2008 Mazda MAZDA6
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 174 |
| 2004 | 159 |
| 2005 | 147 |
| 2006 | 173 |
| 2007 | 156 |
| 2008 | 111 |
| 2009 | 385 |
| 2010 | 225 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 99 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 137 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 76 |
| 2017 | 59 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
68% of complaints: air bags — 76 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT I WAS IMPACTED FROM A VEHICLE BEHIND MY VEHICLE. THE IMPACT FROM THE CRASH DID NOT CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150625
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LOST CONTROL DUE TO ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID A COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150220
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE AT A STOP AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150219
7% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH4% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK INTO PLACE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181116
4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240920
4% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2008 MAZDA 6 WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES. STARTER CAUGHT ON FIRE, DEALER SAID RODENT CHEWED WIRE. NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. MY INSURANCE HAD TO PAY. PICTURES TAKEN AND MY AGENT INSURED ME WHEN HE FILED WITH MAZDA THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081113
SAFETY TIMELINE
MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,200 MY 2007-2008 MAZDA6 VEHICLES WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSION SPECIFICATIONS. THE METAL FUEL TANKS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE PVC PROTECTIVE COATING ON THE OUTSIDE OF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK FOR DAMAGE TO THE PROTECTIVE COATING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE COATING OR REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2008. OWN
Campaign 08V412000 — check if this car was fixed
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, MODEL
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 1-8
Campaign 09E011000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge.
Campaign 17V474000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018.
Campaign 18V402000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019.
Campaign 19V781000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mazda MAZDA6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (76 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V412000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V474000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V402000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V781000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.