2004 Mazda Mazda6

The 2004 Mazda Mazda6 sits near the peak of the first-generation's early complaint arc, with 184 federal complaints—slightly higher than the 175 recorded in 2003 and notably above the 153 in 2005. Recalls for 2004 total seven, a slight decrease from nine in 2003 but higher than the six issued in 2005, while investigations remained steady at three. The data indicates air bags are the dominant concern for this model year, accounting for 53 complaints, followed by engine and engine cooling (19) and power train (14); the dataset does not specify root causes for these issues. Across the generation, complaint volume remained elevated from 2003 through 2009 before declining, suggesting 2004 falls within a period of persistent, high-volume reporting rather than a transient spike. With 17 crash complaints and 5 fire complaints on record, the 2004 model year carries above-average risk relative to the quieter later years of the generation. Given its position at the crest of the generation's early complaint trend and the concentration of air bag reports, this is not an ideal year to purchase unless the specific vehicle has documented proof that all recalls and air bag service actions have been completed.