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2003 MAZDA Mazda6

9 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #03V531000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The fuel sender unit in your vehicle is a sensor that tells your fuel gauge how much gas you have. It might have been installed incorrectly in your fuel tank, which could cause fuel to leak out.
Risk if Unfixed
If fuel leaks from your tank and ignites, a fire could break out, potentially causing serious damage or injury.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will check the top of your fuel tank, and if necessary, repair or replace it to prevent leaks. This repair is free, and you should contact them at 1-800-222-5500 to schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL SENDER UNIT (FSU) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK, PRODUCING AN INADEQUATE SEAL, AND FUEL MAY LEAK.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, AND IF NECESSARY, REPAIR OR REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #03V207000 Plain English
Component

PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The parking brake warning light in your vehicle uses a small float to check the brake fluid level. Sometimes, this float can get knocked out of place during production, which means the warning light might not work as it should.
Risk if Unfixed
If the float gets stuck, the warning light might not come on when your brake fluid level is low. This could leave you driving without knowing your brakes are low, which could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will need to repair or replace the float in your brake reservoir, but a specific remedy has not been provided yet. You'll be contacted with a service date and should follow up with Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 if you don't receive the repair in a timely manner.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." DURING PRODUCTION, THE FLOAT IN THE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR IN THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAN BE FORCED OFF OF THE GUIDE RAIL DURING THE FILLING OF THE MASTER CYLINDER.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE FLOAT WILL NOT RETURN TO THE GUIDE RAIL AND THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WARNING INDICATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION.
Original — Remedy
MAZDA HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V781000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is the part that deploys to protect you in a crash. In some 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 models, the airbag inflator could rupture and explode.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly into the passenger area and cause severe injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one at no charge to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible, and in the meantime, please do not drive your vehicle until the recall is complete.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #18V402000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The airbag on the passenger side of your vehicle is designed to deploy in the event of a crash to protect you. However, in certain 2003-2011 models, the inflator that makes the airbag work could explode, causing sharp metal fragments to fly towards you.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you could be seriously injured or even killed by the sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one to prevent this risk, and the repair is free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until the repair is done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V474000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The airbag in the driver's side of your vehicle is designed to inflate in the event of a crash to protect you. However, in certain models from 2003-2008, the airbag could be damaged by moisture or manufacturing issues, which might cause it to fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag fails to deploy properly in a crash, metal fragments could shoot towards you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a safer alternative, free of charge. Please don't drive your vehicle until this repair is done. You'll be contacted by Mazda, but you can also reach them at 1-800-222-5500 to confirm the recall and schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #09E025000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Manufacturer
DOPE, INC.
What Happened
The headlight assembly on your vehicle is a combination lamp that includes the headlight and a lamp on the side of your vehicle. In some aftermarket versions sold for your vehicle, the side reflector is missing, which is a required safety feature.
Risk if Unfixed
Without the side reflector, your headlight may not be visible to other drivers, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Dope, Inc. will give you a full refund for the non-compliant headlight assembly. You should contact Dope, Inc. at 1-626-272-1798 to arrange for the refund.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #09E012000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
SABERSPORT
What Happened
Your vehicle's corner and bumper lamp assembly is the part that helps other drivers see your car from the side and back. Unfortunately, some after-market lamp assemblies, like the one on your vehicle, don't have the required reflective strips that help make your vehicle more visible.
Risk if Unfixed
If these lamps aren't working right, other drivers may have trouble seeing your car when they're changing lanes or merging, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Sabersport will give you a full refund for the faulty lamp assembly, so you won't have to pay a thing. You should contact Sabersport at 1-909-598-7589 to get the refund.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #03V206000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The socket that holds your fog light bulb in your Mini van or passenger vehicle is attached with pressure. When the bulb gets hot, this socket can expand and potentially detach from the light casing.
Risk if Unfixed
If the socket comes loose, it could fall into the bumper, and in rare cases, the heat from the bulb might cause the bumper to burn.
Free Fix
Your authorized Mazda dealer will add a spring to keep the socket securely attached to the light casing, at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice and make sure to do it promptly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOCKET HOLDER IN THE FOG LIGHTS IS INSTALLED IN THE LAMP CASING USING PRESSURE. DURING OPERATION OF THE FOG LIGHT, THE HEAT FROM THE BULB CAN EXPAND THE SOCKET HOLDER. THE EXPANSION CAN FORCE THE SOCKET HOLDER REARWARD. AFTER REPEATEDLY BEING SUBJECT TO THIS EXPANSION, IF THE FOG LIGHT IS ALSO SUBJECTED TO VIBRATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SOCKET HOLDER WITH THE BULB HOLDER AND THE WIRING HARNESS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FOG LIGHT CASING.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BULB SOCKET AND THE HARNESS CAN DROP INSIDE THE BUMPER AND POSSIBLY BUT RARELY, THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BULB CAN CAUSE THE BUMPER TO BURN.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THE SOCKET HOLDER FROM SEPARATING FROM THE LAMP CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #09E011000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturer
THULE, INC.
What Happened
The Thule roof-mounted fit kit is a part that attaches your cargo rack to your vehicle. In certain models, the bolt that holds the rack in place might be prone to breaking, making it unsafe to use.
Risk if Unfixed
If the bolt breaks, the rack could come loose while you're driving, creating a hazard on the road and potentially causing a crash.
Free Fix
Thule will send you a repair kit with instructions to fix the issue for free. You should follow the instructions and install the kit as soon as you receive it.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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