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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Mazda MAZDA6 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
7%of 160 total for the year
Median mileage
73,250miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6, 7% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“Pre catalytic converter failed, destroying my v6 engine. I thought it was a joke, but I heard several cases with other people with the same vehicle; 2004 Mazda 6s. $3000 for 4 new catalytic converters and $4000 for a new v6 engine=$7000....I don't think so.”

NHTSA complaint #10325207, filed 2010-04, 65,000 miles

“Driving on a highway from chicago to wisconsin I noticed a knock in my engine that turned into 2 thrown pistons through my engine block. I work for a crash test facility. Cars are a daily component in my life. The engine had 45,000 miles on it and Mazda rejected my warranty claim. I ended up settling with the dealership and transferring my loan to a used car. I wanted to post this occurrence of engine failure to make sure it wasn't a common occurrence.”

NHTSA complaint #10214568, filed 2008-01, 45,000 miles

“Constant overheating problems. Changed everything from hoses to radiator,thermostat and gasket but it still comes on after a while. Spent sooo much money on this and the other day smoke erupted from car when driving and got in accident. Former owner had same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10515574, filed 2013-06, 127,643 miles

“2004, 5speed MAZDA6 catches fire and burns to a crisp. Getting onto a highway a loud pop was heard then there was smoke-popped the hood alot more smoke checked under the car for leaks saw orange glow-10 seconds later the car was up in flames.”

NHTSA complaint #10276215, filed 2009-07, 87,000 miles

“Aug 27 engine noise, aug 29 Mazda diagnosed internal engine damage. 2004 19,000 miles under warranty-Mazda wont repair, says the oil change of 7-23 was not performed correctly. $8000-$9000 to fix engine, nothing done at this time , trying to find an attorney.”

NHTSA complaint #10135816, filed 2005-09, 19,800 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201211%
201010%
200951%
200822%
200796%
200695%
2005117%
2004117%
20033621%
20021036%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6

Air bags
55 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Body and structure
15 complaints
Electrical system
13 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
10 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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