2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 6%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6, 6% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have owned our Mazda 6 since 2003. This year there is substantial rust in both rear fenders. Researching this it appears to be a common problem, such a problem that it was a recall in england. We contacted Mazda to see if a recall was available to america, but one was not. Mazda is aware of the problem as they modified their design to change the rear fender on future models. We fear that the structure has degraded greatly that a side impact would result in serious injury to rear passengers.”
NHTSA complaint #10362537, filed 2010-10, 85,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 MAZDA6 2 weeks ago, the car has been driven a total of 100 miles and has been covered since purchase. Last night, I found rust around the weather strips in all 4 doors. I called Mazda and apparently they knew about the problem for a while but did not address the problem before selling the car to me. The car has been on the dealer lot for 5 months and they never took care of that problem while it was sitting on the lot....I had to find and point the problem out to them. No one should have to pay money for a new vehicle with rust on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10049271, filed 2003-12, 100 miles“There is a rattling noise coming from the passenger side dash. I have taken the vehicle in 3 times, and the noise is still there. They replaced some padding and tightened a charcoal filter. It is very annoying having a brand new car with a loud rattle.”
NHTSA complaint #10049396, filed 2003-12, 2,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, after closing the front drivers side door and attempting to open the door, it was jammed and could not be open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10746735, filed 2015-08, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mazda MAZDA6. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the vehicle was not inspected and the contact was informed that the failure was a common problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 110,000. Updated 4/1/13 the consumer stated the spring for the door lock acutuator would fail, trapping occupants in the vehicle. Updated 04/19/2013”
NHTSA complaint #10496468, filed 2013-02, 110,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007022Aug 15, 2024Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's…
- 10243569Sep 13, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Jul 6, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10225724Oct 17, 2022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10208567Feb 10, 2022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10154139Dec 11, 2018If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or…
- 10148068Oct 10, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of…
- 10134702Mar 22, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10213399Feb 26, 2016Brake noise, judder and dragging diagnosis and servicing
- 10018889Jan 1, 2006Center panel removal caution.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 10% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 3 | 13% |
| 2012 | 12 | 12% |
| 2011 | 30 | 22% |
| 2010 | 60 | 27% |
| 2009 | 123 | 32% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 9% |
| 2003 | 11 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsFuel system
15 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