND KNOW ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.... I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS WHEN THE CAR JUST CUT OFF AND WOULDN'T MOVE AND WHEN IT DID IT WAS STARTED GRINDING WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR.... THAT WAS A SCARY THING... THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME IN MY FIRST MADZA 6 WITH ONLY 89000 MILES ON IT... SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE....

66mo ago
Electrical 2

HAD RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS. I HAVE RECEIVED SECOND RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED AGAIN AS THE ONE THEY ORIGINALLY REPLACED IT WITH IS DEFECTIVE TO. IF THE PASSENGER SIDE IS DEFECTIVE THEN SO THE DRIVERS SIDE IS TO. WANT TO KNOW WHY DRIVERS SIDE ISN'T GOING TO BE REPLACED.

66mo ago
Engine 1

I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHENEVER I PUT GAS IN IT. MY CAR WON'T START UP OR CUT OFF WHENEVER I PUT GAS IN IT. I'VE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE ACCELERATION BECAUSE OF THIS.

71mo ago
Electrical 2

THIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT AND OWNERSHIP TRANSFERRED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. STOP SENDIN ME RECALL NOTICES!

78mo ago
Body 1

FRONT SUB-FRAME RUSTED CAUSING LOWER SUSPENSION / CONTROL ARM TO COME APART, LEAVING FRONT WHEEL TO BE UNSTABLE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT DO TO INSTABILITY IN STARING SYSTEM. I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, HOWEVER FOR SOME REASON MY VIN DOESN'T SHOW THE RECALL. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT THE COMPANY IS PLANNING TO ADDRESS, OR AM A STUCK WITH THE PROBLEM? PICTURES INCLUDED.

79mo ago
Electrical 2

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V781000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED AND REPAIRED IN 2016 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V345000 (AIR BAGS) AT SIERRA AUTOCARS INC (626-359-8291, LOCATED AT 1450 S SHAMROCK AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT INFORM HER THAT THE PREVIOUS REPAIRS WERE TEMPORARY REMEDIES. THE DEALER WAS AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

79mo ago
Electrical 2

- VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. LOCATED IN ZONE A - RECEIVED MULTIPLE NOTICES IN MAIL SINCE 2016. - MAZDA WEBSITE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A RECALL EXISTS WHEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT WHEN PHONED IN - RECALL ALWAYS QUOTED TO TAKE A DAY, WITH NO ALTERNATE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE. DESPITE MAILER SAYING FREE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE. I'VE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES. - I NEED A VEHICLE - ALWAYS. RIGHT NOW MY CHOICE IS TO CONTINUE DRIVING MY CAR (AT RISK OF 'SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH') OR LOSE MY LIVELIHOOD.

80mo ago
Electrical 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. OURISMAN MAZDA OF ROCKVILLE (LOCATED AT 801 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, 301-424-7800) REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS TWICE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

80mo ago
Body 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CHANGING THE OIL, HE NOTICED A HUGE RUSTED HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GORDIE BOUCHER MAZDA OF JANESVILLE (2727 US-14, JANESVILLE, WI 53545, (608) 754-5511) WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THE CONTACT'S OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUBFRAME BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,700. *TR

82mo ago
Engine 2

TRANSMISSION ROUGHLY JERKS ITSELF INTO 2ND-3RD GEAR. WHEN THE CAR HAS COME TO A STOP AND IS THEN ACCELERATED, ENGINE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN SLAMS ITSELF INTO 2ND OR 3RD GEAR. THIS POSES AS A REAR-END THREAT, AS THE CAR IS FORCEFULLY PUT INTO GEAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK FORWARD SUDDENLY. FOR ME THIS ONLY OCCURS AT LOWER SPEEDS (10-30 MPH). I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND MANY OTHERS HAVE COME ACROSS THE SAME THING.

83mo ago
Electrical 2

LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS AREN'T BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD CLEARLY

88mo ago
Body 1

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT VEHICLE FRAME HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH WHERE THE STEERING MEMBERS ATTACH. FOUND THIS WHEN CHECKING THE BRAKES. APPEARS DANGEROUS!

93mo ago
Body 1

ON 6/18/2018, THE PASSENGER SIDE STEERING CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF THE SUB-FRAME OF MY 2006 MAZDA 6 WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET CLOSE TO HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY. I DID NOT KNOW AT THE TIME THAT IT WAS THE SUBFRAME. ALL I KNEW WAS THAT THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF THE SUB-FRAME BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED/CORRODED. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE AND A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR AN AUTO SUBFRAME TO ROT LIKE THAT AND MY CAR ONLY AS ABOUT 86,000 MILES. I CALLED MAZDA USA (1-800-222-5500) AND EXPLAINED MY SITUATION WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. THEY STARTED A CASE AND ADVISED ME TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION. ON 6/29/18, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO LIBERTY MAZDA. ON 7/5/2018, THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE SUBFRAME FAILED BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTED/CORRODED. AND THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME AN ESTIMATE OF $1,973 TO REPAIR THE CAR USING A USED SUBFRAME. ON 7/9/2018, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ANGELA (REFUSED TO PROVIDE LAST NAME) A MAZDA USA CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. SHE STATED THAT MAZDA USA DECLINED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRING MY CAR. IN OTHER WORDS, MAZDA USA IS NOT OWNING UP TO THEIR ENGINEERING FLAW DESIGNING THE SUBFRAME. EVEN THOU NHTSA HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUBFRAME FAILURES DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. I DECLINED GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED SINCE MAZDA USA WAS NOT WILLING TO PAY ANYTHING TOWARDS THE REPAIR.

97mo ago
Electrical 2

FAILED TO BE NOTIFY IN A TIMELY MANNER.

99mo ago

189 total

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