VehicleVerdict

1996 Mazda MX-6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1996 Mazda MX-6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other MX-6 years?

MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted71 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 42 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 9 complaints1993: 68 complaints1994: 71 complaints1995: 41 complaints1996: 14 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints
MX-6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mazda MX-6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags750%
Brakes214%
Other214%
Seat Belts17%
Body & Structure17%
Tires & Wheels17%

Does the 1996 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

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

15V674000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

05E065000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 42,962 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

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.

98V249000AirbagsOctober 8, 1998 · 213,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

Consequence

UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SAS UNIT TO REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF UNNECESSARY DEPLOYMENTS IN LOW SPEED UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. POINT OF IMPACT WAS DRIVERS SIDE, FRONT AT 60 TO 65 MPH, IN WHICH THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. CAUSE UNKOWN. ALSO BRAKE ROTORS HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR. CAUSE ALSO UNKNOWN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS, NO RAIN, DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A REGULAR STOPPING SITUATION AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A TRUCK. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 1998 · crash

“ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“WHILE LIFTING HOOD UP THE HOOD FELL DOWN ON THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT HURT BUT COULD HAVE BEEN HURT VERY BADLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 2, 1997

“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WITH CAUSE NOT KNOWN. SECOND TIME DEALERSHIP REPLACED A CLOCK SPRING. NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THIS MEANS AIR BAG IS DISFUNCTIONAL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

1996 Mazda MX-6 — common questions

Is the 1996 Mazda MX-6 reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1996 MX-6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), other (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1996 Mazda MX-6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Mazda MX-6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Mazda MX-6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda MX-6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-6 years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1989, 1995. The cleanest record among MX-6 years belongs to 1999.

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.