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2002 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 63,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical MAZDA6 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
91/100
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
16
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    12
  • Engine
    10
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6

Transmission failure 6

Recalls 1

Parking brake: indicator lightReported June 5, 2003 · 45,600 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Should this occur, it is possible that the float will not return to the guide rail and the brake fluid level warning indicator may not function.
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 within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.

Recall number 03V207000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 16

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 16 bulletins for the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6

What 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2008 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · CA

I was driving my well-maintained 2002 mazda mpv (odo 66,000miles) on the freeway at 65 MPH, when all of a sudden it was as if it was shifted into neutral. Had car towed to an independent repair facility, which diagnosed failed transmission. Had it towed to mazda dealer, who corroborated the diagnosis, and put in a remanufactured transmission. Cost to me: $3,546.09. Doesn't seem right; I'm very upset. I asked for the old part, but they told me I would have to pay the "core charge", which I declined.

Filed Jan 7, 2008 · Seat belts · 32,725 miles · FL

Driver's side car seat belt latch broke. Dealer required prepayment to order part from manufacturer. Manufacturer does not inventory this part. It has to come from japan. Unable to drive my car since the seat belt latch is broken. This is a "safety issue" part.

Filed Dec 28, 2007 · Engine · 42,000 miles · DC

The 2002 mpv has had recurring problems with the fan control module. Their has been a recall on this item, but after having had the fan control module repaired under warranty the same problem resurfaced after only 24,000 miles -- and this time was not covered under warranty. The repair cost $233.35.

Filed Oct 23, 2007 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · WI

My 2002 mazda 626 only had 88,000 miles on the car before the transmission failed.

Filed Oct 11, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 63,000 miles · FL

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. I was told it was unrelated and that I needed to replace the transmission to the tune of $3400 after having already spent $1200.

Filed Aug 21, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · MI

From the day I drove my new 2002 mpv home the transmission mis-shifted and bucked. I called the dealer the following day and they told me that "the transmission computer was learning my driving habits and it would go away. After 3 months the problem persisted and began stalling at lights. I took the car in and they said they could find no problem. When I asked them what they needed to repair the problem they said that there were no computer upgrades for the transmission and I would have to wait until there were. A year passed and it continued to buck and stall. I took the car in again and told them I thought it was a "lemon" and I wanted it repaired. They took the car and "fixed it" but it has continued to mis shift regularly. At around 25,000 miles the engine light came on and a diagnostic test revealed it needed new plugs. After replacing the plugs it appeared to run less erratically. It now has 65,000 miles on it and a diagnostic test reveals that the #5 cylinder coil is out. Apparently each spark plug has its own coil. I have ordered the coil and am waiting to see what problem will come up next. In oct 2005 mazda sent out a voluntary laboratory emission testing form. Since they wanted the vehicle for 2 weeks and I already didn't trust there competency I declined the offer. Nevertheless, this told me that they must be having emission problems as well. I cannot believe there has been no recall on this vehicle from the manufacturer or a government required recall. The dealer never fixed the problem from day one, the car is now out of warranty and now I have no recourse. I have lost all confidence in mazda. I will be contacting some attorneys about a class action lawsuit. It seems like it will take a fatality on a freeway from a failed transmission before mazda or the government will look into this!

Filed Aug 19, 2007 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · FL

Vehicle has a pcv hose failure factory recall. Its failed four times - the hose is not resistant to oil. It eats itself out from the inside out. It than sucks itself in and gets a growing hole. Vacuum pressure gets so low that the brake booster begins to failure causing break failure. Mazda has since upgrade the "new" improved part to a more "improved new" part that fixes this problem. They refuse to fix my van again because they already fixed it once. They should of fixed it right the first time. I'm on my fourth hose now and I think since they upgrade the part again it shows they know they installed a defective part on my van in the first place.

Filed Jul 31, 2007 · Transmission · 100,700 miles · VA

The transmission in my 2002 mazda 626 sedan burned out without warning while being operated during normal highway conditions. The vehicle was well-maintained during my period of ownership. I was told by the mazda mechanics that the 626 was "notorious" for transmission problems like this, and that they would not advise any attempt to rebuild the transmission because the probability of a similar failure was high, and that the "ecat" transmission was not designed to be rebuilt. Essentially, once the transmission fails in this vehicle (and I was told it was simply a matter of time), that the only option to recoup any loss is to sell the car for parts.

Filed Jun 28, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 58,000 miles · OH

2002 mazda mpv transmission and water pump went out at 58,000 miles. Not under warranty and mazda will not accept any responsibility for the repair. The car just died in rush hour traffic, and luckily no accident occurred. The fix was $4,000 in repairs paid by me. Six weeks later, I am told that I have to replace a coil and spark plug for another $500. The mechanic even said that I may have to replace more coils in the coming months.

Filed May 15, 2007 · Engine · 57,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mazda 6. The contact stated that the vehicle has no acceleration power. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shut off. The contact placed the vehicle in park and it was restarted. The slow acceleration occurs every day, but the stalling and shutting off is occurring more frequently. The VIN, purchase date, and engine size were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 57,000.

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Compare the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6

Is the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6, fewer than a typical MAZDA6 model year.

What is the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 year score?

The 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA6: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 12 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles. Next is engine (10).

How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 have?

1 recall, covering parking brake.

What year does the Mazda MAZDA6 have bad transmission?

The Mazda MAZDA6 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2003 (36 complaints), 2006 (20 complaints) and 2004 (19 complaints).

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