Mazda MAZDA6 won't shift problems

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · FL

The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) failure on the dashboard. An independent inspection also documented gross mechanical neglect, including loose battery terminals and a loose transmission bellhousing bolt, which may contribute to these intermittent electrical/safety failures.

Filed Oct 4, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CA

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.

Filed May 20, 2025 · CA

The car will not go into Park right away. As previously reported, I have to start the car multiple times to get it into Park--can take up to 10 plus minutes before the car will go into Parkand shut off--only then I can lock the car! Very frustrating since it's a known issue and still has not been recalled

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Electrical · 164,354 miles · IN

Driving at approximately 60 MPH on a state highway, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. From the sudden jump into limp mode, a multi-car accident was narrowly avoided. This is definitely a safety concern. Thankful nobody was hurt.

Filed Nov 16, 2013 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · KY

I was driving on the interstate in ga going a little over 70mph in the fast lane and all of a sudden it kicked in to limp mode to about 10mph. I almost had a semi rear end me but was lucky enough to get out of the way just in time. I could turn the car off and it would reset it for awhile and then do it again. Then it finally got to the point it was doing it way too much. It turned out to be the throttle body. I learned that they know about it but wont recall it. Its been sitting for a year because they want $900.00 to fix it. I feel like I should drive it and let somebody hit me just to make it a recall so all the 1000s if not 10 of thousands of people who have the same problem will be able to get it fixed. Clearly that is a huge safety issue and should be a recall.

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · NJ

The vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission. When the vehicle was parked for over 8 hours outdoors in direct sunlight, the vehicle would not shift out of park. Failure occurs only on extremely hot days - temperatures over 95 degrees and only when all the windows & sunroof were completely closed. Vehicle was allowed to sit with the engine running and air conditioner on high for roughly 15-20 minutes. When interior temperature of car lowered, the car was able to shift out of park. The problem replicated sporadically but on at least 10 different occasions over the course of 2 years. The vehicle was brought to dealership on numerous occasions where they were unable to replicate the problem. During one service visit a mechanic cleaned the microswitch responsible for the shift interlock. That did not remediate the problem.

Filed Sep 18, 2007 · Transmission · 400 miles · WI

While on vacation, 6/23/07, with approx. 400 mi on my 2007 mazda 6, I initially noticed some steam coming from the engine compartment and a distinct odor. Shortly thereafter, my car would not shift out of first gear and my at indicator light appeared. I immediately pulled the vehicle over and noticed a pool of transmission fluid leaking under the vehicle. I then contacted the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the nearest mazda dealer. I was informed that the vehicle's transmission had a defective seal that LED to the torque converter and therefore, leaked all transmission fluid. The car would now need a new transmission installed. At approximately 3000 mi on the vehicle, I noticed a high pitched whine when accelerating and decelerating. In addition, there seemed to be a lag in shifting. I contacted the dealer to investigate the problem and brought the vehicle in on 9/6/07. I was notified that 2 components in the differential failed; a differential seal and a solenoid valve. Mazda installed the two components. The seal was repaired but the solenoid valve install was unsuccessful. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and was instructed to install another new transmission. As of 9/18/07, the dealer should have completed the install today and will contact me with the results.

Filed Jul 14, 2006 · Acceleration, Engine · 15,655 miles · CA

2005 grand touring gets stuck in gear while driving. *ts the vehicle became stuck in gear three time while driving on the freeway. The consumer took her foot off the accelerator yet the vehicle continued to move at 60 MPH. The consumer pressed the brake pedal but the vehicle continued at 60 MPH. The consumer put the car in manual 6 speed and the vehicle bucked then worked normally. As soon as the vehicle was put back into automatic mode the gears became stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The consumer noticed condensation on the inside bottom of the windshield. The check engine light illuminated due to failed throttle body. The radio experienced problems. The left rear wheel was bent and caused vibration while driving.

Filed Feb 16, 2006 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · TN

2002 mazda 626 with 37000 miles. Had a new transmission about aug, 2004. Started having shifting problems about six months ago. Nelson mazda in nashville, tn told us someone filled the fluid too high when we had our oil changed. Even though it was obvious something was wrong, and we were only 2 weeks out of our warranty, they would do nothing but "adjust the fluid". This week it started shifting bad and before the day was up it would not go into reverse. We took it to a local trustworthy garage who said the trans. Fluid was "burned to a crisp" and needed a new transmission again. Nelson mazda will do nothing to help. Nothing. A car should not need have a second bad transmission in 3 1/2 years and 37000 miles.

Filed Oct 12, 2005 · Transmission · DE

Car is a manual transmission. Past 2 weeks engine light has come on, car will not shift and will not go above 20 MPH.