Is the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2002 Mazda MAZDA6

○ Not enough data

2002 Mazda MAZDA6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:10.482Z

Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 28
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2002: 28 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	28
2003	174
2004	160
2005	147
2006	173
2007	156
2008	111
2009	386
2010	225
2011	135
2012	99
2013	22
2014	137
2015	60
2016	76
2017	60
2018	59
2019	6
2020	2
2021	17

Known problem areas

Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

12 of 28 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Engine and engine cooling

10 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and fan.

Electrical system

3 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.

Equipment

2 of 28 total reports mention: equipment.

Air bags

2 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Stopped on highway due to police activity. Vehicle was struck from behind at 40 MPH causing the seats to collapse followed by a front-side collision in which the air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-02

Also filed under Seats

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-07-14Parking brake03V207000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mazda MAZDA6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V207000 · Parking brake

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.