VehicleVerdict

2002 Mazda Mazda6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2002 Mazda Mazda6 is among the quieter years of the Mazda6 on NHTSA's books: 40 complaints (68% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (30% of the total).

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Mazda6 years?

Mazda6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted527 complaints2002: 40 complaints2003: 245 complaints2004: 196 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 207 complaints2007: 184 complaints2008: 121 complaints2009: 527 complaints2010: 318 complaints2011: 186 complaints2012: 128 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 196 complaints2015: 78 complaints2016: 111 complaints2017: 76 complaints2018: 74 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 19 complaints
Mazda6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mazda Mazda6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1230%
Engine1025%
Other513%
Electrical System38%
Airbags25%
Brakes25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 2002 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V207000BrakesJune 5, 2003 · 45,600 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON MAZDA MPV MINIVAN 2002- OVER/DRIVE OFF LIGHT BLINKS, AND CAR BUCKS AS IT TRIES TO SHIFT. IF I SHIFT IT MANUALLY FROM 2ND TO 3RD, AND THEN DRIVE THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF, AND IT WILL START TO SHIFT PROPERLY AGAIN WHEN PUT IN DRIVE. MAZDA SERVICE WANTS TO CHARGE ME $3600.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 26, 2006

“I 'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER OVERFLOW BOTTLE (SUB TANK) THREE TIMES. EACH TIME THERE WAS A PIN HOLD IN THEM, WHICH ALLOWS THE CAR TO RUN HOT AND SHUT DOWN. I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THOSE BOTTLES. I OWN A 2002 MAZDA 626. I HAD TO PURCHASE THE BOTTLES EACH TIME. THEY REQUEST THAT YOU…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 7, 2006

“2002 MAZDA MIATA CONVERT. WITH A TOP THAT HAS LEAKED SINCE PURCHASED IN 8-2002 AND MAZDA REFUSES TO REPLACE TOP AFTER 20 ATTEMPTS TO FIX. YOU DO NOT HAVE MIATA'S LISTED IN YOUR COMPLAINT FIELDS- THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR MIATA. ALSO, FOG LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER RECALL WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2004

“ON MAZDA MPV MINIVAN 2002- OVER/DRIVE OFF LIGHT BLINKS, AND CAR BUCKS AS IT TRIES TO SHIFT. IF I SHIFT IT MANUALLY FROM 2ND TO 3RD, AND THEN DRIVE THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF, AND IT WILL START TO SHIFT PROPERLY AGAIN WHEN PUT IN DRIVE. MAZDA SERVICE WANTS TO CHARGE ME $3600.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 26, 2006

“PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2002, THERE IS A SMELL LIKE MILDEW COMING FROM THE A/C HAD IT TESTED- HIGH MOLD SPORE COUNTS IN CABIN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. ARE THESE GOING TO WORK IF I SHOULD NEED THEM? THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 50 TIMES WITHIN 3 YEARS FOR THESE PROBLEMS AND MANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 9, 2002

2002 Mazda Mazda6 — common questions

Is the 2002 Mazda Mazda6 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 40 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mazda6 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Mazda6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mazda Mazda6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Mazda Mazda6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Mazda6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda6 years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2004, 2007, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among Mazda6 years belongs to 2020.

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.