The Lemon Index2004 Mazda6.
The 2004 Mazda6 is better than average by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 19 to 24 mpg combined. The best Mazda6 year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 160 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mazda6 year. 2004 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 22K to 114K miles on the car (93 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 23K–131K miles
Recalls 7
- 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 7 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.
- seat belts 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE RIGHT AND/OR LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS MAY NOT LOCK PROPERLY DUE TO MISSING RETAINING PINS ON THE HOUSING.
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 220 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 1-2 shift lock
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
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving 45 mph, the consumer crashed into the vehicle in front of him. The air bags failed to deploy and the consumer sustained minor injuries.
2004 Mazda6 owner · NHTSA complaint 10087797
More owner reports
Front brake discs severe vibration on steering when applying brakes!
NHTSA complaint 10164470
While pulling into a parking space, the brakes disengaged, almost causing consumer's vehicle to crash into other vehicles. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and stated that the brakes were not defective.
NHTSA complaint 10094641
Quick answers
Is the 2004 Mazda6 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda6 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2004 Mazda6 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (19%), airbags (14%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda6 have?
7 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 2004 Mazda6 get?
19 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Mazda6 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 22,200 and 114,000 miles. The middle report was at 66,100 miles, from 93 complaints.
Does the 2004 Mazda6 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Mazda6 cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Mazda6 have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda6 year is better than the 2004?
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