VehicleVerdict

2006 Mazda Mazda5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 103 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Mazda5 year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 11 Mazda5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (21), tires & wheels (20), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

103

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Mazda5 years?

Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted103 complaints2006: 103 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 72 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 47 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints
Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mazda Mazda5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension2120%
Tires & Wheels2019%
Engine1212%
Brakes1010%
Steering1010%
Body & Structure66%
Electrical System55%
Latches & Locks55%
Seat Belts33%
Transmission33%
Other22%
Speed Control22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Child Seat11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E011000OtherApril 2, 2009 · 2,323 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

06V463000Latches & LocksDecember 4, 2006 · 9,800 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN,AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY REMAIN IN THE OPEN POSITION RESULTING IN THE DOOR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE CLOSED AND LATCHED. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED WITH AN OPEN DOOR IT MAY ALLOW AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SLIDING DOOR LATCHES WITH MODIFIED LATCHES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

05V412000EngineSeptember 19, 2005 · 7,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A HEAT BUILDUP IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN OCCUR.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

MAZDA INSTRUCTED OWNERS (SEPTEMBER 16, 2005) TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES AND WILL BE GIVEN A RENTAL OR LOANER VEHICLE AT NO COST WHILE MAZDA REPAIRS THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 26, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THIS OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 21, 2006 · crash

“I HAVE ALSO HAD EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON TOYO PROXES 205/50/17. THE TIRES ARE WEARING ON THE INSIDE, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF THE BELTS SHOWING. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 26,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND I HAVE PERSONALLY ROTATED THE TIRES FOUR TIMES. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN ROARING ALMOST WHEEL BEARING LIKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 31, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA 5. WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE OFFICER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 28, 2016 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THIS OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 21, 2006 · crash

“I AM THE OWNER OF A MAZDA5- MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I PARKED MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND ENGAGED THE BRAKE. MY DAUGHTER RE-ENTERED THE CAR ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER, AS SHE GOT IN THE CAR AND SAT DOWN SHE FELT IT MOVE AND HOPPED OUT. THE CAR ROLLED DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY HIT A TREE WITH THE DOOR STILL OPEN AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2006 · crash

2006 Mazda Mazda5 — common questions

Is the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 103 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 11 Mazda5 years. It is one of the Mazda5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Mazda5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (21 complaints), tires & wheels (20 complaints), engine (12 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mazda Mazda5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda5 years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among Mazda5 years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.