Fuel smell in & outside of vehicle after fuel fill, being a retired Master Technician I decided to investigate this and after removing the the fuel tank access door under the rear seat I was shocked to see that on an 8 year old vehicle the fuel sender retainer is completely rusted out. An overfill, an aggressive maneuver or small collision could prove disastrous with this condition pending! I have just ordered a replacement since I intend to repair this myself and that is only of the tank itself is not compromised when I proceed to remove the rusted out screws as well. Also after further investigation I find this is nothing new to Mazda and actually had this same condition in previous years but I assume chose not to prevent it from happening in future models. I will be attaching a photo of it.
Mazda MAZDA6 fuel smell problems
11 of the 2,240 owner complaints about the Mazda MAZDA6 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical mileage
- 100,800
By model year
- 20161
- 20151
- 20143
- 20122
- 20091
- 20081
- 20071
- 20041
Often reported together
What owners say
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V170000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer added a protective coating. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that an abnormal fuel odor was on the interior of the vehicle, and fuel was leaking onto the ground. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V412000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the part needed to be purchased to complete the repair. The failure mileage was 235,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 mazda 6. While standing outside of the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormal fuel odor. The odor was not present inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel economy was diminished. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected; however, the mechanic was unable to pinpoint the source of the fuel odor. The vehicle was subsequently taken to romano mazda (located at 3120 erie blvd e, syracuse, ny 13214, (315) 446-9666) where it was determined that the fuel odor was due to corrosion between the fuel tank and fuel pump connection point. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency by the manufacturer. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and there would be no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Can smell strong gas fumes, after filling gas tank. Also, gas tank leaking, after putting gas in tank, at half fill or full tank, get gas smells and leaking. While stationary and moving, can smell gas fumes. Headlights do not provide adequate visibility at night and during rainy weather. Headlights adequate only in high beam mode.
I've owned this car for about 6 months. I usually buy gas by the dollar amount, but did a complete complete fill up for the first time with this vehicle. After driving away then parking at home, I noticed a heavy gasoline smell and checked underneath the car. There was a constant drip (every 15 sec or so) coming from underneath, near the rear driver's side wheel. I now have a puddle. I'm afraid to drive it. What if someone flicks a cigarette and it catches fire while parked?! My mechanic says that this is not normal after a complete full up, and should never happen.
After filling up gas, the entire car smelled like gas. We parked the and got out to check. There was a car fast and prominent leak near the gasket of the fuel tank. There are recalls about it online but not for my specific car even though it is hazardous to drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda 6. After refueling the fuel tank, there was a strong odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. The contact mentioned that after the vehicle was at 3/4 full, the fuel odor would dissipate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 14v114000 (fuel system). The failure mileage was 102,000.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Recall number 21V875000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, through May 9, 2013. In the affected vehicles, it is possible to fill the fuel tank beyond its rated capacity.
- Risk
- If the tank is overfilled, gas may flow into the charcoal canister (an evaporative emissions component) and possibly leak from the canister's external vent, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners and dealers will inspect and add an adapter to the shut off valve in the fuel tank and also inspect the charcoal canister for the presence of gasoline, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7414D.
Recall number 14V170000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.
- Risk
- Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214C.
Recall number 14V114000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mazda6 vehicles manufactured from april 8, 2008, through february 8, 2010. A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction in the line. If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapors from the canister.
- Risk
- As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage ad an increased risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and clean up the canister vent line, and install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 25, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 11V134000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling 7,200 my 2007-2008 mazda6 vehicles with california emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have had the pvc protective coating on the outside of the fuel tank damaged during the assembly process which may result in reduced corrosion resistance.
- Risk
- This could lead to perforation of the fuel tank, causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the bottom surface of the fuel tank for damage to the protective coating and, if necessary, repair the coating or replace the fuel tank. The recall began on august 28, 2008. Owners may contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option 2.
Recall number 08V412000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel sender unit (fsu) may have been improperly installed in the fuel tank, producing an inadequate seal, and fuel may leak.
- Risk
- A fire could occur in the presence of an ignition source.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the top of the fuel tank, and if necessary, repair or replace it. Owner notification began february 9, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 03V531000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA6 fuel smell
Which Mazda MAZDA6 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (3 complaints), 2012 (2 complaints) and 2004 (1 complaints).
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