1996 Mazda MX-6: common problems and reliability
15 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1996 MX-6?The 1996 Mazda MX-6 has 15 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Mazda MX-6 vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 MX-6
electrical system:ignition:switch
Campaign 15V674000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 05E065000CERTAIN 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.
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 98V249000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAS SENSOR UNIT. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the car for its engaging driving dynamics, lightweight feel, and classic styling.
Owner insights cover all generations of the MX-6. See the full MX-6 owner picture and every model year.
Other MX-6 model years
Compare every MX-6 year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the MX-6 against its rivals
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