Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
050050504/07/2005100158711-2 shift lock. *sc08/16/2005
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
050090610/24/2006100205531-2 shift shock (trans relearn procedure deleted). vehicles with automatic transmissions. *kb11/15/2006
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
09010409/01/200410018142Pcm replacement. *jb12/15/2005
0601200406/01/200410013965Programmable module installation. ( 2004 mazda b series) *jb04/27/2005
000412301/21/200410005698B28 and later pcm calibration update information. repair information review1. *tt03/11/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
10/15/2003500
 I purchased a 2003 mazda six on 6-28-03. 2 months later the engine and other dash lights appear and car shuts off. i pick up the car 6 days later only to return it a week later when the engine light comes on again. a week later i pick it up on friday at 11:00 a.m. and by 7:00 p.m. all dash lights come on, transmission slipping, speed odometer erratic, and loss of power. it has been in the shop for 12 more days and they can not tell me anything. my piece of crap has been in the shop for 26 days, they have damaged numerous things(spoiler has crack, paint nicks on hood and doors)all i want is my money back and i walk away!
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
06/05/2011125000
 2003 mazda6 6.0 atx - car suddenly loses power while accelerating. the engine revs but no power to wheels. i have contacted local dealer without any resoulution to why this is occuring. upon a brief internet search i find this is not an isolated case. i have noticed it happens more often with ac unit on.
05/03/201098000
 The transmission is slipping, not wanting to shift into 2nd gear and then when it does shift it jerks the car really hard. this used to occur very seldom but since the car now has 98,000 miles on it, this has been happening almost all the time. i have heard that the car needs to be reflashed, but i have also read that this does not help. many people with the same car have the same exact problem. also this transmission is not able to be rebuilt. the transmission needs to be recalled.
05/10/20053000001
 Engine needed to be replaced twice within less than 5 1/2 yrs. transmission needed to be replaced within 6yrs. brakes needed to be replaced every year and a half. interior cheaply made. all part on this vehicle are plastic and brake very easy. motor mounts needed to be replace within 4 yrs. this vehicle is a owners nightmare . i would never recommended anyone to purchase this car. repairs cost more than the car is worth. engine repair $6000.00, motor mounts $900, transmission $2400-$4800, brakes $400, and the cost goes on. (lemon). *tr
02/05/200485000
 Tl*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.
03/26/2005501/03/2004
 My car has had all of it's routine maintenance done. at 30k i had to replace the transmission at 20 i had to replace the alternator. at 60k i have had to replace the transmission again! at 60k i had to replace a transaxle something or another . now at 66k it is doing all of the same things that it was doing before the transmissions went out, and it's because i need a new air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter the car jerks very hard when slowing down on the freeway the rpm race, like it won't gear down. when i put it in park it's as if i am pressing the gas pedal down and revving the engine. but the car is in park, and there is no pressure on the gas pedal what so ever! i hate this car, and recommend no one to buy one! i will be voicing my opinion of the car in the car windows, and telling everyone i know about the poor quality of this car. you would think that paying 27k for a vehicle that it would last!*jb
06/17/2005249811108/15/2003
 The transmission in my 2003 mazda 6s has failed on me 2 times in 2 years at the most diffucult times... finals week at college and aslo during a busy time of work. the dealership has ackknowledgewd the problem and reprogrammed the computer system. still the car had problems immidieatley after that visit, the transmission failed. they replaced the transmission with a new one, it too had the same problems... they acknowledged the situation and were unable to diagnose the problem. they told me that my car already had the upgraded computer program that is supposed to fix the erratic shifting. and that i should return if it gets worse. when it did, the technician drove it and now knows what it is doing, but he too said he doesn't know how to fix the problem if no check engine lights are coming on.... thats the other problem. the check engine light don't come on when the car does it, but further more they don't even come on when the transmission fails completely! i am worried that this car has a major problems that will only get worse and adversley affect other components. which it already has... they rack and pinion went out and almost caused me to wreck into a city bus, the subframe was installed too tight and caused the car to squeak and rattle, the brakes have a chatter that has been addressed and have been replaced twice. but most of al all of these things have happened in the first 2 years (20 months.) the original transmission issue was addressed at 12,000 miles and has since by my opinion been the cause of the other related problems. also the car sits an inch and a quarter lower on the passenger front than the driver front. causing the rear to also be uneven.
04/21/20037503004/07/2003
 2003 mazda 6 check engine light at 1 week, transmissions slipping & slamming into gear through 1 1/2 years of ownership, at 35,000 engine went was replaced, replacement had 300 miles on it when it died on the southern end of nj turnpike towed to de dealer, still has transmission problems, back in shop now for engine problems only 3000 on replacement engine, into dealer numerous times for water leaks that have cause mold & rust inside the car on seatbelts & causing me a great deal of illness - still not repaired going through lemon law since nov 2003. *ak
05/20/20034
 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. *ak
05/17/20037000103/14/2003
 I bought my car march 6, 2003. in may of 2003 it started making a howling noise when turning left at low speeds or into a parking space. i have brought it in 4 times and they cannot find the noise. for the last 2 months my transmission has been hesitating at around 25-35 mph. it is like it doesn't know what gear to shift into and when it does it makes a loud clunking noise and my car jerks forward. i have had it in twice for that and they cannot find the source of that either. *ak
10/30/2003103/15/2003
 There is something wrong with the transmission as if it does not know which gear it sould be in. there is a sevre bucking from 1st into 2nd gear where the tires chirp and the car jumps. this happens under light throtle and it happens alot. it could be a problem with the pcm or ecu or the transmission itself. i have never had a car that has done this. when you spend 25k on a car you would expect quality but not with the 6.*ak
02/19/2004105/03/2003
 Violent shifting from 1st to 2nd gear in the mazda6s with automatic transmission. feels as if the car has been hit by another vehicle from the rear. front tires momentarily lose traction and chirp sometimes. these violent shifts only happen during mild accelleration. *ak
12/20/2003700104/07/2003
 I have a 2003 mazda 6s with the automatic transmission. since it was new it made noises and did not feel as though it was shifting right. it hangs between gears and there is a considerable hesitation when accelerating. have had it to the dealer four times, went through the lemon law, and even though with the tech in the car i got the car to glitch and hang, he indicated normal operation. he insisted that the switch to synthetic transmission fluid is the culprit; however, quality of operation has decreased significantly since the dealer flushed the fluid and went back to conventional transmission fluid. *la
10/18/200313000205/15/2003
 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. *la
05/07/2003130001
 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. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
06/17/2005249811108/15/2003
 The transmission in my 2003 mazda 6s has failed on me 2 times in 2 years at the most diffucult times... finals week at college and aslo during a busy time of work. the dealership has ackknowledgewd the problem and reprogrammed the computer system. still the car had problems immidieatley after that visit, the transmission failed. they replaced the transmission with a new one, it too had the same problems... they acknowledged the situation and were unable to diagnose the problem. they told me that my car already had the upgraded computer program that is supposed to fix the erratic shifting. and that i should return if it gets worse. when it did, the technician drove it and now knows what it is doing, but he too said he doesn't know how to fix the problem if no check engine lights are coming on.... thats the other problem. the check engine light don't come on when the car does it, but further more they don't even come on when the transmission fails completely! i am worried that this car has a major problems that will only get worse and adversley affect other components. which it already has... they rack and pinion went out and almost caused me to wreck into a city bus, the subframe was installed too tight and caused the car to squeak and rattle, the brakes have a chatter that has been addressed and have been replaced twice. but most of al all of these things have happened in the first 2 years (20 months.) the original transmission issue was addressed at 12,000 miles and has since by my opinion been the cause of the other related problems. also the car sits an inch and a quarter lower on the passenger front than the driver front. causing the rear to also be uneven.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
12/22/200310000405/07/2003
 Check engine light came on car was hesitating in middle of highway felt like it wanted to shut off made it home next day car did not start had it towed to the dealer car kept in shop for a month dealer could not figure out the problem said it was a sensor in the engine that was defective got the car back but it since then continued to give me problems brought the car back to original dealer crystal mazda for 3 recalls in july04 and other problems, in april05 check engine light suddenly turns on in the middle of a busy highway car starts to jerk and just died car was towed to the dealer and they called me weeks later to tell me the engine seazed i have had a lemon law case with kimmel and silverman for a year now dealership have been very nasty to me as well as the manufacturer they do not want to fix the vehicle or give me a replacement i also requested a copy of an invoice describing the cause of the engine dying and diagnosis they refuse to do so i have become so ill because of this and have a child to think about i just want a reliable car that me and my daughter will be safe in can you help.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
09/01/20041103/11/2003
 The clutch has begun to fail. the dealer indicated that it would be five months before one became available. *nm the clutch, starter, cd changer, and panel cover were defective. there was rust on the door sashes. there was a smell from the exhaust that entered the vehicle, there were vibrations and rattles in the door, which had been adjusted. there were problems with the master cylinder and the leaking fuel sender unit in the gas tank. the starter would grind and the clutch shuddered. *sc *jb
08/03/20048000201/14/2003
 I have a mazda 6i.at 8500 miles after having my car i had the clutch go out. when i took it to the dealer i was severly stereotyped as a street racer which i am in no way , if that were the case i would have bought the 6s . they wanted to charge me $800 to fix the problem , which i immediately disputed and was treated as a child.eventually they fixed it and i quote not under warranty but fixed out of kindness and that was the end of that. now at 13000 miles my manual transmission would not shift into 1st or 2nd gear i took it in and the first response i got from the service clerk was whats wrong with the car? and that if they find i caused the problem it would be estimated $1000 to fix it if it wasn't covered by the warranty. i feel that because my age i am discriminated against even though i purchased the car myself in my name at 18. i am currently waiting for a response from the dealer as to what is going to happen with the transmission replacement.*ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
02/06/200840000204/01/2003
 We purchased a 2003 mazda6 new from a mazda dealership. we had some issue with the car shuddering when engaging the clutch and called the dealership. we were told that the issue was related to variable valve timing and told to rev it a little higher when engaging the clutch. at approx 40,000 miles the clutch wore out and we tried to contact mazda and file a claim, but we were denied. i paid to have the clutch repaired, and now have approx. 60,000 miles on the vehicle. recently, the whole clutch pedal assembly has malfunctioned and is causing significant issues with the engagement of the gears. several times the car has not gone into gear and my wife got stuck in the middle of an intersection the other day and was almost struck by another vehicle because she could not get the car in gear. i have again contacted mazda and have again been told that they will most likely not cover my issues... *tr
09/20/200750204/18/2003
 I won a 2003 mazda6s and i am having issues with my clutch. i first changed the clutch at 18,000 miles and i had to argue with mazda on that because the clutch is only covered for 1yr/12,000 miles. now at 35,000 and change miles my clutch has failed again. mazda has no recalled this issue with the clutch and in my opinion it should be a recall. i am a member at http://forum.mazda6club.com/), and there you can do a search and fine hundreds of people with the same clutch issue. the failure of a clutch from normal wear and tear does not normally occur so early in a car's life (see www.drivetrain.com/clutcharticle.html). in addition the wear of the clutch under normal conditions should not be the customer's fault and mazda has not acknowledged this. i would like mazda to understand that there is an issue with the clutch in these cars thank you for your time. *tr
10/18/200414500105/20/2003
 The clutch on a standard tramission has gone out and stated to be abused. the clutch has not been abused the car is 15 months old and has 14000 miles on it. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
06/11/20081290001
 Cv joint boot failed and wore a hole in the brake line. most of the ability to brake the vehicle was lost. there did not appear to be a split brake system. *tr
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
05/30/2010114457
 Went to store pushed in clutch went to the floor parked the car and when i came out i could not start the car. the safety thing would not engage to allow me . had the car towed to a mechanic he told me it was the clutch assembly, the car has been back three timesin two years because it's tough to shift clutch real spongy. today it went to the floor again and stalled, can't start the the car in the middle of an intersection had to have it pushed out of the way then towed home. the motor was replaced at 32k. the first time the whole clutch was replaced at 40k and it,s never been right since
05/25/200656000111/16/2003
 My wife was driving our 2003 mazda 6 with 56,000 miles to school on thursday morning on a busy 2-lane highway. she shifted (likely to 4th), and the manual transmission locked-up. fortunately, she is an experienced driver and was able to disengage the clutch and coast the car to the shoulder without incident. if she had been inexperienced, or if a shoulder had not been available, or if the car behind her had been closer, the outcome could have been tragic. regarding, the transmission, it had been maintained with all of the recommended fluid changes, and it was locked-up and damaged beyond economical repair. a used transmission was installed by the local mazda dealer at a cost of over $2,000. *nm
06/03/200521350611/01/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated there were several problems with the vehicle. the first problem involved the brake pads that were worn out and had to be replaced after 20,000 miles. the second problem dealt with manual transmission. sometimes the manual transmission shifted roughly. third problem, in cold weather, the engine surged and revved high for three seconds. the dealership told the contact the brake wear was normal. the dealership could not duplicate the other problems. *ak
08/03/20048000201/14/2003
 I have a mazda 6i.at 8500 miles after having my car i had the clutch go out. when i took it to the dealer i was severly stereotyped as a street racer which i am in no way , if that were the case i would have bought the 6s . they wanted to charge me $800 to fix the problem , which i immediately disputed and was treated as a child.eventually they fixed it and i quote not under warranty but fixed out of kindness and that was the end of that. now at 13000 miles my manual transmission would not shift into 1st or 2nd gear i took it in and the first response i got from the service clerk was whats wrong with the car? and that if they find i caused the problem it would be estimated $1000 to fix it if it wasn't covered by the warranty. i feel that because my age i am discriminated against even though i purchased the car myself in my name at 18. i am currently waiting for a response from the dealer as to what is going to happen with the transmission replacement.*ak
05/17/200424000101/11/2003
 In early june my mazda 6 mtx began to experience a problem with the transmission. whenever i would accelerate the rpms would increase by 1k then decrease by about the same amount before the transmission would catch and the power would be distributed to the wheels. now a little over a month later my clutch is almost completely worn out. i'm taking my car in to get this checked out, but the car shouldn't be experiencing any problems with the clutch/transmission when it's still under 26,000 miles. the car is not in stop-and-go traffic nor is it under any heavy load. *nm
10/15/2003130001
 2003 mazda6(s) manual transmission developed shudder when letting out the clutch in 1'rst gear. seems to occur when the drive train has warmed up. took it to the dealer who attributed it to the traction control being on. when i turned the tc off the problem was the same. i will take it back again and request the dealership ride with me to experience the problem. the problem did not develop until 13k miles (500 miles ago). *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
11/18/2003100107/04/2003
 5-speed manual is very difficult to shift in lower gears. very noticeable when downshifting into 1st or 2nd gear. when very cold, you cannot get into 2nd gear when upshifting. have taken into dealer 3 times with them not being able to duplicate problem. *ak