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VIN REPORT

1YVGE31B5P51640141993 MAZDA MX-6

Risk Score
36
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
3 Found
3 campaigns
59
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
33 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
F
Score: 45/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1993 MAZDA MX-6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. Owner complaints include 3 reported deaths and 6 injuries — an extremely serious pattern that warrants further investigation.

  • 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 3 deaths reported in owner complaints — a serious red flag
  • Suspension/Wheels is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
36/100
Moderate Risk
3 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 3 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
MAZDA
Model
MX-6
Year
1993
Body Style
Coupe
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 2.490833728L
Doors
2
Manufacturer
AUTO ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL, USA
Assembly
FLAT ROCK, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
BQuality62/100
Standard📍 FLAT ROCK, MICHIGAN

Produces Ford Mustang. Standard quality for sports car production.

Safety
F
Score: 45/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety19/30
Complaint History6/30
35/100Moderate
  • Fuel system recall
  • Fire/ignition recall
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Elevated
  • 1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
  • 1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
High
  • 3 death(s) reported in complaints
  • 6 injuries reported in complaints
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Suspension/Wheels
1 recall6 complaints
Electrical
1 recall5 complaints
Fuel System
1 recall1 complaint
Recalls
100/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~396,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 33 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
33 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

66%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

MAZDA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
93%Excellent

MAZDA has an excellent recall completion rate (93%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 15 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~15 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
15mo
#15V674000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SummaryMazda 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#05E065000
May 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryCERTAIN 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#92V045000
Feb 1992

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

SummaryTHE LOWER ARM BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTRETAINING BOLT CAN RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION FAILING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTIONAND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

LONG-STANDING OPEN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
34.2yr open
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
21yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

02/04/1992
3 total campaigns
ElectricalFuel SystemSuspension/Wheels
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
1
Buyback/Refund
1
High-Effort Repairs
2 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

100% of complaints about "SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM" were filed AFTER recall campaign 92V045000 (1992-02-04) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
100% post-recall
Recall: 1992-02-040 before · 7 after#92V045000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

1 in 10

3 deaths reported across 59 complaints — a rate of 1 in 20 complaints involving a fatality.

Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
1 inj14
Brakes
1 crash13
Safety Systems
2 crash2 inj7
Suspension/Wheels
6
Electrical
5
Steering
4
Other
1 crash3 inj3
Body/Structure
2
1998
7
1999
6
2000
5
2001
5
2002
2
2003
5
2004
1
2005
3
2007
1
2008
2
62% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Engine stalling7
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (7)Highway/high-speed (6)Startup (1)
59HIGH VOLUME
5
Crashes
3
Deaths
6
Injuries
ODI #10242822SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MAZDA MX6. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND. HE CONTINUED IN REVERSE AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND TURNED THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE LEFT, BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. HE LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, ONLY A GUARD ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE COIL SPRINGS FROM FAILING AGAIN. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT BECAUSE THE COIL SPRINGS ALREADY FAILED, THEY WOULD ONLY INSTALL THE GUARD ASSEMBLY IF THE COIL SPRINGS WERE REPAIRED DUE TO THE RESPONSE THEY RECEIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

ODI #10228688POWER TRAIN

I HAVE A 1993 MAZDA MX6 WITH 105,000. IN 1999 THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. THEN, RECENTLY, I'VE HAD MY CAR IN 3 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THEY'VE REPLACED SOLENOIDS, TORQUE CONVERTER, INLINE BOOST VALVE AND SO FAR IT ISN'T FIXED. I'VE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY ISSUE BUT MAZDA HASN'T DONE ANYTHING FOR CONSUMERS. *TR

ODI #10190419PARKING BRAKE

ON THE MODELS WITH REAR DISC BRAKES: AFTER APPLYING, AND THEN RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE IN A NORMAL MANNER THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR PIVOTING PIN BEARING ON ONE OF THE REAR CALIPERS SEIZED, CAUSING IT NOT RELEASE OR TO NOT FULLY RELEASE. THIS COULD CAUSE A HANDLING/BRAKING INSTABILITY ISSUE, NOT TO MENTION PREMATURE BRAKE PAD WEAR/FAILURE. AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED CALIPER INVOLVING THE SEAL AROUND THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR PIVOTING PIN AND BEARING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES.*AK

ODI #10138772ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

DT: THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2005 THERE WERE NO RUNNING LIGHTS, DASHBOARD OR TAIL LIGHTS. WENT TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND IT SHORTED OUT THE FUSE BOX, AND IT STARTED SMOKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC , AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. THEN ,WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, WERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AND THEY REFUSED TO FIXED THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE CONSUMER PAYING THEM FOR THE WORK. THEY STILL WOULD NOT FIX THE VEHICLE. DRIVING WAS FINE IN DAYLIGHT, BUT AT NIGHT THERE WERE NO LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #10128576STEERING,SEAT BELTSCRASH1 INJURY

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT PULLING MY DAUGHTER OFF THE ROAD AND HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPT WITH AN AIR BAG SHE STILL WAS THROWN HEAD FIRST INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY BUT DID NOT STOP HER. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

ODI #10106502PARKING BRAKE

APPLIED PARKING BRAKE. REAR BRAKE CALIPER PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM DESIGN FAILURE CAUSED THE REAR CALIPER TO NOT RELEASE AFTER RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE. HAD TO MANUALLY (FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR) FORCE THE ACTUATOR LEVER BACK. *JB

ODI #10055900EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK ON. THERE WAS NO WARNING. 8JB

ODI #10050541STEERING

WHILE DRIVING TIRE TURNED WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL BEING TURNED. THEN, THREE SECONDS LATER, THE WHEEL CORRECTED ITSELF. *AK

ODI #10047650SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT

I OWN A 1993 MAZDA MX6, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TWICE AND ONCE ON THE OTHER SIDE, I WENT ON THE NET AND SAW THAT THERE WAS PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS ON THIS MODEL, AND WAS TRYING TO SEE IF I COULD BE REIMBURSED, I HAVE THE BILLS AND DATES THAT THE REPAIRS WAS DONE. *LA

ODI #10021375UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1993 MAZDA MX-6 LS ([XXX]) DESCRIBED CAR HAS "ODOMETER FRAUD" CURRENTLY, AS OF 6/8/03, ODOMETER IS SHOWING AROUND 68,000 MILES. AFTER I GAVE HIM A SECURITY DEPOSIT OF $300.00 IN CASH ON 6/8/03, I CHECKED THE VEHICLE HISTORY ON CARFAX.COM AND SAW THAT ON 08/14/1998 THE CAR HAD 113,872 MILES ON IT. I AM TRYING TO HAVE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT OF $300 BACK FROM THE OWNER OF THE CAR AND REPORT THE ODOMETER FRAUD.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #10020846SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POP FROM THE RIGHT FRONT AREA OF CAR. THEN THE AREA BEGAN SQUEEKING AND GROANING WHEN CONSUMER WOULD HIT A BUMP. JACKED THE SIDE UP AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING HAD BURST IN A DIAGONAL FASHION. *TT

ODI #10003272ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I OWN A 1993 MAZDA MX-6 LS COUPE. MY DISTRIBUTOR HAS FAILED 3 TIMES NOW. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS. THE FAILURE IS ALSO INTERMITTENT. FAILURE AT REST IS OF NO ISSUE, YOUR CAR JUST DOESN'T START OR STARTS BUT DOESN'T RUN. HOWEVER, WHEN THE DISTRUBUTOR FAILS WHEN DRIVING IS THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING, THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS WELL AS POWER BRAKES. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AMONG MX-6 DRIVERS, AS CAN BE SEEN ON THESE SITES: HTTP://WWW.MX6.COM HTTP://WWW.PROBETALK.COM HTTP://HOMEPAGE.NTLWORLD.COM/DOROTHY.BRADBURY/PROBEMX/INDEX.HTM AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS

ODI #762640ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE STALLED ON FREEWAY DRIVING AT 70-75 MPH. CAR RESTARTED A FEW MINUTES LATER.*AK

ODI #758922LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE DOOR LOCK. HAD ALL THE LOCKS REPLACED AND HAD THE KEYS CODED FOR THE LOCKS AND THE KEY BROKE FOR THE 2ND TIME IN THE LOCK.*AK

ODI #752145POWER TRAIN1 INJURY

I WAS DRIVING TO THE MALL ON I-95 NORTH WHEN MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE TACHOMETER STARTED REDLINING, SO I STOPPED PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. NOW IT WILL COST ME ANYWHERE BETWEEN $1,500.00 AND $2,000.00 TO REBUILD IT. AND TO GET A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION WILL COST $2,500.00 AND UP. PLEASE HELP ME, I'M A COLLEGE STUDENT AND I CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIRS TO MY CAR. AND I DESPERATELY NEED MY CAR. *AK

ODI #745507SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

MY HAND BRAKE WILL FAIL TO RELEASE, OR ON REPEATED HEAVY BRAKE-APPLICATION THE CALLIPER WILL NOT RELEASE - CAUSING INTENSE HEAT TO ROTOR AND DISTORTING THE CALIPER. *AK

ODI #744440STEERING

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

ODI #744441VISIBILITY

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #886123SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKE CALIPER SIEZED CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND A SUDDEN PULL TO ONE SIDE AND ABNORMAL WEAR OF BRAKE PADS, VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.*AK CONSUMER STATED ON MULTIPLE INSTANCES AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS AND ROAD CONDITONS THE REAR CALIPERS SEIZED AND/OR STUCK AFTER APPLICATION OF BRAKES.*SLC

ODI #732215SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

PARKING BRAKE CALIPER FROZE. OVERHEATED ROTOR WHILE DRIVING. CAUSED IMBALANCE WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. ROTOT HEATED UP TO DANGEROUS LEVEL.

ODI #862927SUSPENSION

WHILE TRAVELING HEARD HUGE NOISE, FRONT COIL SPRING BURSTED, AND VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER ENTERING HIS DRIVE WAY HIS NEW TIRE POPPED AS THE SPRING PIERCED IT BECAUSE OF THAT HE NEED NEW SPRING, STRUTS , TIRE AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. *YH

ODI #723148ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #721997UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE PAINT ON OTHER GREEN MAZDA'S SEEMS TO BE THE SAME. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

ODI #717160SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE

AFTER THE CALIPERS FAILED ON THE REAR, THE PARKING BRAKE WAS LOCKED IN PLACE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE MAZDA OF KNOXVILLE AND BILL GATTON MAZDA OF JOHNSON CITY WERE CONTACTED, AND BOTH DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO REPAIR DAMAGES TO CALIPERS PADS AND ROTORS. I WAS INFORMED TO COMPLAIN TO THIS ORGANIZATION IF MAZDA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FAILED COMPONENTS THANK YOU JOE GEMMELL. *AK

ODI #851756ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN WITH THE SAME BASIC PROBLEM, THAT WHEN ENGINE IS COLD THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE DUE TO CARBON BUILT UP IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER WITHIN THE ENGINE. *AK

ODI #850543SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ANY RATE OF SPEED STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY LOCKS UP DUE TO PROBLEM WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINT. VEHICLE NIOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 92V045000 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

ODI #840897SUSPENSION

THE CONSUMER STATE'S WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH, THE FRONT WHEEL COIL SPRING BROKE AND THE FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT AND THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.

ODI #707012ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE STALLS AT DRIVING SPEEDS/THIS HAS HAPPEN 6 TIMES SINCE NOV 98/DEALER AND SAYS HE CAN NOT EXPLAIN IT/MAZDA SAYS THEY CAN NOT EXPLAIN IT/RESEARCH HAS COME UP WITH 3 OTHER SIMILIAR PROBLEMS/ODI ID'S 539648/813760/826489///THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. *AK

ODI #706612SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

PLEASE SEE ERGONITE.DEMON.CO.UK/PROBEMX/PROBEFAQ.HTM THE WEB ADDRESS I GAVE DETAILS THE PROBLEM. THE REPLACEMENT CALIPERS THE DEALER INSTALLED 23,000 MILES AGO ARE STARTING TO FAIL. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE. I CONSIDER CALIPER FAILURE TO BE A VALID SAFETY CONCERN. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ARE AT #518871 AND #700173 IN COMPLAINTS DATABASE. *AK

ODI #706614SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

STOPS ABOVE 40MPH+ CAN RESULT IN FULL FOOT PRESSURE WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING EFFECT. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. DEARLER CHANGED MOST BRAKE REALTED ITEMS WITH NO EFFECT ON PROBLEM. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AT #956928 AND #973904 IN COMPLAINTS DATABASE. DEALER REFUSED TO RENDER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. *AK

ODI #700173SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

REAR CALIPERS FAIL CAUSING PARKING BRAKE TO STICK, RESULTING IN VERY HOT REAR WHEELS.

ODI #826489ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

ODI #539648ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE HAS ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH.

ODI #825182VISIBILITY

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 65 MPH REAR WINDSHIELD FELL OFF, LEAVING VEHICLE WITHOUT REAR WINDSHIELD, AND ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TO ANOTHER DRIVER. ALSO SAID ALL THE WINDOWS WERE UP AND THE A/C WAS ON. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED. *AK

ODI #533737ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED DUE TO DISTRIBUTOR FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

ODI #532380ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DEALER RECOMMENDS THAT ENGINE BE REPLACED DUE TO OIL SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTION. CLAIMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MAZDA.

ODI #821568STEERING,POWER TRAIN

WHEN TURNING A CORNER THE STEERING STICKS AND HAS TO BE PULLED BACK AROUND. DEALER SAYS IT'S THE AXLE. *AK

ODI #518871SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE METAL. ALSO REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS. *AK

ODI #813760ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN REACHING HIGH SPEEDS OF 70. *AK

ODI #515445SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ROTOR FAILED.

ODI #515445FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED.

ODI #515445ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CAM SENSOR FAILED.

ODI #512406STEERING

SECURITY SYSTEM FAILS TO DISARM AFTER UNLOCKING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR; HOWEVER, IT DISARMS AFTER UNLOCKING PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. *AK

ODI #803507SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS WEARING OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

ODI #508884SEATSCRASH1 DEATH

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FAILED IN ACCIDENT.

ODI #508884SEAT BELTS1 DEATH

SEAT BELT FAILED CAUSING DRIVER TO BE EJECTED FROM VEHICLE IN ACCIDENT.

ODI #508884AIR BAGS1 DEATH

VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT RESULTED IN HEAD INJURIES.

ODI #505078POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE DUE TO GEARS STICKING/JERKY ACCELERATION. *SD

ODI #984464AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

UPON IMPACT, RIGHT FRONT, OWNER WANTS TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS HEAD WAS TURNED SLIGHTLY/HEARING PERMANENTLY DAMAGED FROM AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.

ODI #984195POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION WILL READ PARK, BUT WILL GO INTO REVERSE WHEN IN DRIVE, IT WILL REMAIN NEUTRAL. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

ODI #979687SEAT BELTS

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BOLTS THAT BOLT IT TO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR JUST CAME OUT AND THE SEATBELT NO LONGER USEFUL. PLEASE DESCRIBE

ODI #979687SEAT BELTS

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BOLTS THAT BOLT IT TO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR JUST CAME OUT AND THE SEATBELT NO LONGER USEFUL. PLEASE DESCRIBE

ODI #501532SEATS

CAR SEAT DESIGN DOES NOT SAFELY ACCOMMODATE CHILD SAFETY SEAT, ALLOWING SEAT TO SLIDE. *SD

ODI #973904SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCRASH

THE DISC BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE. THE FRONT BRAKES ARE DOING ALL THE STOPPING AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IN A SAFE DISTANCE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE OVERHEATING CAUSING THE BRAKE CHATTER AND INSUFFICIENT BRAKING ACTION. *YH

ODI #488364ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WATER ENTERED THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BLOW A ROD/CRACK THE BLOCK. *DSH

ODI #968814VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH3 INJURIES

WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF, CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, WOULD NOT DISENGED, LOSS OF CONTROL, FLIPPED OVER, SPEED 65MPH, NO IMPACT *A

ODI #967017SEAT BELTS

FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS WILL NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY. TT

ODI #485009STEERING

POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY FAILS, ESPECIALLY UPON DECELERATION. *AW

ODI #961617LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

DOOR LATCHES AND LOCKS STICK UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. TT

CriticalEGR issue detected

Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

Annual complaints and reliability score for MAZDA MX-6 — recall years marked in red
06110501002005199519992003200720112015201920232026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 59 total NHTSA complaints filed over 13 years, with the worst year being 1996 (11 complaints, including 2 crash reports).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 10 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (1995, 1996, 2005) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$49,614
~$827/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$6,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $49,614 (~$827/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
2 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$800
Total recommended deduction−$2,300
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege,
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19
HIGH
Verify recall SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM has been repaired
Recall on record for: THE LOWER ARM BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SUSPENSION
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: PARKING BRAKE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
33-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VIN1YVGE31B5P5164014
Model Year1993
MakeMAZDA
ModelMX-6
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleCoupe
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)2.490833728

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUTO ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL, USA
Assembly CityFLAT ROCK
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1YV
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)P
Plant Code (Char 11)5
Sequence (Chars 12–17)164014

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count59
1
1
Y
2
V
3
G
4
E
5
3
6
1
7
B
8
5
9
P
10
5
11
1
12
6
13
4
14
0
15
1
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
Y
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
V
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
GE31B
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
P
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
5
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
164014
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"P" → 1993
Could also be 2023
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/19/2026, 10:49:41 AM.