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MAZDA 6 (2002–2026) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 2002–2026 · all production years covered on this single page
2.5 SKYACTIV-G (194 Hp) SKYACTIV-Drive • Petrol (Gasoline)
2026
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mazda 6 (2002–2026) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.9
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mazda 6 (2002–2026) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Mazda 6 (2002–2026) is powered by a 2.5 SKYACTIV-G (194 Hp) SKYACTIV-Drive engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (10)
NHTSA R/2016/084
Driver'S Front Airbag May Fail To Deploy Correctly
Date: 29-04-2016
Continued exposure to high levels of absolute humidity may cause the driver�s front airbag inflator housing to rupture and deploy abnormally in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver�s front airbag. Should the inflator rupture it could result in metal fra…
NHTSA R/2011/038
Engine May Fail
Date: 26-05-2011
It is possible that the clips retaining the piston pins were not fitted correctly during engine assembly. The pins may come out of position and wear the cylinder bores. In the worst case the engine will stop and not restart.
NHTSA R/2013/047
Passenger Side Airbag May Fail To Deploy Correctly
Date: 24-04-2013
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormall…
NHTSA R/2017/048
Airbag May Malfunction
Date: 22-02-2017
It has been identified that the density of the propellant within the airbag inflator may be insufficient due to inappropriate production and storage conditions of the propellant. In this condition the inflator may abnormally ignite at the time of the airbag deployment allowing th…
NHTSA R/2014/134
Engine May Stall
Date: 21-10-2014
Engine may not restart when customer expects after i-stop operation. Although check engine light on dashboard will illuminate.
NHTSA R/2003/099
Fog Lamp Security Concern.
Date: 12-12-2003
Repeated thermal expansion and shrinkage in use may cause the front fog light socket holder to become detached from the fog light case. As a consequence an exposed hot bulb may come into contact with part of the vehicle body or fittings.
NHTSA R/2004/111
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
Date: 11-09-2004
It has been found that the clearance between the fuel tank insulator and the exhaust pipe is insufficient. During driving this may give rise to an increase in temperature around the fuel tank which may suffer reduced rigidity. At the same time the inner pressure of the fuel tank …
NHTSA R/2007/032
Air Bag May Fail
Date: 09-03-2007
The airbag warning lamp may illuminate. Airbag activation system is disabled. In worst case the airbag may be activated unintentionally.
NHTSA R/2003/098
Brake Fluid Level Warning Light May Become Inoperative.
Date: 08-08-2003
The brake fluid reservoir may expand temporarily during pressure bleeding of the system. This may cause the float of the fluid level sensor to seize or be displaced - resulting in non-operation of the warning light.
NHTSA R/2003/018
Engine Stalls Whilst Driving
Date: 07-02-2003
A surging noise from the air conditioner clutch may be interpreted as a fuel pressure leak by the engine management sensors. This will activate the fail safe system and shut the engine down.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
56 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
i-ACTIVSENSE Fault (Mazda)ADAS
MRCC Fault (Mazda)ADAS
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
i-stop (Mazda)Engine
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mazda 6 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 69 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mazda 6?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mazda 6?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mazda 6?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Mazda 6?
Yes — 700 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN VEHICLE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. EXACT CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Mazda 6?
Yes — 1006 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “POWER DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER FUNCTION FROM THE MAIN DRIVERS DOOR LOCK, TAPE DECK DIED WITH AT TAPE INSIDE, REAR DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR LATCH CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE USING THE HANDLE-MUST …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are transmission problems common on the Mazda 6?
Yes — 1804 of 4000 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “I BOUGHT A 1990 MAZDA 626 ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAS AN ATX. RECENTLY THE CAR WOULD ONLY DRIVE IN ONE GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A BUDDY OF MINE THAT OWNS A TRANSMISSION SHOP. HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THE …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mazda 6 (2002–2026)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Mazda 6 (2002–2026) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mazda 6 (2002–2026) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Have a specific fault code on your Mazda 6 (2002–2026)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.