The 2003 Mazda6 has 4 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag concern covers both front seating positions. The driver-side inflator can degrade over time and rupture during deployment, scattering metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. The passenger-side inflator carries the same risk, and prior repair attempts using replacement inflators of the same design did not fully resolve the issue, meaning vehicles that received an earlier fix may still be affected and need further attention. These airbag defects represent the most urgent safety concern on this vehicle.
On the fuel system side, the fuel sender unit inside the gas tank may not have been sealed properly during installation, allowing fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, that leak raises the risk of fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may rupture due to moisture entering the unit and manufacturing inconsistencies that accumulate over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel sender unit in the fuel tank may not have been sealed properly during assembly, which can allow fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and repair or replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
