Recalls: Mazda GH Mazda6
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mazda GH Mazda6
2008 Mazda GH Mazda6 2.5i: piston pin not secured
In August 2011, a recall was issued for Mazda GH Mazda6 vehicles that were fitted with 2.5-litre petrol engines, manufactured from 8 January 2008 and 12 February 2008 and in the VIN range JM0GH105100100948 to JM0GH105100105500. In these vehicles, one of the clips that retain the piston pins within the pistons could have been incorrectly installed. If the clips failed, the piston pin may slide out of position, contacting the cylinder wall; the resultant damage could cause the engine to stall and not restart. In a worst case scenario, conrods may crack the oil pan on the bottom of the engine or cylinder block, causing oil to leak (PRA 2011/12761).
Mazda GH Mazda6 hatch: tailgate may corrode and cause injury
In September 2016, a recall was issued for Mazda GH Mazda6 hatchbacks because an inappropriate type of paint was used on the end-cap of the external body of the Liftgate Stay Dampers (struts). In regions where exposure to salt occurred, surface corrosion may result. If the corrosion was not addressed and continued, the external body may swell such that the end-cap may split and break as the rear liftgate (tailgate) was opened. At worst, people nearby may be at risk of injury from components dislodged by the pressurised gas contained in the Liftgate Stay Damper (PRA 2016/15630).
2007-12 Mazda GH Mazda6: driver’s seat could move out of position
In February 2017, a recall was issued for Mazda GH Mazda6 vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 4 September 2007 to 28 March 2012. For the driver’s seat of these vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter link could crack or the lifter link retaining nuts could separate. If this occurred, the seat may make an abnormal noise or rattling noise; at worst, however, the lifter link could break and separate from the seat frame, causing the seat to move out of its position. For the VINs of the recalled Mazda GH Mazda6 vehicles, please see PRA 2017/15935.
2008-12 Mazda GH Mazda6: Takata airbag recall
In July 2017, a recall was issued for Mazda GH Mazda6 vehicles. Over time, the passenger-side airbag inflator in these vehicles may absorb moisture in environments of high absolute humidity. In the event of deployment, the airbag may therefore inflate abnormally and cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture such that metal fragments could be dispersed throughout the cabin. These metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16232.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Mazda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Mazda Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Mazda GH Mazda6
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2008-12 Mazda GH Mazda6 Diesel: engine failure due to oil starvation
For 2008-12 Mazda GH Mazda6 Diesel vehicles with 2.2-litre MZR-CD R2 2008 diesel engines, there have been reports of premature engine failures. For these engines, it is understood that the copper seals of the no.1 fuel injector could fail and cause combustion gases to heat the engine oil in the camshaft chambers, creating hard carbon deposits. Over time, these carbon deposits can get flushed into the oil sump and block the oil pick-up strainer/filter (in the oil sump). At worst, this blockage may starve the oil pump of oil, the oil warning light may illuminate due to the lack of oil pressure and the engine may seize. If the latter occurs, the engine must be replaced.
If the driver notices that the engine oil warning light illuminates, AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that the vehicle be stopped immediately and towed to a mechanic. It is understood that the low oil pressure warning light illuminates at around 6 psi, whereas normal oil pressure is 50-60 psi. As such, illumination of the engine oil warning light demonstrates seriously low oil pressure which poses an imminent risk of engine damage.
For owners, it is recommended that the strainer/filter be inspected when the oil is changed for any signs of blockage. Furthermore, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that since the oil strainer/filter sits low in the oil sump, it is not possible to completely drain the oil if the strainer/filter is blocked.
2008-11 Mazda GH Mazda6: sticky dashboard
For2008-11 Mazda GH Mazda6 vehicles, the polymer which the dashboard is made from may degrade due to sunlight/heat and humidity. As a result, the dashboard surface may:
- Become sticky to the touch; and,
- Appear shiny and reflect more light, causing increased glare and impaired visibility.
The driver may also experience a ‘chemical’ smell.
WithinAustralia, there have been cases of Mazda supplying replacement dashboards at not cost as a ‘goodwill’ gesture, though owners have still had to pay labour costs (around $250-$350) to have the replacement dashboard fitted. For examples, see ‘Whirlpool: 2009 Mazda 3 dashboard is melting‘.
Mazda6 Diesel: stretched timing chain
For the Mazda GH.I Mazda6, the timing chains for the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine were susceptible to stretching. In the UK, Mazda undertook a service campaign to check, reprogram and, if necessary, replace the timing chain and tensioner for vehicles under warranty and which had exceeded 40,000 kilometres. Furthermore, a software update was applied to detect if the chain was no longer within tolerances so that the DPF warning light would illuminate to alert the driver.
As a result of this problem, the design of the timing chain was subsequently changed. It is understood that the diesel engine for the GH.II Mazda6 does not experience this problem.
2008 Mazda GH Mazda6: roof may not be sealed correctly
In 2008, Mazda UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Mazda6 vehicles that were manufactured from 8 February 2008 to 26 February 2008 because the roof may not have been sealed correctly and this could allow water ingress into the control module (NCA/2008/037).
Problems and faults: Mazda GH Mazda6
- For Mazda GH Mazda6 models with manual transmissions, gear clash may occur when shifting into third or fourth gear due to worn synchronizers; the synchronizers may have been damaged by coasting in neutral to save fuel.
- The horn may sound when turning the steering wheel due to a short-circuit; if so, a redesigned horn plate and wiring harness for the steering wheel need to be installed.
- Where fitted, the sunroof may not retract and only tilt up due to being stuck in ‘initialization’ mode – this could occur if the glass was pushed when the roof was open or if power was lost while it was moving.
