1997 Mazda Mx-6 problems
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.
Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms. The MX-6 replaced the 626 Coupé, although it continued to share the same chassis.
The MX-6, 626, and Ford Probe were manufactured at joint-venture plants either by AutoAlliance in Flat Rock, Michigan, for the North American market, and by Mazda Japan for Asian and European markets.
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Common 1997 Mazda Mx-6 problems
The Mazda MX-6 is a popular car, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1997 Mazda MX-6, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Transmission problems: Another common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the first generation models produced between 1987 and 1992, is transmission problems. Many owners of the MX-6 experienced issues with the car's manual transmission, which could manifest in a number of ways, including difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or a complete failure of the transmission. The problem is often caused by worn-out synchronizers or a damaged clutch.
- Ignition system failure: This is a common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the second generation models produced between 1993 and 1997. The problem is often caused by a faulty ignition coil or a damaged spark plug. If left unchecked, ignition system failure can lead to more serious problems, such as engine misfires or a complete failure of the ignition system.
- Oil leaks: This is a common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the second generation models produced between 1993 and 1997. The problem is often caused by a leaking oil pan gasket or a damaged oil pressure sensor. If left unchecked, oil leaks can lead to more serious problems, such as engine damage or a complete failure of the oil system.
- Suspension issues: This is a common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the second generation models produced between 1993 and 1997. The problem is often caused by worn-out suspension components, such as bushings or struts. If left unchecked, suspension issues can lead to more serious problems, such as poor handling or a complete failure of the suspension system.
- Intake manifold gasket failure: This is a common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the second generation models produced between 1993 and 1997. The problem is often caused by a faulty intake manifold gasket, which can cause the engine to lose power or run rough. If left unchecked, intake manifold gasket failure can lead to more serious problems, such as engine damage or a complete failure of the intake manifold.
- Timing belt tensioner failure: This is a common issue with the Mazda MX-6, particularly in the second generation models produced between 1993 and 1997. The problem is often caused by a faulty timing belt tensioner, which can cause the engine to run rough or misfire. If left unchecked, timing belt tensioner failure can lead to more serious problems, such as engine damage or a complete failure of the timing system.
In addition to these common problems, the Mazda MX-6 can also experience issues with its electrical system, such as problems with the car's lighting system or other electrical components. These problems can be caused by a range of factors, including damaged wiring, faulty switches, or problems with the car's central control module.
Overall, the Mazda MX-6 is a reliable and durable car, but like any vehicle, it can experience problems. Regular maintenance and inspection can help to prevent these problems from occurring and ensure that any issues are identified and addressed promptly. If you suspect that your Mazda MX-6 is experiencing any of these common problems, it is important to consult with a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and repair the problem quickly and effectively.
Are mx6s reliable?
MX6-LS is Very Reliable Car - Still Fun To Drive
I purchased this car used, and have put over 70,000 miles since then. It has a 5-spd with the 2.4L V6, ABS, sunroof and leather interior. Very fun to drive, even after having it for several years. This car handles extremely well, with newer tires.
Is the Mazda MX-6 rare?
Ford eventually ended up redesigning the Mustang. The MX-6 has gained something of a cult following among car enthusiasts, making them rarer to be found in the wild. Here are 10 reasons why the Mazda MX-6 is still so sought after.
What is the top speed of a Mazda MX-6?
Performance
| 0 - 60 kph | 3.9 s |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 225 kph (140 mph) |
| 36m slalom | 114.7 kph (71.3 mph) |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.85 g (8 m/s²) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 40 m (131 ft) |
What is a Mazda MX-6?
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.
1997 Mazda Mx-6 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Mx-6 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mazda Mx-6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Mazda Mx-6 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mazda Mx-6.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-03
- VIN: 1YVGE22C9V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-18
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THE FILLER NECK TUBE HAS RUSTED. AS A RESULT FUEL VAPORS SEEPED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A RECALL FOR THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK HAS BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-04
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE SECOND GEAR TO OVER DRIVE. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS 40 MPH. DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER EXPENSE OF $2800.00 DOLLARS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1997 626 IS HAVING A SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THERE IS ONLY 60000 MILES ON IT. CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILES ON THIS ISSUE, I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MAZDA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT (RECALL OR BETTER GO OUT OF BUSINESS). *NLM
1997 Mazda Mx-6 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1997 Mazda Mx-6.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- Consequence: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
- Manufacturer: SPX FILTRAN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TENSIONER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
Negative 1997 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews
Positive 1997 Mazda Mx-6 car reviews
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This is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. I would never want to sell it.
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What a fantastic car! I bought it second-hand with 25k miles and have owned it for 3 years. Even with 130k miles, it still runs like the day I bought it. It has lots of power (especially with the 2.5L V6) and torque, unlike the VTEC 4 cylinders of today. You don't need to rev it up to 5000 rpm to get it moving. Mine is cherry red, and I have a metallic/smokey light tint on the windows (comparable to the Lexus type tints), and it looks so sharp. It's a real eye-catcher. I've received so many compliments about my car that I almost don't want to get rid of it! But, it's the end of an era for me, and I'm off to SUV land.
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This car is great for enthusiasts like myself, but if you're looking for an everyday driver, you might want to consider a larger vehicle. The best part of this car is the huge trunk that can fit all of Metallica's band gear! However, the downside is that the back seat space is compromised. Another drawback is the single cup holder that can only fit a 12oz soda. The 4cyl is a bit slow, but the 6cyl has a decent amount of power. The transmission could have been designed better, and I don't like the 2.5 ghost gear. Overall, I'm still very pleased with this car though!
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I completely understand where you're coming from! It's hard to let go of a car that you love, especially when it's such a great deal for a sleek V6. I do have to agree with you and others about the cupholder situation, though. On the bright side, the 3-disc in-dash CD changer is a really nice feature. And it's great to hear that you haven't had any mechanical issues with it!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your 97 MX-6 LS! It sounds like you got a great deal for all the features it has, including leather seats, a sunroof, alloy wheels, and power everything. The V6 engine also sounds like a lot of fun with its quick acceleration. It's great to hear that your hard-earned money was well spent!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mazda Mx-6 problems:
Common MX6 problems | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Sep 12, 2003 ... Common MX6 problems · Transmission jerks hard occasionally going from first to second gear; feels like you hit one huge pot hole. · Driver's side ...
Thinking about getting a Mazda MX-6 : r/mazda
Nov 6, 2013 ... Common problems are rust (it's a mazda, it will rust) - particularly around the rear wheel arches and the sills. Both engines have a tendancy to ...
Diagnosing Fuel Pressure Regulator | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Feb 3, 2010 ... I tried replacing the spark plugs, disty cap, wires, and yet the problem continues. I've read a lot on here about possible idle problems, and am ...
Mazda MX-6 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Mazda MX-6 Problems · Crank but No Start Condition and No Spark · Crank but No Start Condition · Original Paint May Fade and Clear Coat Peels Off · Misfires ...
Timing Belt Snapped - Worth It | Mazda MX-6 Forum
Nov 6, 2012 ... (This is a common problem, and has roughly similar symptoms, including the tachometer dropping to 0rpm quickly). Try to start the engine. If it ...
Other years of Mazda Mx-6
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mazda Mx-6?
Madisen Zemlak 2024-09-29
Japanese cars can be expensive, but they are worth it. Even if you buy domestic, it can be difficult to find a good service department. It's important to find a trustworthy mechanic who won't overcharge you for labor. While parts can be costly, it's worth investing in quality. If you're considering a high-performance foreign car, be prepared to spend a bit more. It's important to make an informed decision and budget accordingly.