2006 Mazda Mazda6 recalls and problems

The 2006 Mazda Mazda6 has 3 safety recalls and 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Urgent: recall 19V-781, recall 18V-402, recall 17V-474 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
173
Crashes / fires
13 / 1
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Mazda Mazda6 recalls

Recall 19V-781: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Oct 31, 2019 · 47,006 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Recall 18V-402: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jun 15, 2018 · 308,591 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Recall 17V-474: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jul 26, 2017 · 308,992 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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.

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.

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.

2006 Mazda Mazda6 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags95
Power Train21
Electrical System11
Engine10
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Steering7
Tires7
Structure7
Exterior Lighting7
Vehicle Speed Control5
Service Brakes4
Suspension4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
  • Steering › Linkages — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Mazda Mazda6 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Apr 19, 2024
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.
Structure · at 142,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2024
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.
Exterior Lighting · reported Dec 18, 2022
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…
Engine · at 123,000 miles · reported Jul 5, 2022
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…
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Feb 16, 2022
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.

Other Mazda Mazda6 years

Compare all Mazda Mazda6 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda Mazda6 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Mazda Mazda6: 19V-781 (air bags), 18V-402 (air bags), 17V-474 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mazda Mazda6?

Owners report air bags problems most often (95 reports), followed by power train (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.