1997 Mazda MX-6: common problems and reliability

4 owner complaints on record.

Most complaints are about power train. 3 recalls.

Should I buy a 1997 MX-6?

The 1997 Mazda MX-6 has 4 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and fuel system.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

4
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Mazda MX-6 vehicles (US, public record).

How we score it

Where owners report problems

power train
3
fuel system
1
gasoline
1

Recalls affecting the 1997 MX-6

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 15V674000

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.

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 05E065000

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.

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 98V206001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.

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 1997 ranks against the rest.

Compare the MX-6 against its rivals

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