2008 Mazda 6 service and repair manual — a detailed, factory-style reference for maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. Use it to confirm correct procedures, specifications, and system coverage before you start work.
Designed for technicians and DIY owners, this manual helps you diagnose issues correctly, follow proven repair steps, and use wiring diagrams and system sections to track faults faster.
What’s included
- Step-by-step repair procedures and service information
- Specifications and reference data (where provided)
- Electrical diagnostics with wiring diagrams
- Coverage across major systems: engine, transmission/driveline, brakes, steering, suspension, HVAC, and more
Trims covered
- i Hatchback 4-Door
- i Sedan 4-Door
- S Hatchback 4-Door
- GS Sedan 4-Door
- GT Sedan 4-Door
- S Sedan 4-Door
- GT Hatchback 4-Door
- GS Hatchback 4-Door
Engines covered
- 2.3L 2260CC l4 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
- 3.0L 2968CC 181Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Index / Table of contents
- Body
- Brakes
- Chassis Electrical
- Driveline
- Engine Cooling
- Engine Electrical
- Engine Mechanical
- Engine Performance & Emission Controls
- Fuel System
- General Information & Identification
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
- Steering
- Suspension
- Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
- Wiring Diagrams
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.
MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,200 MY 2007-2008 MAZDA6 VEHICLES WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSION SPECIFICATIONS. THE METAL FUEL TANKS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE PVC PROTECTIVE COATING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS WHICH MAY RESULT IN REDUCED CORROSION RESISTANCE.
THIS COULD LEAD TO PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK FOR DAMAGE TO THE PROTECTIVE COATING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE COATING OR REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION 2.
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all ma
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarke
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the co
When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio
Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter,
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
Showing the 8 most recent of 144 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
I PURCHASED A 2008 MADZA 6 IN MARCH OF 2009 AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT WOULD LOCK INTERMITTENTLY. IN JUNE 2009 MY HUSBAND TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SESI MOTORS AND ADVISED THEM OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. HOWEVER ON APRIL 7, 2010 MY HUSBAND AND SON WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY SON HAD ON HIS SEATBELT HOWEVER HIS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN MY HUSBAND WENT TO TAKE OFF THE SEATBELT IT WAS NOT FASTENED THE LOCK DID NOT HOLD CAUSING MY SONS HEAD TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. HE SUSTAINED INJURIES HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES BEFORE EMS GOT TO HIM AND HE HAD A
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V382000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO BE REMEDIED. THE THERE WAS ONE INJURY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM PAIN IN THE NECK AND JAW, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE
DECEMBER 14, 2015 AROUND 6:40PM I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON HIGHWAY 275E AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH APPROACHING THE 71N EXIT RAMP . CAR AND DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER HAD BEEN RUNNING ABOUT 8 - 10 MINUTES. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. I WAS WEARING JEANS. WHEN LOOKING AROUND TO FIGURE OUT WHERE SMELL WAS COMING FROM, MY LEFT LEG CAME IN CONTACT WITH SEAT, I FELT A "BITE" SENSATION ON THE BACK OF MY LEG - IMMEDIATELY I THOUGHT PERHAPS MY SEAT WAS WAS ON FIRE. I DIDN'T SEE ANY ACTUALLY FLAMES, SO I TURNED OFF SEAT HEATER, AND OPENED THE WINDOWS - HOPING TO COOL OFF THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO PREVEN
WHILE STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT I WAS IMPACTED FROM A VEHICLE BEHIND MY VEHICLE. THE IMPACT FROM THE CRASH DID NOT CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THAT BEING SAID, I AM STILL WAITING ON MAZDA TO TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG DUE TO THE MASS RECALL. I GOT VERY LUCKY THIS TIME, BUT I AM NOT TERRIFIED ABOUT WHAT CAN HAPPEN NOW.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LOST CONTROL DUE TO ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SENDING METAL FRAGMENTS THAT INJURED THE CONTACT'S FACE, AS WELL AS WHIPLASH INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE AT A STOP AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, CHEST, AND LEGS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK INTO PLACE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Showing the 8 most serious of 111 complaints filed with NHTSA.
