NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 1997 Mazda MX-6. Most complaints involve power train (3) and fuel system, gasoline (1). 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. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TRANSMISSION”
“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”
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 | $2,450 | 342 |
| MX-6 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| MX-6 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| MX-6 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 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 Oct 27, 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 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), fuel system, gasoline (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Mazda MX-6 at 20–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).