The Lemon Index2003 Mazda6.
The 2003 Mazda6 is worse than average by owner complaints: 87 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 161, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 20 to 24 mpg combined. The best Mazda6 year is 2019.
Worse than average. 1.6× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2019
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 174 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mazda6 year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 94K miles on the car (112 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 3K–77K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 9K–99K miles
Recalls 9
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
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 t…
Show all 9 recalls
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- equipment 2009
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- fuel system, gasoline 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL SENDER UNIT (FSU) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK, PRODUCING AN INADEQUATE SEAL, AND FUEL MAY LEAK.
- parking brake 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." DURING PRODUCTION, THE FLOAT IN THE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR IN THE BRAKE RESERVOIR C…
- lights 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda6 told dealers about
Mazda6 sent dealers 210 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rough idle / engine stall during cold start at normal ambient temperature
- Engine no start due to frozen main relay/fuel pump relay
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- OpenAir bag inflator rupture2015
- ClosedAir bag inflator rupture2014–2015
- ClosedFuel tank sending unit seal leak2003
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the rear. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to dealer for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem.
2003 Mazda6 owner · NHTSA complaint 10091979
More owner reports
My car has been giving off a rotten egg odo for 8 months now since I have purchased ths vehicle. Everyone who rides in my car including myself get physically sick due to the smell.
NHTSA complaint 10061812
Manufacturing problems with 2003 Mazda 6 / auto alliance international facility.
NHTSA complaint 10053548
Quick answers
Is the 2003 Mazda6 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 161; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda6 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2003 Mazda6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (28%), transmission & drivetrain (24%) and brakes (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda6 have?
9 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mazda6 get?
20 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Mazda6 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,200 and 94,200 miles. The middle report was at 25,000 miles, from 112 complaints.
Does the 2003 Mazda6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Mazda6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Mazda6 have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda6 year is better than the 2003?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2011 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works