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Vehicle safety record

1997 Mazda MX-6 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-6 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (3) and the fuel system (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1996 has 15 and the 1998 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical MX-6 year, for its age

#209 most complained-about 1997 vehicle

Complaints
4
Recalls
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1997 Mazda MX-6 problems

Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1997 Mazda MX-6 recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Electrical system: switch

15V6740001,368,500 vehicles affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
The risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

Fuel system

05E06500042,962 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford probe,1993-2001 mazda 626 and mx-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door coupe, hatchback, sedan, wagon, brat, dl, gl, gl-10, rx, xt, and xt6 passenger vehicles with efi or turbo engines. These filters are packaged as wix, napa, and carquest brand fuel filters. Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 90-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f300-s2, sold as replacement filters for 19983-1994 subaru vehicles with efi or turbo engines. These filters are packaged as wix, napa, and carquest brand fuel filters. Fuel may leak from the filter due to non-conforming brazing welds where the inlet tube is connected to the filter can.
The risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
The fix
Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698.

Engine

98V20600140,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
The risk
This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.

What owners say

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4 complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-6

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Transmission & drivetrain

TRANSMISSION

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10191744
Fuel system

The consumer stated the filler neck tube has rusted. As a result fuel vapors seeped into the passenger compartment. A recall for the fuel tank filler neck has been issued, however the vehicle identification number was outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional information. *Jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10097038
Transmission & drivetrain

While driving the vehicle, automatic transmission doesn't shift properly from the second gear to over drive. Vehicle will not pass 40 mph. Dealer stated the transmission needed to be replaced at owner expense of $2800.00 Dollars. Please provide further information. *Ph

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10050056
Transmission & drivetrain

My 1997 626 is having a severe transmission problem. There is only 60000 miles on it. Considering the number of complaints files on this issue, I sincerely hope that mazda does something about (recall or better go out of business). *Nlm

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10023421

Mazda MX-6: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19990100-A
19980100-A
19974300Transmission & drivetrainB
199615330AirbagsD
199538383AirbagsF
199448460Transmission & drivetrainF
199354350BrakesF
All MX-6 years

1997 Mazda MX-6 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1997 Mazda MX-6

Does the 1997 Mazda MX-6 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1997 Mazda MX-6: switch (October 2015); fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); engine (September 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mazda MX-6?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (3), fuel system (1).

How many complaints has the 1997 Mazda MX-6 had?

4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 19, 2003 and the latest on May 25, 2007. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1997 Mazda MX-6 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 69 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mazda MX-6 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda MX-6 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1997 Mazda MX-6 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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