2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 10%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6, 10% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought a 2003 Mazda 6 last year, my tachometer kept going crazy and the car would die out. I took it to good year, 3 codes came up. They changed the cam shaft sensor and the EGR valve. That didn't fix the problem, good year took the parts out, put mine back in and told me to take it to a Mazda dealership. I took it to Mazda, they told me I had to change my PCM because it was shorting out, and my EGR valve and that should take care of the problem. They quoted me 2k dollars for everything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671839, filed 2015-01, 87,200 miles“Have a Mazda 6 that continuously has the check engine light come on. Had an incident where the car was failing to accelerate and waited for tow truck. That was the first time I took the car in for repair. Waited 3 weeks before I could get my car back and when I got it back, it happened again 3 more times, and took it in for servicing all those times. I don't want to continue to make a trip to the dealer every month like I have been doing.”
NHTSA complaint #10025917, filed 2003-07, 2,200 miles“I purchased a 2003 MAZDA6 on 4/18/2003, at of today it has 3,800 miles.after driving about 10 miles I stopped to order food from a drive thru window. I was told that it would be 10 mins for my order to be ready, so I pulled over to a stall and waited for 15 mins, with the car still on(no AC windows down). While placing my order I heard the fan turn on I knew it was on because it was making a very loud noise (not like normal). It stay on while I was parked waiting for my order and on the drive home 10 min. It continued to stay on 90 sec after car was turned off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072343, filed 2004-05, 3,890 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037202, filed 2003-09, 13,000 miles“Driving at approximately 60 MPH on a state highway, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. From the sudden jump into limp mode, a multi-car accident was narrowly avoided. This is definitely a safety concern. Thankful nobody was hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10621857, filed 2014-08, 164,354 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10244679Oct 11, 2023If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10217209Jul 18, 2022In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274Jun 22, 2022This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10209778Mar 17, 2022The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 10205994Dec 21, 2021Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged…
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10188016Feb 8, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 17% |
| 2018 | 4 | 7% |
| 2017 | 19 | 32% |
| 2016 | 11 | 14% |
| 2015 | 6 | 10% |
| 2014 | 47 | 34% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2012 | 12 | 12% |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% |
| 2009 | 32 | 8% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 13 | 8% |
| 2003 | 18 | 10% |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology