NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 1996 Mazda MX-6. Most complaints involve air bags (7) and service brakes, hydraulic (2). The EPA rates it 20–26 mpg combined.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“VEHICLE WAS GOING 55MPH , AND CONSUMER WAS NOT SURE WHAT VEHICLE RAN OVER, BUT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NOTHING WAS HIT, AND NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. NO INJURIES. CONSUMER IS CONTACTING MANUFACTURER. *AK”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. POINT OF IMPACT WAS DRIVERS SIDE, FRONT AT 60 TO 65 MPH, IN WHICH THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. CAUSE UNKOWN. ALSO BRAKE ROTORS HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR. CAUSE ALSO UNKNOWN.”
“ALL 4 WHEELS ARE CRACKED ON THE OUTSIDE, AND BAC SIDE OF THE RIMS. THEY LOOK DEEP AND THE WHEELS MIGHT BREAK AT ANY TIME. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-6 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| MX-6 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| MX-6 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| MX-6 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (7), service brakes, hydraulic (2), wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Mazda MX-6 at 20–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).