Most common 2002 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda6 complaints by model year
Best Mazda6 years: 2019, 2013, 2021. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2014, 2003. Compare all years →
2002 Mazda Mazda6 recalls (1)
Parking brake › Indicator light
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 in the brake reservoir can be forced off of the guide rail during the filling of the master cylinder.
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 receive the free remedy…
What 2002 Mazda Mazda6 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I have a 2002 Mazda millenia purchased new from koons Mazda 9-17-2002. In August of 2005 I returned to koons to have a headlamp replaced.less than two weeks later I noticed the projection of my headlamps were aimed in the direction of the sky.the next morning I noticed both headlamps were laying in the engine compartment.I returned tokoons only to be told that it would cost me $700.00 per hedlamp assy.I have tried numerous times to get Mazda corporate consumer affairs to repair this problem but they have declined. Im told my car is out of warrenty. Because the heat generated by the headlamps and the exposure to other components in the engine compartment it could start a fire. …
Mazda USA Mazda mpv 2002 dear sirs: I own a Mazda mpv 2002 model which has been having minor sporadic trouble for some time. Between 1500 and 1800 RPM it would sometimes jerk and sputter and then it would settle down and continue. I've taken this to two different dealers during routine scheduled service and they said that couldn't find anything until the engine light came on. Well after several months of this, finally the engine light came on , I replaced the coils 1,2,3 I noticed an improvement but eventually the problem recurred and was told to replace the remaining 3 coils plus a hose. Four days after leaving the shop on a trip of 50 miles the engine lost power on a highway creating a dangerous condition for my family. After having it towed to the same dealership. …
Engine & cooling
Mazda USA Mazda mpv 2002 dear sirs: I own a Mazda mpv 2002 model which has been having minor sporadic trouble for some time. Between 1500 and 1800 RPM it would sometimes jerk and sputter and then it would settle down and continue. I've taken this to two different dealers during routine scheduled service and they said that couldn't find anything until the engine light came on. Well after several months of this, finally the engine light came on , I replaced the coils 1,2,3 I noticed an improvement but eventually the problem recurred and was told to replace the remaining 3 coils plus a hose. Four days after leaving the shop on a trip of 50 miles the engine lost power on a highway creating a dangerous condition for my family. After having it towed to the same dealership. …
Driving the Mazda tribute into a parking lot and the car suddenly went to fifty miles per hour and the tach went up to 3000 RPM, applied the brake and put car into park to stop the vehicle from going any further. Dealer was called and car was brought to the dealer for inspection. Car has been serviced at the Mazda dealer every three thousand miles. Dealer checked the vehicle and found that an error code came up that showed that the ect temperature sensor failed which caused the computer to send excess fuel into the fuel injectors which caused a high rate of speed. Dealer fixed the problem and charged $400.00 for the repair. The incident could have caused a major problem if I was driving in open traffic. Mazda should be reviewing for possible defect and NHTSA should be opening a search for other vehicles having a similar problem. Car is a Mazda tribute 2002.
2002 Mazda Mazda6 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mazda Mazda6 a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Mazda6 rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mazda6 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda Mazda6?
The transmission & drivetrain — 12 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (10) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda Mazda6 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Mazda Mazda6, the most recent from June 5, 2003 (indicator light). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda6?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2013 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2003. See the full Mazda Mazda6 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Mazda6 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.