1996 Mazda MX-6: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Mazda MX-6: 2 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #98V249000 · 1998 · 213,000 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts.
Why it matters: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the sas unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts.
Electrical Vehicle recall #15V674000 · 2015 · 1,368,500 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch May become conductive and overheat.
Why it matters: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #05E065000 · 2005 · 42,962 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
The fix: Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began September 27, 2005.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Mazda MX-6 has 12 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 8 MX-6 model years for complaints (well below the 23 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (33 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (2 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Mazda MX-6.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Mazda MX-6 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Mazda MX-6, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Mazda MX-6 problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (7), brakes (hydraulic) (2), other / unknown (2).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mazda MX-6 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Mazda MX-6 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.