Mazda6 Maintenance and Repair

rkf1976

I can't believe all the complaints and fixes I'm hearing about. I've owned my 6 for almost 2 mths now, there is over 2,000 miles on it and not a single thing to fix or complain about! I believe a lot of problems people are referring to are things that have already been fixed, or could be with a little common sense, i.e., CEL = try tightening fuel cap until you hear at least 5 clicks. (otherwise, air is getting in gas line causing light to go on!)

chikoo

why dont u take the service manager on a ride while u are driving i.e commuting?

jstandefer

I let the service manager drive it home for two days to get lots of seat time (about 100 miles of seat time). I don't know... the problems are highly intermittent and don't seem to follow a pattern. I really do like the car and would love to see it without problems. I trust these guys because I know them personally (otherwise I would not have let them take it home). But, like they said, these intermittent problems usually get bigger and easier to diagnose over time. Perhaps if I scream loud enough at the Mazda district rep I can get an extended warranty out of it.

I'm sure the 6 will turn out to be a great car over time. Mine was an early build that sat on the lot for five months because they used the interior trim to fix another car and it took five months to get the trim piece in. Who knows what else the car went through. As the build dates get later and later, they seem to have less problems.

jstandefer

I just read about a "fix" someone had with their steering clunk in Europe. There is a problem with the design of the steering wheel shaft assembly. It appears it is not maintaining a good coating of lubricant, resulting in the clunks and other noises. A quick fix is to occasionally release your steering tilt/telescoping lever and move the wheel in/out and up/down to spread the lubricant. European Mazda dealers will now recommend this to all owners with these complaints while Mazda redesigns and produces some of parts for later replacement.

sevenseas

Own a Mazda6s with 850 miles on it, 16" tires. I brought my 6s to Browning Mazda at 350 miles reporting my car was pulling slightly to the left.

After Browing having the car for two days (I could tell on my visit they were very busy), which they provided me a loaner at no charge, my problem was diagnosed as tires out of balance. Solution listed on my receipt stated "all wheels balance and rotate and road test 6.0 miles car ok does not drift".

Although the problem is not as pronounced as before at slower speeds I still have noticeable pull to the left at higher speeds. When the road grade is favoring the left the pull is strong. If the road grade favors slightly to the right the car tracks straight. If the road is level the car will slowly track to the left.

I have not put too many miles on the car so I have not noticed and clunking noise but will test this out today in the parking lot at my work.

I have read previous post and would appreciate answers to the following questions...

Could rotating the front tires identify a problem with the tires?

I live in Long Beach, California. Can anybody recommend another dealership than Browning Mazda, which may provide better service, especially in checking the steering and suspension?

I would be willing to take my 6s to an independent shop to have the steering, suspension and allignment checked. Any shops recommended?

Any other suggestions would be apprecated.

jstandefer

I am beginning to think my drivetrain problems may be related for a malfunctioning transmission. The irratic throttle response may be caused by the transmission being in too high or low of a gear for the vehicle speed. When I drive in manual mode, everything is fine... no engine surging, no wierd shifts (of course), and normal throttle response. I will keep this in mind and drive it for a month or so before bringing it back in.

Another thing I noticed is that the transmission downshifts into first at about 2-3mph while braking, resulting in a slight jerk just before you come to a complete stop. I thought this was just normal for this car, but after driving my roommate's Protege5 and my friend's B4000 (both autos) while my car was in the shop, I noticed that neither of them do this and the downshift into first is totally invisible. I believe the Mazda6 4-cyl auto tranny is the same as the Protege5's (FN4A-EL). This could also point to transmission problems.

Has anyone seen or heard from maltb?

jstandefer

My dealership told me that a lot of people are coming in with pulling problems very similar to what you describe. They always try alignment, balancing, and rotating first, but the problem typically won't go away. They found that the front suspension subframe is not being tightened to factory specs and is actually coming loose, causing the pulling and some of the clunks. Browning is normally pretty good... if not, Hine in San Diego is very familiar with the problem. However, mention this subframe problem to them and have them check the torque on all suspension and subframe components.

dinu01

Jerry, when you come to a stop leave it in 2nd (especially if you're just crawling) and only put in it 1st if you come to a ***complete*** stop. I experienced the same thing with a V6 GT (6s) on a test drive.

Dinu

jstandefer

Thanks, but this is happening in regular drive. But, it feels the same as what you are describing. BTW, there is no need to drop it into 1st. When you come to a complete stop in manual mode, it does it for you. Here (on my car) it drops into first just fine (after you have stopped). However in drive, as described previously, it drops into first before I have stopped, causing a slight jerk from the engine braking. I think I now have something to present to the technicians...

digbyny

Got my 6i back from the service department. First, I was wrong, I only have 4600 miles on the car not 7600 like I originally stated.

The service guys said my CEL computer chip was "bad". Instead of reprograming it with the possibility of it screwing up later on down the road, they are just going to put in a new computer chip. Unfortunately I have to wait a month for it to come in before they can change it out.

BTW- for those of you who do not realize it, per the Mazda recall notice I got...."Effective with 2001 model year vehicles, any time an owner's vehicle is at an authorized Mazda dealership for a warranty repair, the owner is eligible to receive a Mazda rental at no charge."

dondilio

Hey Guys:
About a week and 1000 miles after I bought my 6 I got the check Engine light. I made an appointment for the following week to check the problem, but 2 or 4 days before the appointment the light turned off. Anyway I went to the dealer and made the 3000 miles oil change. I forgot about the problem. Today I received a letter from Mazda saying that theres a recall for Mazda6's made on certain dates, because theres an apparent problem with the CEL. They said that it wont take more than an hour to fix it. Oh they also said that if I dont take the car for the recall the warranty might be voided. I made an appointment for the 17. Ill keep you posted.

subhananda

Hi guys,

I have been owning a mazda 6i for quite some time now. I am a total novice with regards to car mechanics except driving. HEre is my problem. there is a lot of rust that forms inside the wheel on top of the rotor(or whatever that is called) why does it happen and what better way to make this not occur again. Is there anything like an anti rust spray or something. I really appreciate ur advice, it really spoils the appearance of the car.
thanks guys

chikoo

>>> Another thing I noticed is that the transmission downshifts into first at about 2-3mph while braking, resulting in a slight jerk just before you come to a complete stop.<<<

Believe me. You have a leaky manifold gasket.
I lived with this problem for almost 2 years on my Protege ES. When the maifold gasket was replaced, the shift is imperceptible. I believe the leaky manifold gasket creates a vacuum problem and the transmission gets confused.

jstandefer

Thanks... although the dealership disagrees, it could easily be causing some of these problems. I think I will take it to an independent shop and if they find a problem, I will have it fixed there and throw fits with Mazda until they pay for it. The evil exhaust leak/noise is getting worse...

jstandefer

This is normal for most cars. The brake rotor (the disc) and the caliper (holds the brake pads) and not painted due to friction and the high temperatures (400 degrees F+) and to keep costs down. You can paint the calipers with some caliper paint that comes in many different colors. However, you cannot paint the rotors except for the hub. You might be able to complain to the dealership and they may or may not clean and paint them. There was a TSB on the 01-02 Protege's and 99-01 Millenia's:

0003559 Dealer Repair Information

Rust can be seen on the brake rotor hub area when looking between the wheel spokes. The rust is most visible on vehicles equipped with 17" chrome wheels.

1. Remove rust from hub(s) by sanding.
2. Clean/prep hub surface for primer.
3. Mask off brake rotor area.
4. Apply primer around entire hub area.
5. Once primer dries, apply a heat type silver paint to the affected area to repair the vehicle.

Note: Replace the hub(s) if the affected area cannot be repaired enough to satisfy the customer.

heyjoe11

Are you talking about the intake or exhaust manifold?

chikoo

hbcalif

Seven Seas,
  I visited Browning of Cerritos and they really didn't treat me too well there. I ended up purchasing my Mazda 6 from Tustin Mazda. It was a no pressure, no stress transaction. I only had an sport grille installed at Tustin, but they are very friendly and helpful. You may want to give them a try. Good luck.

                                        HBCalif

sevenseas

I dropped off my Mazda6 "s" to Browning Mazda today. I had a copy of jstandefer's remarks as well as Hine Mazda's service manager's number(I was unable to reach him to verify the steering and suspension problems jstandefer had mentioned). I clearly described the problem to the service manager regarding pulling to the left and the road conditions that I noticed the problem on (see post #415), possible loose suspension (post #417) and asked them to check it for me. The service manager seemed to be firm that the allignment was done professionally and properly. He also stated they have had no pattern of steering or suspension problems with the Mazda 6 and he did not show interest in contacting Hines Mazda's service manager.

I stated that their allignment equipment would not be able to determine if there was any suspension problems and again asked for a recheck. He agreed to have my Mazda rechecked.

I received a call a few hours later, the service manager had two different mechanics check my car, put it back on the allignment machine and was unable to find the problem I described. He did not mentioned anything about checking to see that the suspension was torqued properly. The mechanic told him the car is tracking normally. I was asked to visit the dealership tomorrow morning and take the car for a test drive with their lead mechanic to see if I could duplicate the problem for him, which I agreed.

I'll let you know what happens.

jstandefer

The wonderful "unable to duplicate customer's concern." I have a four page repair order full of that from my car's last eleven day visit. Let me look at some other "places" and see if I can find anything else.

jstandefer

I found another solution that has been mentioned, tried, and it seems to have worked. Unfortunately, it is from several people with the same problem in Germany and Australia, so I don't know if it would work here. The Australian dealerships tried the alignment to no avail. They then tried tightening the bolts on the front subframe and suspension components. This did not fix it either. They then replaced the entire steering column and this fixed the problem.

Apparently, the universal-joint shaft is faulty. They won't replace just that single component... they will replace the entire column.

sevenseas, check your e-mail.

arockwel

Next time you are driving with your lights on, touch the "-" and "+" indicator, especially the "-", on the automatic transmission. Doesn't it feel a little too hot to the touch? Mine sure does...

By the way, around 5000 miles (6i AT) and have had no problems that have been discussed here as of yet...

bme_cv

I have my car for more than 8000miles, and I am still happy with it:-) I got my car last November,just two days after the car arrived at dealer's lot. I had been waiting for the car for nearly one year.

I cannot believe that there are so many problems from some people's posts, since I just have regular oil changes and service for my car. No auto company can prevent lemon cars, and I think someone probably is unlucky to have one. Therefor M6 is still an excellent car eventhough a couple of lemons are out there. Please just describe your problems and not make a comment that the car is worthless, because it is not.

chikoo

>>>> Please just describe your problems and not make a comment that the car is worthless, because it is not. <<<<

well said.

jstandefer

There may be just a couple of true lemons out there, but there are a whole lot of problems that need to be and are being addressed by Mazda. First year teething? Yes. Is it normal? Yes. Does it irritate the heck out of the people going through it? Yes. Do we have the right to complain? Yes. Do other people interested in buying the car have a right to know? Yes. That's why we have forums like this.

It seems we have a battle brewing between people who have had no problems and people who have had problems. The two sides seem pretty even in numbers. That should tell you something.

arockwel

>> It seems we have a battle brewing between people who have had no problems and people who have had problems. The two sides seem pretty even in numbers. That should tell you something. <<

jstandefer: I hope you get your problems fixed by Mazda. I would be *really* ticked off if I was experiencing your situation.

However, don't take message boards, like Edmunds, for face value. You may be correct in that the board is "even in numbers" when it comes to problems. But, I think you would agree that it is human nature to complain more when something is wrong than to praise when something is going right. That is, this message board doesn't *necessarily* indicate the Mazda6, as a whole, is having an extraordinary amount of problems compared to other new vehicles.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck...

jstandefer

Don't worry. I hardly use the Edmunds board at all for face value. The number of owners here is just a tiny drop in the bucket (probably less than 1%) compared to the other boards I frequent. In those other boards, the complaints and problems are ten-fold what they are here. And there you are not attacked for posting problems. We actually try to figure out the problems and even have wiring diagrams and technical schematics and scores of mechanics and technicians. Believe me, I don't take the Edmunds board for face value.

I am not out to belittle or destroy the Mazda6 or Mazda. This is my 4th Mazda in a row (5th if you count the Mazda-engined Escort GT) and I have sold them and managed inventories at a Mazda dealership. I have applied for Mazda positions dozens of times. This is a company I love and am very passionate about.

But, things have been going downhill, particularly with recent product launches beginning with the '00 MPV. If owners don't complain, things will not get better. I used to be like other people here... reject problems, make the cars look as good as possible, and always be cheery about Mazda. Well, when Mazda looks at the various boards (and they do), they see a perfect world with no problems.

The Mazda6 is a terrific car, but it needs some bugs worked out. Complaints are already starting to mount with the NHTSA and I would not be surprised to see an investigation, particularly with the steering/suspension noise, within a year.

mazdafun

He's entitled to and should complain. He's been very tactful in the way he words his messages. I'd definitely use more colorful language if I experienced as many problems as he has (and yes, I realize EVERY mfr produces lemons....it just bites when you get one of them).

jstandefer

If you really want to know what I think of the car, read my review on epinions.com. Unlike my posts here where I don't have the luxury of time and length, my epinions.com review of the Mazda6 (in my opinion) is very fair and well thought-out.

http://www.epinions.com/content_111190118020

glideslopes

Come on, there is no ten fold increase in other boards on reported issues. There is a ten fold increase versus here in the 03 Accord Problems board. Then again we could talk about the transmissions burning up in the new Sienna? We all understand your issues, but you generalize way too much. You say you post to encourage others to speak up for they may otherwise be afraid to be negative about the car?

I'd say it's starting to look a little different than that.

Mark. : )

chikoo

you had worded your complain very nicely. But when you generalized across the MPV, Tribute and the 6, that is when it did not look good.
Mazda had no new products in a long time. Since the last 4 years, it is coming out with a lot of totally new products, save the miata.
The tribute is brand new.
The MPV too.
The Protege too.
Now the 6 too.
Add the RX-8 on top of that.

For a company with no new products to all new products, it is expected to run into some problems. and it hurts when you are the one to get them. My protege had a problem that could not be resolved. Mazda, after exchangin letters and trips to the dealer, gave me an extended warranty for 7yrs/100,000 miles. So in my opinion, they do listen. But I never came here and bashed Mazda about its "general" lack in quality. Because that may not be true.

r2s2

Well, Jerry. It didn't take them very long at all to figure you out, did it? We know why you're here, and we're not interested in playing.

buggywhip

jstandefer may put more faith in other boards over Edmunds', but that just means he's reading 10 times more irrelevent info. I've been on other sites' message boards--they're poorly moderated, often vulgar, and written by angry, unreasonable illiterates. These people often abuse their cars, then they expect it all to be covered under warranty.............one cannot help it if one buys a genuine lemon. But quite often, a person's faulty auto is his own fault.

wenreder1

.... I frequently visited was NEVER "helpful" or "encouraging", made fun of people with "stock" TL's (like me) and when a genuine problem was discussed, like Acura warped brake rotors or factory defect transmissions, the majority of the time they made fun of the "forum poster" and made comments that were not related to the actual problem. I finally figured out it was just a bunch of West Coast Rich Boyz that wanted to show pics and brag about their "tricked out", lowered, 30 series tires, 18" rimmed Acuras !!
At least (in MY opinion) this EDMUNDS.COM Forum has more sincere and "realistic" people posting questions & answers.

jdkv

I have had my 6 i for 3 mths now have 2,000 miles and a rattle I thought was coming from the sunroof - Dealer installed more insulation and I still have the rattle/vibration. I think it is coming from under the arm rest portion of the console or under the drivers seat. It start when I drive over 60. It is very annoying. It sounded simular to an issue by wvelez. Anyone else having this issue?

ashutoshsm

The sunglass compartment often has a rattle. The fix is VERY expensive.

Open it and reclose it.

Otherwise )if that's not it), make sure your dealership gives you complete satisfaction as far as the removal of this rattle is concerned. Not to be expected on a new car!

My car has one annoying sound too - the right rear seatbelt vibrates against the leather seat at a certain resonant speed/frequency combination foir a few moments.

All other sounds (engine, expecially at high revs) are extremely acceptable

kc10pro

Posted my first msg about 3 weeks ago after my CEL was reflashed twice and then CEL came on for 3rd time. I took it for the 3rd CEL and this time they replaced an evaporater valve. Had it home one week and lo/behold it's on again for 4th time in 5600 miles(3 times in last 2700 miles)--I'm tired of it. I'm a loyal Mazda owner for last 16 years(my fourth vehicle--no major issues at all) but this is really trying my patience! Time to write straight to Mazda and see what response I get.

Oh by the way, I recommend no one bother to bring their car in for the light that is always on in the glove compartment when vehicle lights are on. It's the way the car was made w/out any light switch in the glove box(probably saved Mazda 50 cents). On my first trip for CEL I inquired about the light and the technician broke the glove box hinge taking it out to troubleshoot. They ordered a new door and I combined that fix w/ my 2nd CEL trip--unfortunately the door they received was wrong color. Thought I'd get it fixed on my 3rd CEL trip but when they pulled new door out of box it was broken as well.

I'm starting to think that maybe the glove box issue is just a bad jinx on the CEL and maybe once the glove box is fixed then maybe CEL will work itself out! If only it were that easy.....

jstandefer

You guys figured me out alright. I'm just a Mazda-hater. In fact, I don't even own a Mazda and have never owned one. Any fixes I suggested should be thrown out the window... they will self-destruct your car. This goes for all of the "lurkers" out there who have corresponded with me via e-mail.

The Mazda6 is a perfect car that nobody is experiencing problems with. The other boards are not helpful at all, just a bunch of lies by a bunch of haters and you can find tons more information here...

Those of you that have known me for the past five years know that I am a stout defender of Mazda. Everything that I have stated before is the brutal and honest truth. Toyota and Honda have been on a downhill slide for years as well, but they are generally all (including Mazda) of higher quality and better reliability than most other brands.

Generalizing? You weren't there on the sales floor during the product launches of the MPV and Tribute. You weren't there during the "immediate stop-sale" orders from Mazda. You didn't have to fend off questions and jabs about the Tribute's six recalls, or the MPV's leaking fuel injectors and its severe lack of power. You didn't have to hold a good portion of the Tribute's as they came off the trucks because they were missing interior panels, had the wrong driveshafts, wrong wheel hubs, and missing equipment such as ABS. I was.

The Protege was, and is, a bright spot in Mazda's line-up. It was not included in my "generalization" because the BJ-chassis Protege was launched in MY99 (Nov. '98).

But, I'll make you all happy. I will just stick with the other boards where I actually get suggestions and feedback about my problems rather than being chastised. I'll stick with my 6 and try to get it fixed. The Mazda corporate technicians want me to bring my car in so they can take a look at it... they say they have dealt with other similar problems and think they have a solution.

Although I thought about deleting all my posts here, I will leave them for others. They discuss valid problems and valid solutions. As for certain members here... you know I'm not lying and I know this from your numerous postings on the other boards where you aren't so critical.

Everyone, good luck with your cars and I hope those of you that have problems get them resolved.

Five years and hundreds of posts later... so long Edmunds.

mazdafun

Well, I'm glad you've got the corporate techs looking at it now. Let us know how it goes (even if you have to post it in the Protege discussions).

chikoo

your frustration was getting the better of you. What intrigues me is that you were aware and part of mazda's "apparent" messed-up product launches and you still trusted Mazda enough to buy a 6?

If I were you, I'd never touch it with a yardstick.

That said, the autotranny was the only thing I did not really like in my Protege. So that is the only thing that I did not get with the 6.

Other than that, it appears to be allright.

mazda6s

I for one hope you keep after the folks at Mazda until they fix it or replace the car, whatever it takes.

dodgeguy1

We've had our Mazda6s for about 6 months now, and we have a SEVERE problem with a constant, pungent odor from the exhaust system. Mazda says it's due to "bad gas" and they won't do anything about it (I have a copy of their service bulletin on this subject). The smell is so bad I am embarrassed to have anyone ride in our car. I have recently made a demand on Mazda for a fix or a buyback--there's no way we're keeping this car if the SMELL can't be eliminated.

Anyone else with this problem?

ashutoshsm

Do one/both of the following
1. Have it inspected by an independent EXPERT shop (in exhaust systems or something related) and confirm that it wasn't, indeed, bad gas! Do you have records of where you gassed it up? Did you ever use 'bad' gas?
2. Call Mazda North America, raise a stink and let them know how uncooperative your dealership is being. Unlike may other car manufacturers, Mazda cannot afford to be complacent about major issues, and will likely offer some kind of solution or at least pressure your dealership to get off their stinky butts!

(Sorry about the puns at your expense - the problem does sound like a near impossible one to live with! Hopefully you can resolve it. Keep us posted)

semmons23

I've been reading the messages on several boards about rotors warping on the Mazda 6 and I believe more people will see this issue. I have a 6s that I bought in March 2003. It now has just over 12000 miles and has been in for 3, soon to be 4 warped rotor repairs. It started around 7k or 8k miles. The first time it was in, they resurfaced them and everything was fine. After about 2 weeks they were warped again so I had them replace them. They lasted less than 2 weeks and they warped again. This time, 5 days ago, they turned them while still attached to the spindles. I just drove 700 highway miles and they are now warped again.

I will be trying another dealer and see if they can fix the problem but I think there may be an issue that people will start seeing as the miles pile on.

I don't know much about rotors etc. but I think they are too soft and need to be upgraded OR there may be a spindle problem?

I'll post if this ever gets resolved but given this and my 7 days and two trips for a bad computer I'm going to look into the lemon law.

Steve

richards38

I think Mazdas are great cars because I had a 1991 Protegé that was excellent. I don't drive much, but after 12.5 years I wanted something bigger and safer with air bags everywhere and ABS, etc. Got a good price for my low-mileage '91 Protegé and had a blank check in my pocket when I went to test the Mazda 6i in early August. The test drive killed it! Why did Mazda mate a harsh-shifting, 4 speed automatic with the 4 cylinder engine? The back-and-forth shifting on hills was too annoying--there is a 5 speed AT with the V6 which doesn't need the extra gear nearly as much in my opinion (I drove a V6, too but wanted a 4 cyl. car). So then went across the street to a Toyota dealer to drive a Camry LE. It had a much better drive train--smooth engine/trans. combo, but the the ride was over-soft and the brakes were mushy, too. The Camry is competent but as much fun as taking a bus. The Mazda's ride and brakes were far superior. No Camry for me! Then down the street to test a Honda Accord. Well, the reason there are so many Accords on the road is that they drive better! Smooth engine-trans. combo and a great ride and poweful brakes, too. The only problem was that the 2003 Accords did not offer side, head curtain air bags except in the EX V6 which I didn't want. The head air bags are now standard on the 2004 Accord EX w/leather and that's what I bought. So far, I like the Honda, but it's really too bad that that the Mazda 6i lacks the refinement I thought it would have. Just my 2¢ here--actually more like 4¢ considering the length of this post........richard

kylerc

really bad smell!Any time you stop it smells up the outside & inside of the car. The dealer has no idea how to fix.
Dodgeguy1 where did you get the tsb from?I took the car in to have the sensors(oxygen)checked but
they did not provide paper work yet.

Karen_S

I've seen this issue discussed across several makes/models in the Town Hall. It doesn't appear to be a specific to one. This discussion is currently active in Maintenance & Repair and goes into the whys and what, if anything, to do about this issue.

Sulfur from 2003 4Runner

This one is archived.

Rotten Egg smell exhaust

ian2

Canada has exceedingly high sulphur content in the gas, which causes the rotten egg smell. Try switching to a different brand of gas. Sunoco is supposed to have the lowest sulphur content according to a study a few years back.

dodgeguy1

kylerc, I got my copy of the tsb from my dealership. Gas doesn't seem to make any difference with my car, it smells regardless of where I buy my gas. I have owned many new cars, this is the first that smells this way--cannot believe any manufacturer would consider this "normal!" If so, it is my first, and last, Mazda.

glideslopes

This is a problem many automobiles are having due to high sulphur levels in some fuels. If you look around other boards you will see many manufactures being blessed with this.