1988 Mazda MX6
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1988 Mazda MX6. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1988 Mazda MX6. Newest first.
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch IS securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button IS pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer IS developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
At ambient temperatures below 0 degree f, frost may accumulate within the throttle body under extended constant speed operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Frost accumulation on the throttle valve may prevent thevalve from returning smoothly.
Remedy
Install a new type thermostat designed to raise the coolant temperature and warm the throttle body to a level above freezing.
Vehicles equipped with rear brake drums transported by train may experience separation of the brake shoe from the wheel brake cylinder piston.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should separation occur, repeated brake operation maydamage the wheel brake cylinder dust boot, allowing water or dust intrusion andsubsequent piston contamination.
Remedy
All vehicles will be inspected and if no separation IS found grease will be applied to the component interface to lower friction and avoid subsequent relative motion. if separation IS found the wheel brake cylinder dust boot will be replaced.
Fuel tank fixing band retention IS not sufficient, allowing the band to rub against the fuel tank by vehicle vibrations.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could wear a hole in the fuel tank which couldresult in fuel leakage.
Remedy
Repair fuel fixing band by installing a rubber sheet.
Floor mat could interfere with release of accelerator pedal due to improper shape of mat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in loss of accelerator control andcreate potential for an accident.
Remedy
Remove present mat and replace with new improved mat.
Owner complaints
16 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension › Rear
While driving at an undetermined speed and with no warning rear suspension collapsed. the consumer had the vehicle towed to the service dealer. *ak the failure was due to salt corrosion. the vehicle spun around, slid across the left lane and into the median. *sc
- Electrical system
Consumer states that there IS an electrical short that drains the battery in as low as half an hour after the battery has been charged, the alternator has been replaced three times along with the battery, main fuse and distributor, however the problem continues. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer bought four tires, and three had tread separation. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt lock and release mechanism jammed rendering seatbelt useless. nlm
- Structure › Body › Door
Initially when this problem occurred, I discovered the door handle mechanism IS made of pot metal and not of a very strong nature for the frequent use it gets. checking with the dealer I find it will cost $300 to fix. to save money I researched used part places. I discovered this IS a wide…
Initially when this problem occurred, I discovered the door handle mechanism IS made of pot metal and not of a very strong nature for the frequent use it gets. checking with the dealer I find it will cost $300 to fix. to save money I researched used part places. I discovered this IS a wide spread problem and door handles are rare to come by as most are already bought up. I have searched northern as well as southern ca, and will now try in tx. I feel this IS a safety issue because my 2 year old was locked in the car the other day and the handle of course being broken wouldn't open. luckily I was able to put something down through the glass to open it from the inside. this IS obviously a defective part, IS there anyway to have it fixed by the dealer?.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Had parked vehicle & put windows down. While putting power windows down, started to make noises & got stuck. Power windows hit a rod. The door became unlocked & open. Tried closing door, but door did not close properly. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have door & windows checked. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Frontal collision, impact 12:00 position, lap/shoulder belt did not retract, vehicle was completely stopped. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The dealership does not have the parts available and hasn't had the parts in a month 95v1003005. Please describe. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving smoke started coming from the engine and through the heating ducts, driver pulled over the fire had started. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The front passenger side seatbelt will not latch and when it IS latched it will not unlatch. Please describe. tt
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicles automatic transmission has an overdrive hold feature which comes on by itself and shifts into lower gears. This occurs with no warning. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Experiences intermittent seatbelt buckle failure, takata buckle won't interlock, when pull on buckle releases. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Buckle model no 524. Plastic part in seat belt would not engage properly on driver seat. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Passenger seat belt buckle red button broke, resulting in inoperative seat belt. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat latch on drivers side has problem latching and sticks when you try to unlatch it. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Mode no 524, lap/shoulder buckle will not snap, plastic inside buckle broke. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Takata seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Transmission oil line fire
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52503Maintenance free battery - diagnostic and charging procedure.
- 52497Use of a/c tracer dye.
- 52492Wiper motor inoperative - circuit breaker activation.
Every Mazda MX6 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.