1997 Mazda MX-6
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 14 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 46 |
| 1995 | 33 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 2 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION
NHTSA ODI report, 20070525
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, 20031204
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 98V206001 — check if this car was fixed
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 COU
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 800-949-6
Campaign 05E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V674000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mazda MX-6 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V206001 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V674000 (electrical system) has been completed.
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:automatic transmission, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.