2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 21%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6, 21% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since I first purchased my Mazda there has been a faulty fan control module that shorts out my computer. This time the vehicle forced my into an intersection with my grandchildren in the vehicle. It could have been a serious accident. I could keep my vehicle from moving even with the brake on.”
NHTSA complaint #10239995, filed 2008-08, 3,000 miles“On 17 feb 2011 I was driving my 2003 Mazda 6s and while driving at a low speed of 25 MPH all my lights on my dashboard turned on and my car immediately began to reduce speed almost to a stand still. Luckily I was able to pull to the side of the road in time to avoid any accidents or possible damage to my vehicle. I restarted my car and was able to proceed in driving. However my engine light remained on. I researched this issue online and found that someone with the same model vehicle and year had the same issue almost verbatim. …”
NHTSA complaint #10383310, filed 2011-02, 102,290 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071087, filed 2004-01, 500 miles“While waiting in my car at the bank with the air conditioning on I noticed an odd smell and then the temp gauge started rising fast. I pulled to the side immediately and turned my car off and waited 30 minutes. I took my car in the next day and was informed my cooling fan control unit needed replacing, which they did. I had to ask for my invoice which was given to me. It is working fine now, but I find it odd that such a new car could have such a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075284, filed 2004-06, 4,449 miles“Beginning in 2006, my 2003 Mazda 6 would randomly experience power failure while driving. This was both scary and dangerous. I would be driving, the car would completely loose power with no warning and all the lights on the dashboard would come on. I would have to pull over, turn my car off and back on, and then it would work fine till it randomly happened again. Obviously loosing power at a high speed is extremely dangerous for both myself and the other drivers. I took it to the dealership many times and they were never able to determine a cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242431, filed 2008-09, 61,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 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…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10202696Oct 6, 2021Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair…
- 10201777Sep 24, 2021Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85…
- 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…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10183604Nov 10, 2020Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10169540Dec 19, 2019If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 7% |
| 2004 | 11 | 7% |
| 2003 | 36 | 21% |
| 2002 | 10 | 36% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6
36 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsElectrical system
18 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 27, 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