2002 Mazda MAZDA6
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Mazda MAZDA6. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6. Newest first.
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 can be forced off of the guide rail during the filling of the master cylinder.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, it IS possible that the float will not return to the guide rail and the brake fluid level warning indicator may not function.
Remedy
Mazda has not yet provided a remedy for this campaign. owner notification began july 14, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I was driving my well-maintained 2002 mazda mpv (odo 66,000miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, when all of a sudden it was as if it was shifted into neutral. had car towed to an independent repair facility, which diagnosed failed transmission. had it towed to mazda dealer, who corroborated the…
I was driving my well-maintained 2002 mazda mpv (odo 66,000miles) on the freeway at 65 mph, when all of a sudden it was as if it was shifted into neutral. had car towed to an independent repair facility, which diagnosed failed transmission. had it towed to mazda dealer, who corroborated the diagnosis, and put in a remanufactured transmission. cost to me: $3,546.09. doesn't seem right; I'm very upset. I asked for the old part, but they told me I would have to pay the "core charge", which I declined. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver's side car seat belt latch broke. dealer required prepayment to order part from manufacturer. manufacturer does not inventory this part. it has to come from japan. unable to drive my car since the seat belt latch IS broken. this IS a "safety issue" part. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
The 2002 mpv has had recurring problems with the fan control module. their has been a recall on this item, but after having had the fan control module repaired under warranty the same problem resurfaced after only 24,000 miles -- and this time was not covered under warranty. the repair cost $233.35. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 2002 mazda 626 only had 88,000 miles on the car before the transmission failed. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
Mazda USA mazda mpv 2002 dear sirs: I own a mazda mpv 2002 model which has been having minor sporadic trouble for some time. Between 1500 and 1800 rpm it would sometimes jerk and sputter and then it would settle down and continue. I've taken this to two different dealers during…
Mazda USA mazda mpv 2002 dear sirs: I own a mazda mpv 2002 model which has been having minor sporadic trouble for some time. Between 1500 and 1800 rpm it would sometimes jerk and sputter and then it would settle down and continue. I've taken this to two different dealers during routine scheduled service and they said that couldn't find anything until the engine light came on. Well after several months of this, finally the engine light came on , I replaced the coils 1,2,3 I noticed an improvement but eventually the problem recurred and was told to replace the remaining 3 coils plus a hose. Four days after leaving the shop on a trip of 50 miles the engine lost power on a highway creating a dangerous condition for my family. After having it towed to the same dealership. I was told it was unrelated and that I needed to replace the transmission to the tune of $3400 after having already spent $1200. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Equipment · Power train › Automatic transmission
From the day I drove my new 2002 mpv home the transmission mis-shifted and bucked. I called the dealer the following day and they told me that "the transmission computer was learning my driving habits and it would go away. After 3 months the problem persisted and began stalling at lights. I took…
From the day I drove my new 2002 mpv home the transmission mis-shifted and bucked. I called the dealer the following day and they told me that "the transmission computer was learning my driving habits and it would go away. After 3 months the problem persisted and began stalling at lights. I took the car in and they said they could find no problem. When I asked them what they needed to repair the problem they said that there were no computer upgrades for the transmission and I would have to wait until there were. a year passed and it continued to buck and stall. I took the car in again and told them I thought it was a "lemon" and I wanted it repaired. They took the car and "fixed it" but it has continued to mis shift regularly. At around 25,000 miles the engine light came on and a diagnostic test revealed it needed new plugs. After replacing the plugs it appeared to run less erratically. It now has 65,000 miles on it and a diagnostic test reveals that the #5 cylinder coil IS out. Apparently each spark plug has its own coil. I have ordered the coil and am waiting to see what problem will come up next. In oct 2005 mazda sent out a voluntary laboratory emission testing form. Since they wanted the vehicle for 2 weeks and I already didn't trust there competency I declined the offer. Nevertheless, this told me that they must be having emission problems as well. I cannot believe there has been no recall on this vehicle from the manufacturer or a government required recall. The dealer never fixed the problem from day one, the car IS now out of warranty and now I have no recourse. I have lost all confidence in mazda. I will be contacting some attorneys about a class action lawsuit. It seems like it will take a fatality on a freeway from a failed transmission before mazda or the government will look into this! *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle has a pcv hose failure factory recall. its failed four times - the hose IS not resistant to oil. it eats itself out from the inside out. it than sucks itself in and gets a growing hole. vacuum pressure gets so low that the brake booster begins to failure causing break failure. mazda…
Vehicle has a pcv hose failure factory recall. its failed four times - the hose IS not resistant to oil. it eats itself out from the inside out. it than sucks itself in and gets a growing hole. vacuum pressure gets so low that the brake booster begins to failure causing break failure. mazda has since upgrade the "new" improved part to a more "improved new" part that fixes this problem. they refuse to fix my van again because they already fixed it once. they should of fixed it right the first time. I'm on my fourth hose now and I think since they upgrade the part again it shows they know they installed a defective part on my van in the first place. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission in my 2002 mazda 626 sedan burned out without warning while being operated during normal highway conditions. the vehicle was well-maintained during my period of ownership. I was told by the mazda mechanics that the 626 was "notorious" for transmission problems like this, and that…
The transmission in my 2002 mazda 626 sedan burned out without warning while being operated during normal highway conditions. the vehicle was well-maintained during my period of ownership. I was told by the mazda mechanics that the 626 was "notorious" for transmission problems like this, and that they would not advise any attempt to rebuild the transmission because the probability of a similar failure was high, and that the "ecat" transmission was not designed to be rebuilt. essentially, once the transmission fails in this vehicle (and I was told it was simply a matter of time), that the only option to recoup any loss IS to sell the car for parts. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Manual transmission
2002 mazda mpv transmission and water pump went out at 58,000 miles. not under warranty and mazda will not accept any responsibility for the repair. the car just died in rush hour traffic, and luckily no accident occurred. the fix was $4,000 in repairs paid by me. six weeks later, I am told…
2002 mazda mpv transmission and water pump went out at 58,000 miles. not under warranty and mazda will not accept any responsibility for the repair. the car just died in rush hour traffic, and luckily no accident occurred. the fix was $4,000 in repairs paid by me. six weeks later, I am told that I have to replace a coil and spark plug for another $500. the mechanic even said that I may have to replace more coils in the coming months.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mazda 6. the contact stated that the vehicle has no acceleration power. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle hesitated and shut off. the contact placed the vehicle in park and it was restarted. the slow acceleration occurs every day, but the stalling and shutting off IS…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mazda 6. the contact stated that the vehicle has no acceleration power. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle hesitated and shut off. the contact placed the vehicle in park and it was restarted. the slow acceleration occurs every day, but the stalling and shutting off IS occurring more frequently. the vin, purchase date, and engine size were unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 57,000.
- Air bags · Seats
Stopped on highway due to police activity. vehicle was struck from behind at 40 mph causing the seats to collapse followed by a front-side collision in which the air bags failed to deploy. there were no consequences of the failure and the part was not replaced due to the total loss of the vehicle. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 65 mph the overdrive light flashed on and off then the transmission failed. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who installed a transmission kit. the same problem occurred a second time and the same repair shop determined a rebuilt…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 65 mph the overdrive light flashed on and off then the transmission failed. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who installed a transmission kit. the same problem occurred a second time and the same repair shop determined a rebuilt transmission should be installed. updated 10/6/2006 - the transmission overheated while driven in hot weather and caused the parts to melt down. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Power train
On mazda mpv minivan 2002- over/drive off light blinks, and car bucks as it tries to shift. if I shift it manually from 2ND to 3RD, and then drive the light will go off, and it will start to shift properly again when put in drive. mazda service wants to charge me $3600.00 dollars to replace transmission, when it IS probably a faulty sensor. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Driving the mazda tribute into a parking lot and the car suddenly went to fifty miles per hour and the tach went up to 3000 rpm, applied the brake and put car into park to stop the vehicle from going any further. Dealer was called and car was brought to the dealer for inspection. Car has been…
Driving the mazda tribute into a parking lot and the car suddenly went to fifty miles per hour and the tach went up to 3000 rpm, applied the brake and put car into park to stop the vehicle from going any further. Dealer was called and car was brought to the dealer for inspection. Car has been serviced at the mazda dealer every three thousand miles. Dealer checked the vehicle and found that an error code came up that showed that the ect temperature sensor failed which caused the computer to send excess fuel into the fuel injectors which caused a high rate of speed. Dealer fixed the problem and charged $400.00 for the repair. The incident could have caused a major problem if I was driving in open traffic. Mazda should be reviewing for possible defect and nhtsa should be opening a search for other vehicles having a similar problem. Car IS a mazda tribute 2002. *Nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
I 've had to replace the water overflow bottle (sub tank) three times. Each time there was a pin hold in them, which allows the car to run hot and shut down. I truly believe there IS a defect with those bottles. I own a 2002 mazda 626. I had to purchase the bottles each time. They request that you give up old for the new. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 mazda 626 with 37000 miles. Had a new transmission about aug, 2004. started having shifting problems about six months ago. nelson mazda in nashville, tn told us someone filled the fluid too high when we had our oil changed. even though it was obvious something was wrong, and we were only 2…
2002 mazda 626 with 37000 miles. Had a new transmission about aug, 2004. started having shifting problems about six months ago. nelson mazda in nashville, tn told us someone filled the fluid too high when we had our oil changed. even though it was obvious something was wrong, and we were only 2 weeks out of our warranty, they would do nothing but "adjust the fluid". this week it started shifting bad and before the day was up it would not go into reverse. we took it to a local trustworthy garage who said the trans. Fluid was "burned to a crisp" and needed a new transmission again. Nelson mazda will do nothing to help. nothing. a car should not need have a second bad transmission in 3 1/2 years and 37000 miles. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 2002 mazda millenia purchased new from koons mazda 9-17-2002. In august of 2005 I returned to koons to have a headlamp replaced.less than two weeks later I noticed the projection of my headlamps were aimed in the direction of the sky.the next morning I noticed both headlamps were laying in…
I have a 2002 mazda millenia purchased new from koons mazda 9-17-2002. In august of 2005 I returned to koons to have a headlamp replaced.less than two weeks later I noticed the projection of my headlamps were aimed in the direction of the sky.the next morning I noticed both headlamps were laying in the engine compartment.i returned tokoons only to be told that it would cost me $700.00 per hedlamp assy.i have tried numerous times to get mazda corporate consumer affairs to repair this problem but they have declined. Im told my car IS out of warrenty. because the heat generated by the headlamps and the exposure to other components in the engine compartment it could start a fire. Then the problem with the traction control system,that activates if I'm doing 55mph on the beltway'it causes the car to sputter and jerk .this IS a bad weather device designed to aid when weather conditions are bad.this failure just started in december.i only have 60K miles on the car. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Took my 2002 tribute for oil change and during the 21 point exam they noticed that my ABS ring on the right axle was fractured. I was told that this IS not uncommon with tributes. The ABS ring cannot be replace, they have to replace the entire right axle assembly and will cost $600. If it IS not…
Took my 2002 tribute for oil change and during the 21 point exam they noticed that my ABS ring on the right axle was fractured. I was told that this IS not uncommon with tributes. The ABS ring cannot be replace, they have to replace the entire right axle assembly and will cost $600. If it IS not replaced my ABS brakes and traction control will fail. Merry christmas and happy new year. My warranty just expired and it IS not covered. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
On cold starts there IS a loud ticking sound from the front of the engine. once engine warms up the ticking goes away. we brought our 2002 mazda mpv to a local certified mechanic and he diagnosed a cracked front exhaust manifold. we called customer service at mazda to report this problem and per…
On cold starts there IS a loud ticking sound from the front of the engine. once engine warms up the ticking goes away. we brought our 2002 mazda mpv to a local certified mechanic and he diagnosed a cracked front exhaust manifold. we called customer service at mazda to report this problem and per mazda since we exceeded our warranty by 5 months it will not be covered. after asking us about our repair and maintenance history with mazda we reported having automatic transmission service done, brake service, and coolant flush service done at the dealership. the gentleman at mazda asked us to hold so he could talk to the supervisor. when he returned he asked about the oil changes. I stated that I do those every 3,000 miles. after putting me on hold again, he stated that he could not help us after all. when we bought the van I asked if I could do my own maintenance and would it void any warranty problems and the salesman said "no". I went to another mechanic who specializes in exhaust and emission systems. I explained the situation to him and he said he would look into for us. he called back 3 days later and stated that there seems to be several complaints about the same situation we are having. in doing a national parts search at all national salvage yards to find an exhaust manifold for the van he found one in florida, but it also had a crack in it and was told that they have had numerous inquiries about the same exhaust manifold part. we took it upon ourselves to do research on the internet about this problem and was surprised to find numerous complaints of cracked exhaust manifolds on mazda mpv's. we were quoted over $1,000 to fix this problem, but we feel after consulting with several mechanics this problem should never occurred and the exhaust manifold on these engines are most likely defective from the manufacturer. What IS our next step? better business bureau?? *nm
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Tires
Purchased this vehicle in 2002, there IS a smell like mildew coming from the a/c had it tested- high mold spore counts in cabin. The air bag light goes on and off. Are these going to work if I should need them? This vehicle has been in the shop 50 times within 3 years for these problems and many more. *Jb
- Unknown or other
Mazda tribute 2002- when car accelerates over 40 miles per hour it sounds as if it IS going over a grating. It shudders and jerks. It has been occurring since we purchased this new car in 2002. Brought this car to dealer several times and it has been hard to determine the cause. Dealer flushed transmission. Car IS still,shuddering, grinding at acceleration. Any one out there have the same problem? *Jb
- Unknown or other
Paint IS chipping off front of hood and coming off the bumper around fog lamps. service manager at local dealership says that it IS rock chips and thay want do anything about it. The mazda 626 has only 33,000 miles on it and I have never seen a car with this low mileage have so many chips on it. I believe the paint on this car IS defective and that mazda should do something about it.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
At apporx. 48K miles, the o/d light continued to flash on and off, after taking it to a mechanic they stated it needed a new speed censor, after replacing said part the problem still continued, I took it to a mazda service dealer, who told me I need a new transmission, with less than 52K miles on it??
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Mazda motors co. Has a known problem with the clutch in 2001-2003 mazda miatas and has issued a tsb (05-001/03). My miata, a 2002 IS 3 months out of warranty, but with only 13,000 miles of a warranted 36,000 miles. When I approached mazda corp. With my problem I was summarilly told, without them…
Mazda motors co. Has a known problem with the clutch in 2001-2003 mazda miatas and has issued a tsb (05-001/03). My miata, a 2002 IS 3 months out of warranty, but with only 13,000 miles of a warranted 36,000 miles. When I approached mazda corp. With my problem I was summarilly told, without them looking at my car, that it was out of warranty and also stated that, even in a warranted state, the clutch will be covered for only 12,000 miles. I have read the tsb and nowhere IS a mileage number stated for a covered repair. My complaint IS, that there IS a known problem and owners are not made aware of that problem or the repair that IS recommended by the manufacturer.i was unaware of it until reading what other miata owners had written in a miata forum.granted, this IS not a safety problem but it does affect the operation of the vehicle and if the manufacturer IS aware of it and corrects it when confronted then the warranty time limit alone should not be a determining factor in whether or not a correction of the problem IS made. The repair should be made when the customer makes the complaint rergardless of the time factor involved as long as the mileage falls within the warranted period.many of the other owners with the same problem did not report onset of the problem until they had driven the car for 15,000 to 25,000 miles. They experienced the problem within the 36 months of the warranty but with greater mileage. I have less mileage on the car but with a longer period of time. Either way the problem develops within a certain period of "operation" of the vehicle. Should you have any questions of me do not hesitate to contact me at the e-mail, phone or address that I have given. Thank you.
- Unknown or other
There IS an intermittant problem with the ventilation system on my 2002 mazda tribute. With the vent system on (not the a/c) and the car has been running and warmed-up, after shutting the engine off for a few minutes , the vent system will begin blowing very hot air for an extended period of time.…
There IS an intermittant problem with the ventilation system on my 2002 mazda tribute. With the vent system on (not the a/c) and the car has been running and warmed-up, after shutting the engine off for a few minutes , the vent system will begin blowing very hot air for an extended period of time. For instance when the ambient temperature IS cool, the vent system still blows extremely hot air, as though the temperature control was set at the hottest temp. This IS when the temperature control IS set at the coolest setting. When this occurs, the only way to correct it IS to switch to a/c for a short period of time and then back to vent.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10203730Some vehicles may exhibit the inner cloth (A) falling down at the rear end causing a poor appearance and obstructing the view of the back window.
- 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
- 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10186693Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10177847When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10170661In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
Every Mazda MAZDA6 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.