1997 Mazda MX-6

○ Not enough data
1997 Mazda MX-6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:24.790Z

Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1990: 14 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 33 complaints 1996: 12 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 0 complaints
1990: 14 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 33 complaints 1995 1996: 12 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999
1990: 14 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 46 complaints 1994 1995: 33 complaints 1995 1996: 12 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999

1997: 2 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199014
199113
19927
199354
199446
199533
199612
19972
19980
19990

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

2 of 2 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-05-25

While driving the vehicle, automatic transmission doesn't shift properly from the second gear to over drive. Vehicle will not pass 40 MPH. Dealer stated the transmission needed to be replaced at owner expense of $2800.00 dollars.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-04

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1998-11-20Engine and engine cooling98V206001 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.

  2. R
    2005-09-27Fuel system, gasoline05E065000 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…

    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…

  3. R
    2015-12-17Electrical system15V674000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mazda MX-6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V206001 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 15V674000 · Electrical system

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mazda MX-6 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 1997 Mazda MX-6?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda MX-6 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

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