2003 Mazda Mazda6 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2003 Mazda Mazda6?
The 2003 Mazda Mazda6 offers a spirited driving experience for its class, but it comes with a moderate risk profile due to notorious rust issues and some specific mechanical weaknesses. A diligent pre-purchase inspection and a clear understanding of its common failure points are crucial to ensure a positive ownership experience; otherwise, repair costs can quickly erode its value.
Biggest Strengths
- Engaging driving dynamics for a family sedan
- Generally robust 2.3L MZR engine (if maintained)
- Strong braking performance
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2003 Mazda Mazda6. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
What breaks on the 2003 Mazda Mazda6?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mazda Mazda6 by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Mazda Mazda6. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 2003 Mazda Mazda6
Parts and accessories matched to your 2003 Mazda Mazda6
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Frequently Asked Questions
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