NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Problems

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Pretty Good

5.9

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,881 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Mazda MAZDA6 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Owner Comments

problem #10

Apr 042010

MAZDA6

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Over a period of 1-1/2 hours, our 2003 Mazda 6 quickly lost all acceleration power on 5 different occasions while driving out of town on the highway. Following a 'slight bump' the car went from 70 mph to 35 mph to 10 mph, quickly, regardless of pressure applied to the accelerator. Getting to the side of the road in traffic going 70mph+ was in itself a challenge and after pulling to a complete stop the car began jerking fiercely. Only turning off the engine completely was the system 'reset'. the Mazda dealership hooked it up and determined the throttle body must be replaced for a quoted cost of $534.41 (macon, ga). The sensor itself, the likely culprit for this issue, is not offered or available for sale by Mazda without its 'body', unlike countless other makes, which is outrageous, but the most disgusting part of this issue is that although there are a critical number of complaints logged about this issue, the tps has not been listed as a recall. The dealership stated they did not have to replace it since there were only 'service bulletins' listed and no actual recalls for the parts. They are very aware of the situation. From my own experience and my daughter's with this issue, I can guarantee that this has definitely caused serious injuries, if not fatalities, that just haven't been reported or possibly identified. I will continue to hunt down the sensor as I will not fall prey to Mazda's 'racket'. the car will sit until I locate the part, or end up being parted out.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #9

Feb 052004

MAZDA6

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda 6. while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle vibrated and hesitated without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the engine, which was replaced. In addition, the vehicle would shift roughly from first to second gear. He experienced failure with the exterior lights and the window operating mechanisms. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The technician stated that the aftermarket electronic components were possibly the causes of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the following components: Alternator, battery, exterior lights, and four window operating mechanisms. Also, the computer module, transmission, and air conditioner modules were replaced. The failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 94,000.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 312005

MAZDA6 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I purchased my Mazda in 2003. Since the purchase everything was fine until the end of Oct. 2005 my engine light came on and my car was shaking, and my rpms where malfunctioning (going up and down, then back up again). I took my car to the dealership and was informed that my car jumped time, my car had under 45K miles. They fixed it, but in the beginning of Nov. 2005, not even a month later, my car did the same thing, but this time I was told that the bolts in my engine needed to be replace. Then in the summer of 2006 I had a vacuum leak, my car would start and stop, I had that repaired at repair shop of my own chose, since my warranty was up. Now in April 2007, I was informed by a repair shop, of my own chose, that I thrown a rod in my motor.

- Muskogee, OK, USA

problem #7

Jan 162007

MAZDA6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After 4 previous repairs I started my car and my check engine light once again began to flash, this time flashing rapidly. I called the dealer who told me not to drive the car because the rapid flash means the car is unsafe. I was told I had a bad coil. After a $400 repair, I proceeded to drive the car home only to have the same light flash. The dealer then told me my cataliytic converters split. Now I have a $4,600 repair job on a 2003. Please check to see if there are any other complaints on this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with this car for the past year. Thank you.

- Moores Hill, IN, USA

problem #6

Nov 092004

MAZDA6 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles
While driving 40 mph vehicle intermittently accelerated at higher speed. Cruise control would not be engaged during this issue. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was told that the vehcile was in good condtion and that nothing was wrong. The vehicle would also hesitate at various speeds and made a clunking noise. The vehicle revved high while at a complete stop. The check enigine light illuminated intermittently. Each time the dealer turn the engine light out it would come back on.

- Mastic Beach, NY, USA

problem #5

Apr 022004

MAZDA6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,807 miles
I drive a 2003 Mazda 6S, which I purchased from bigger's Mazda in elgin, il. This vehicle was purchased new from them. My area of concern involves the check engine light on my vehicle, and the performance of the vehicle when this light is on. On April 2, 2004 my check engine light appeared for the third time. When I operate my vehicle with the light on it performs erratically and unusual. The last time the light came on, I was pulling out into traffic, and my vehicle bogged down. In turn, the driver behind almost rear-ended me. While driving my vehicle yesterday, I went to pass a car on the expressway, and again my car bogged down. Every time that I take my car to the dealer, I provide them with the same complaint. I have paperwork to show that I have taken it in three times. After a recent visit to my dealer, they stated, "we have no fix for the check engine light. The light will always come back on. If you are lucky, our Mazda engineers will have a remedy by August 2004 (today is 4/6/04). The check engine light is caused by a misfire in the fourth cylinder". what an awful response from the dealer. I am concerned about the safety of my car. I am also concerned about the other drivers around my car. After three visits to my dealer, I feel lost and helpless. Please advise.

- South Elgin, IL, USA

problem #4

Oct 182003

MAZDA6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The "new" vehicle had 900 unexplained mile on it upon purchase. Within 4 months the check engine light came on and the vehicle kicks back when changing gears. Took to dealer in Pennsylvania, was advised that needed knock sensor replaced, but they did not have part. Took the vehicle to dealer in Virginia, did not look at it, although I told them what other dealership said, and told them there was a recall on it. Took to different dealership and was advised that there are 2 recalls, and they were fixed. Now the fan races minutes after the vehicle is off. Also, the vehicle seems to be lacking in power despite the engine is 220 horse power.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #3

Sep 222003

MAZDA6

  • miles
While driving vehicle stalled without warning.

- Mamaroneck, NY, USA

problem #2

May 072003

MAZDA6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles
The engine light and transmission light indicated a problem to me, as well as the car jerking upon acceleration. After taking the car to the dealer for service it was determined that knock sensor had malfunctioned. Since the first visit to the dealership for service regarding this problem, it has happened 5 times. I have contacted my dealer and the manufacturer and am still dealing with this issue. My dealer has made no attempt to rectify the situation other than replacing the engine sensor over and over. The car was out of commision for over a week each time. I have gone to the dealer asking for their help in contacting Mazda about a new engine and or car and they are completly uncooperative.

- Elizabethtown, PA, USA

problem #1

Jul 312003

MAZDA6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles
While driving, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was aware of the problem. Since the vehicle was turned around leading to downhill, the vehicle restarted. Two dealers didn't know what was wrong. The vehicle did not run at 8500 elevation. The consumer was left sideways in the road when there was hesitation.

- Barstow, CA, USA

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