1997 Mazda MX-6 Problems & Complaints

Better than average86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MX-6 at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Mazda MX-6 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 86% fewer than a typical MX-6 model year at the same age, making the 1997 one of the better MX-6 years. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (2 complaints, typically around 125,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1997 Mazda MX-6 problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain~125,000 miles
    2100%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mazda MX-6 complaints by model year

19951996199733122
Owner complaints per model year, Mazda MX-6. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best MX-6 years: 1997, 1996. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →

1997 Mazda MX-6 recalls (2)

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 15V-674 · Oct 19, 2015 · 1,368,500 vehicles

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. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 98V206001 · Sep 8, 1998 · 40,000 vehicles

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.

1997 Mazda MX-6 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manualFWD23 / 31 / 26
2.0L 4-cyl4-speed automaticFWD21 / 29 / 24
2.5L 6-cyl4-speed automaticFWD18 / 24 / 20
2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manualFWD18 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 Mazda MX-6 a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 MX-6 rates better than average: 86% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MX-6 at the same age. It is one of the best MX-6 years by this measure. 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 1997 Mazda MX-6?

The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mazda MX-6 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Mazda MX-6, the most recent from October 19, 2015 (switch). 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 MX-6?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Mazda MX-6 years comparison.

At what mileage do 1997 Mazda MX-6 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 miles; 0% 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.