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MAZDA MX-6 (1990–1997) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1990–1997 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost7.6
Parts & repairability3.8
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support4.0
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997) 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 Mx-6 (1990–1997) is powered by a 2.0L I4 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. 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
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.8h
€56 – €72
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.3h
€21 – €27
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
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
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Brake Booster | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Alternator | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator Belt | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Camshaft R&R | 8.0h | € 360–€ 600 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 15.0h | € 675–€ 1125 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 20.0h | € 900–€ 1500 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 6.0h | € 270–€ 450 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 8.0h | € 360–€ 600 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.1h | € 4–€ 7 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| AC Condenser | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| AC Evaporator | 6.0h | € 270–€ 450 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 4.0h | € 180–€ 300 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 2.5h | € 112–€ 187 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.8h | € 81–€ 135 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Shift Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Control Module | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Cooler Lines | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Transmission Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
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
📋 RECALLS & TSB (8)
NHTSA 15V674000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Date: 19/10/2015
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition …
NHTSA 99V358000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Date: 17/12/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHT WIRE THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER CAN FAIL AT THE POINT WHERE IT IS SOLDERED TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
NHTSA 99I005000
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Date: 16/08/1999
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEEDOMETER GEAR SET CAN FAIL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER, SEVERE LACK OF POWER,…
NHTSA 93E035000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Drum
Date: 13/10/1993
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
NHTSA 98V249000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 08/10/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
NHTSA 98V206001
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
Date: 08/09/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
NHTSA 05E065000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 05/10/2005
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHI…
NHTSA 92V045000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Date: 02/04/1992
THE LOWER ARM BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
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.
P1504
powertrain
MODERATEP1309
powertrain
HIGHP1132
powertrain
MODERATEP1744
powertrain
MODERATEP1260
powertrain
CRITICALP1000
powertrain
LOWP1512
powertrain
LOWP1131
powertrain
MODERATEP1780
powertrain
LOWP1631
powertrain
HIGHP1450
powertrain
MODERATEP1506
powertrain
MODERATEP1443
powertrain
LOWP1507
powertrain
MODERATEP1101
powertrain
MODERATEP1401
powertrain
MODERATEP1605
powertrain
MODERATEP1345
powertrain
CRITICALP1633
powertrain
LOWP1600
powertrain
LOW
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
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
182 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mazda Mx-6 across model years 1990–1997. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
22 crash reports 3 fires 28 injuries 1 death
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199354
Model year 199446
Model year 199533
Model year 199014
Model year 199114
Model year 199612
Model year 19927
Model year 19972
Most reported components (all years)
Power Train31
Service Brakes23
Seat Belts22
Engine And Engine Cooling22
Hydraulic22
Air Bags22
Sample reports
MAZDA WILL REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION FOR $2,696.00. THE MAZDA REP WILL ALLOW ME A TOTAL OF $750.00 TOWARD THE REPAIR. SINCE THE CAR ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT, I FEEL THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE… (MY 1994)
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1994 MAZDA MX-6 (4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). BECAUSE OF WHAT I BELIEVE MAY BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT OR DESIGN FLAW, I'VE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLE TWICE OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT… (MY 1994)
SECURITY SYSTEM FAILS TO DISARM AFTER UNLOCKING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR; HOWEVER, IT DISARMS AFTER UNLOCKING PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. *AK (MY 1993)
TRYING TO GET A RECALL DONE FROM POTAMKIN MAZDA 7400 BIRD RD MIAMI, FL 33155. I CALLED SO THAT I COULD GET SOME INFORMATION, THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE TOWING WOULD BE FREE FOR THE RECALL BEFORE HE GAVE ME THE TOWING COMPANY… (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mazda Mx-6 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 8 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mazda Mx-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 Mx-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 Mx-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 airbags problems common on the Mazda Mx-6?
Yes — 19 of 149 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT PULLING MY DAUGHTER OFF THE ROAD AND HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Mazda Mx-6?
Yes — 19 of 149 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “WHEN TURNING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHES, RADIATOR STARTED TO CRACK AFTER ONLY THREE MONTHS RESULTING OVERHEATING…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Mazda Mx-6?
Yes — 25 of 149 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “BOLTS WHICH HOLD EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO ENGINE BROKE, CAUSING GAS FUMES TO ENTO THE INTERIOR. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["195/65R14", "205/50R16", "245/45R19", "195/60R15", "205/55R15"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997)?
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 Mx-6 (1990–1997) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mazda Mx-6 (1990–1997) 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 Mx-6 (1990–1997)? 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.