2003 Mazda Mazda6 Mazda Mazda6 2003

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 repairs by problem area

Engine (58%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (11%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 96 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Mazda Mazda6.

2003 Mazda Mazda6 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (20%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (35%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 85 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Mazda Mazda6

Engine not specified

Mazda Mazda6 in Spain
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

115320 mi
Bad diagnosis for Mazda. I decided no repair because the cost was 4500$. I sold the car and the buyer discovered there was nothing broken, only bad oil ( Mazda team put the oil at 180.00 ) 
Mazda Mazda6 in Florida, United States
Sep 2012 - Oct 2012
Oct 2012

77000 mi

US $1300
Engine miss at 75K. 3 spark plugs and 3 ignition coils, plus replacing valve cover gasket. Price-1300. major work to replace plugs, including taking off intake manifold. Poor design. 

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 4dr Sedan

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mazda Mazda6 in Texas, United States
Mar 2009 - Jul 2009
May 2009

112000 mi
Bushings cracked on lower control arms. Parts $200. Labor to install $550. 
Jul 2009

112000 mi
Air/fuel mixture sensor failed. Would have cost $500 to fix. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Tennessee, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Aug 2009

US $350
new battery; also had engine light indicting misfire on an engine coil. misfiring was causing car to jerk slightly while idling. coil replaced. 
May 2010

98000 mi
new throttle body, also had checked for occasional "popping" sound (shop said sound was harmless), also had oil change new throttle body, also had checked for occasional "popping" sound (shop said sound was harmless), also had oil change cooling fan is running on high constantly, stays on for a short while even after car is turned off. Shop says it wont hurt anything/might be a circuit in the computer but it would be 500+ to send for repairs. 
Jun 2010

101000 mi
cooling fan made loud constant noise. I discovered it was under recall so it was fixed for free. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Missouri, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

79000 mi

US $225
Headliner was falling down and was replaced. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Florida, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011

103000 mi

US $250
"ActiveMatic" automatic/manual mode trasmission shifter became intermittant over time until unreliable manual shifts resulted. Problem was the 3 microswitches assembled into the shift pattern housing. The contacts became dirty/corroded (?). 
Mazda Mazda6 in Illinois, United States
Feb 2011 - Apr 2011
Mar 2011

131000 mi

US $450
Evap sensor bad. Not required to smog test in my location, so told I could live with it as repair was more than car was worth. Diagnosis worn spark plugs, misfire #4, bad coil #4, possibly additional sensors issues. 
Apr 2011

131000 mi

US $450
Car kept dying after rain storm. New codes resulted in flashing CEL, All 4 of 6 ignition coils shot. Repair was worth more than car was worth. Cut my losses and sold it to shop for half of value to cover cost of repairs. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Kansas, United States
Dec 2007 - Aug 2011
Dec 2009

94000 mi

US $800
Valve cover gaskets reported as "seeping" at July repair shop trip - got it repaired today. Oil pan gasket is leaking - previously unknown problem repaired today. 
Jan 2010

96000 mi

US $245
Car showed check engine light and code P0303 which is misfire in cylinder #3. When shop drove, problem had disappeared after barely being drivable for me. Shop switched ignition coils on #3 and #4 to see if problem would reoccur but has not yet. 
Feb 2011

114600 mi

US $90
Ball joints are nearing replacement time - lubed by the shop. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Florida, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

116000 mi
Passenger side making a horrible noise, when wheel was turned to the left. Replaced lower control arm passenger side. Noise disappeared. 
Mazda Mazda6 in South Carolina, United States
Dec 2013 - Oct 2014
Dec 2013

161000 mi

US $400
Pcv.cam sensors .throttle body.spark. plug.reset computer . 
Mazda Mazda6 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2007 - Jan 2012
May 2007

48000 mi
Air conditioning and ventilation, repair 
Mazda Mazda6 in California, United States
Dec 2004 - Jun 2014
Aug 2004

19045 mi
Warranty - radiator fan 
Oct 2008

69000 mi

US $20
Dashboard plastic hinge broke on one side. 
Jan 2011

99300 mi

US $770
Bearings were busted on both Front wheels. Had to replace Bearings + Hub.  
Apr 2011

101000 mi

US $133
Appears a specific valve got stuck, causing throttling issues. Valve was cleaned out and lubed.  
Jul 2011

104000 mi

US $275
This is related to the problem in april...one of two fixes-the first was a valve got stuck with dirt. This didn't work, car lost all power on highway. So did the alternative solution which was to replace an electronic component that controlled the valve. Had to fix the key ignition ... somehow it wouldn't recognize any of my 3 keys ... something happened to the tumblers ... couldn't drive car until locksmith fixed it. 
Sep 2012

113000 mi

US $65
Just a slight oil leak. Had to add some silicon in multiple joints. 
Sep 2013

122000 mi
Key lock (driver side door) fell into door panel. Had to open up door panel, unhook electrical from panel, then had to remove the sound deadening panel to fish around for a loose screw that kept the key lock in place. 
Nov 2013

123100 mi

US $150
Had to replace a broken engine mount (circular object) holding the engine to the chassis. (car would vibrate really bad unless it was in neutral). 
Jun 2014

126000 mi
1)leaking oil. will need to replace some type of engine valve gasket 2)engine mount needs to be replaced 3)water hose to engine is leaking, and needs to be replaced. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Michigan, United States
Feb 2008 - Feb 2009
Jul 2008

67000 mi

US $552
Throttle body had to be replaced. 
Mazda Mazda6 in California, United States
Aug 2007 - Jun 2011
Dec 2007

45000 mi

US $500
Replace front left and right struts. Replace Controller arm. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Michigan, United States
Jun 2006 - Mar 2010
Oct 2006

78000 mi
Bad Fan Module. The fan would run constantly, even after shutting the car off. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Florida, United States
Sep 2013 - Oct 2018
Sep 2013

141000 mi

US $975
Replace cooling fan assy and radiatior 
Sep 2017

187000 mi

US $185
Replaced both drive axles. On one the inner boot had split and all the grease had been slung all over underneath. 
Jul 2018

197324 mi

US $74
Replaced front rotors & pads. Pads had 51,000 miles on them. New pads are ceramic. Rear brakes are next. 
Mazda Mazda6 in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

123000 mi
Had issues with rust on the bottom of the vehicle, and my catalytic converter subsequently had to be replaced. 

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 4dr Sedan

220-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed manual FWD

Mazda Mazda6 in Indiana, United States
Nov 2013 - Nov 2014
Dec 2013

150000 mi

US $520
Replace shocks/struts and replace transmission case seal. 
Aug 2014

158600 mi

US $300
Replaced starter 
Nov 2014

160000 mi
Driver's side seat heater stopped working. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Montana, United States
Jan 2014 - Mar 2018
Feb 2014

110000 mi

US $1600
Had clutch and oil pan gasket replaced. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2010 - Feb 2013
Jul 2010

82000 mi

US $2015
New clutch. New struts. Replaced worn coolant hoses. 
Jan 2011

93000 mi

US $310
Bad ignition coil. Replaced. 
Aug 2011

101000 mi

US $800
Temp gauge going up at idle. Replaced thermostat. Prob remains. Probabaly broken water pump fin, will replace next time, not pressing. 
Feb 2013

120000 mi
Temp gauge going up at idle. Probabaly broken water pump fin. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Florida, United States
Feb 2009 - Feb 2009
Feb 2009 Engine blown. Turned main bearing. Salvaged. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Maryland, United States
Jul 2007 - Jun 2017
Feb 2007

47630 mi
gas cap door mechanism got stuck due to salt/mineral deposits, dealer repaired it under warranty 
Aug 2008

71823 mi

US $533
new rear brake pads and rotors, new front brake pads, replaced squeaking front left wheel bearing 
Feb 2009

81495 mi

US $19
2 new low beam light bulbs, 2 new front parking light bulbs 
Sep 2009

90430 mi

US $209
new battery, adjusted front left brake calipers due to brake squeaking 
Oct 2011

120500 mi

US $3000
Engine died. I replaced the engine, exhaust manifold, and catalytic converter with used parts.  
Jul 2012

126500 mi

US $440
needed new throttle body 
Sep 2012

129000 mi

US $1000
Needed new catalytic converters. 
Jun 2013

134000 mi

US $300
replaced water pump belt and tensioner, latter preventive 
Sep 2016

146000 mi

US $275
replaced a wheel speed sensor 

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 4dr Sedan

160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mazda Mazda6 in Texas, United States
Dec 2008 - Dec 2012
Sep 2008

61000 mi

US $650
Fuel Vapor recovery system failure 
Mazda Mazda6 in Arizona, United States
Dec 2006 - Feb 2017
Mar 2006

20443 mi
CEL came on for oxygen sensor - TSB for false read - PCM software updated 
Sep 2007

33439 mi

US $444
Replace front brake rotors (266) + engine mount (178) 
Dec 2007

36729 mi

US $577
Front bushings cracked and damaged - replace all control arm bushings with bushing kit 
Apr 2008

41000 mi

US $550
Front ball joint wear. 
Jan 2011

65000 mi
Leaky front struts -replaced 
Jul 2013

85500 mi

US $200
Replaced thermostat 
Nov 2014

98000 mi
Replace alternator 
Mazda Mazda6 in California, United States
May 2006 - Jul 2014
Jan 2006

38000 mi
computer chip malfunction shut down the car while on highway. under warranty and was fixed. 
Nov 2009

90000 mi

US $250
oxygen sensor replaced 
Mazda Mazda6 in California, United States
Jun 2008 - Sep 2014
Jul 2008

68000 mi

US $1400
Intake manifold gasket failure caused Check Engine Light and rough running/idle at low speed. Very costly repair, apparently very common with Mazda/Ford 2.3L 4 cyl engine. Also reflashed ECU to resolve open TSB/recall notice. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2008 - May 2015
Oct 2010

82000 mi

US $90
Code P0456 - Evap Vent Solenoid stuck. Part on top of fuel tank; non-critical at this time. Parts & labor estimate $600. 
Dec 2010

84000 mi

US $90
Lost both headlamp low beams (left and right) in about a 36hr. period, plus a smaller accessory headlamp bulb. Self-repair opportunity wasn't going to happen for a few days so I took it to the dealer. Replaced bulbs while I waited. 
Jan 2011

86000 mi

US $300
Accessory belt tensioner pulley was making obvious noise suggesting bearing or other failure was on its way. Repair performed at Ford (Mazda 6i uses same 2.3L Duratec) replaced pulley. 
Mar 2011

87000 mi
Car had been idling noisily. While replacing air filter, discovered airbox wasn't securely attached to wheel well intake. Prob. dislodged during headlight repair? Quick re-seat cleared up idle issue & got MPG back to expected. 
Jul 2011

95000 mi

US $55
Noticed slight burning smell over 3 days prior to planned service, so requested technician investigate. Discovered housing for oil filter cartridge was cracked & had minor leak. Housing replaced during oil change; no labor charged. 
Apr 2012

102000 mi

US $500
Bearing noise (sounded like a bad tire) was investigated & found to require replacement of hub assembly. 
Jan 2013

113300 mi

US $285
Left-front suspension was making an awful creaking noise. Dealer reported both tie rods were damaged (torn covers) and the left one was causing the noise. 
Nov 2013

128000 mi

US $5
Complete electrical failure when I turned key to ignition. Poof... Replaced main fuse in my driveway. 
Mar 2014

133000 mi

US $400
Left-side lower control arm bushings were shot. 
Sep 2014

143000 mi

US $350
Replaced sway bar end link that had been making tons of noise. Comment was that it was "loose". 
Jan 2015

119500 mi

US $275
Replaced split PCV hose. 
May 2015

152000 mi
Return of the CEL with same codes as before PCV repair 
Mazda Mazda6 in New York, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2010
Feb 2010

55000 mi

US $45
Battery warning light came on. It was due to a loose connection. 
Mar 2010

55000 mi

US $630
Tailpipes and muffler separated from exhaust system  
Mazda Mazda6 in Trinidad and Tobago
Apr 2009 - Nov 2010
Aug 2009

52700 mi

$100
Engine mount, rear/firewall  "dogbone" Serpentine belt tensioner Engine mount, rear/firewall "dogbone" Serpentine belt tensioner 
Jan 2010

57760 mi
CD changer lens cleaned and mechanism repaired 
Feb 2010

58280 mi

$240
Front wheel bearings 
Apr 2010

58680 mi

$150
CD Radio/Climate Control Display 
Sep 2010

63240 mi
Driver's door lock broken spring (could not open door) 
Mazda Mazda6 in Ohio, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
Jan 2009

96000 mi

US $800
Check engine light came on. Some seals needed replaced, and the PCV valve was cracked. Also put on 4 new tires, and oil change. / tune up. 
Sep 2009

109000 mi

US $3900
Engine replaced with rebuilt, warranty engine 

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mazda Mazda6 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

95000 mi

US $400
Passenger side muffler and pipe was leaking keeping the car from passing emissions. 
Mazda Mazda6 in Victoria, Australia
Dec 2011 - Aug 2014
Feb 2013

79140 mi

A $607
Alternator replaced 
Mazda Mazda6 in New Zealand
Aug 2016 - Dec 2021
Oct 2016

71920 mi

$485
Vibrating when idling. Concerned that the wrong oil grade contributing (topped up with 5W-40 instead of 5w-30. Early service done (was due at 117500. Liquid fill engine mount had failed. Replaced and back to smooth running. 
Nov 2021

96720 mi

$170
Split rubber boot replaced 

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2003 Mazda Mazda6 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Mazda Mazda6 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.