System Failure: The Power Train (6-speed Automatic Transmission) suffered a major malfunction, documented by diagnostic codes P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio) and P0780 (Shift Error). The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of propulsion while attempting to accelerate. This created an immediate risk of a rear-end collision and left the vehicle unresponsive in the path of oncoming traffic. The transmission's unpredictable shifting makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. Confirmation: The failure and the P0731 code were officially confirmed by Castle Mazda on March 2, 2026. The manufacturer (Mazda) has been notified but has denied a remedy, despite TSB MC-10160555-0001 addressing this specific internal defect. Warning Symptoms: There was no Check Engine Light or dashboard warning prior to or during the failure. The only warning was an extreme, abnormal mechanical grinding/clunking noise from the transmission. The lack of a malfunction indicator light (MIL) meant I had no electronic warning of a looming mechanical failure while in motion.
Mazda MAZDA6 check engine light comes on
75 of the 2,240 owner complaints about the Mazda MAZDA6 describe check engine light, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 75
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,600
- typical mileage
- 33,000
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 15Jerking 8Loss of power 7Engine failure 5Overheating 4Hesitation 4Harsh shifting 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0780 1P0731 1P0117 1
What owners say
At 70000 miles the transmission just got stuck into a single gear in manual. I drove it home and the check engine light came on. Before this problem the car would not go into park. Every time I put it into park I was unable to turn off the car because it thought it was still in gear. I had to fiddle the gear stick. The car also made a high pitch click (metallic) when shifting into 1st or Reverse from park. I took it to Capitol Mazada San Jose and they charged me $7000 to fix some transmission problem. I took it home and the clicking noise did not go away. I took it back to the dealer and they redid some work.
My seat doesn’t detect if passanger is in seat so my air bag engine light goes on and off it was recalled and mazda supposedly cleared the issue but seems like they didnt fix it the recall properly
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while merging onto a freeway the vehicle did not accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal, lost automotive power. After turning the engine off and back on the vehicle operated as normal but later while driving approximately 65 MPH the failure had reoccurred while attempting the pass a semi-truck on the freeway. The check engine warning light had also illuminated and the vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.
The incident occurred while operating a diligently maintained 2014 Mazda 6 Touring, overseen by dealership service. While driving, the check engine light illuminated, prompting an immediate halt. Upon inspection, a concerning observation was made: the coolant level was significantly low. Despite no apparent leaks, further examination revealed a crack in the cylinder head, allowing coolant to mix with the oil. This issue, specific to Mazda's 2.5L Skyactiv engine, has been identified as a manufacturing defect, independent of overheating. Notably, this problem has been echoed by multiple users, confirming the presence of defective cylinder heads in these vehicles. This flaw necessitates an expensive repair, absolving the vehicle owner of any responsibility. Despite the widespread occurrence of this issue, Mazda has declined to issue a recall for vehicles equipped with these faulty cylinder blocks. Online forums and discussions have highlighted numerous instances of identical cracks in the same location, affirming the prevalence of this problem with Mazda's 2.5L engines. This poses a serious concern for vehicle safety and warrants attention from both Mazda and vehicle owners. Additional information regarding this issue can be found through the provided links. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle would stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal as a fuel odor would emit from the vehicle. The check engine light would also appear on the instrument panel. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel line O-ring seal on three separate occasions. The manufacturer nor the dealer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and radio and dash lights, had no power to drive train, had vechile dinogstic check done at O'Reilly auto and they told me it was a PCM power control module. And I called the mazda dealer in Fostoria ohio the macanhic told me the PCM power control module had been reprogram and I never received no notice on any recalls or the person I bought my car never either. My car is 7 years old and if it war reprogram it should not go bad that soon. Unless there is a problem with there components there using. But my car will cause a accident if I continue to drive it. I like my mazda6 2015 but I'm afraid after having the car doing what it did to me on the highway. I had no warning lights come on until the day I was driving down the highway when this problem occurred.
The forward smart city brake malfunction front radar sense malfunction caused my car to slow down on the express with the check engine light blinking.
Unknown Upon research I saw there was a prior recall Mazda Recall Number 6211B the federal safety agency Campaign Number 11V134000 About January of 2022 My service engine light has been turning on and off Around and about July 2022 I noticed a dark black colored puddle gathered wherever I would have my vehicle parked and there is a gas smell upon entering the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and after their initial inspection I was informed that they would have to further inspect my vehicle but it would be costly because they would have to remove exhaust system to have a better visual. Mechanic also advised not to fill up my gas tank when refueling I believe my vehicle has the problem that the said recall describes
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine made a loud ticking noise. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the would drive normal; however, while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Variable Valve Timing Actuator (VVTA) was not functioning as needed causing the engine stall and loud ticking sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA6 check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Mazda MAZDA6?
Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, jerking or lurching and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0780, P0731 and P0117.
Which Mazda MAZDA6 years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (25 complaints), 2014 (8 complaints) and 2005 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Mazda MAZDA6?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,600 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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