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ProblemsByVinFile / 2006-MAZDA-MAZDA5NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mazda
2006 Mazda Mazda5 problems
The 2006 Mazda Mazda5 has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 78 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2006 Mazda Mazda5 has 78 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is suspension at 18 complaints, typically surfacing around 42,065 miles (~$900 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 Mazda5?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2006 Mazda Mazda5? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
suspension — 18 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,065 mi · ~$900 to fix
steering — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,795 mi · ~$700 to fix
tires — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,917 mi · ~$150 to fix
engine — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,143 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 82,795 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2006 Mazda5· suspension
The 2006 mazda5 causes excessive wear on tires quite frequently. I purchased my mazda5 new in august 2006, and since then, I've had to purchase 2 sets of tires for this car due to the tires wearing on the inside edge. The 2nd set of tires that were replaced were so bad, that…
I'm driving a 2006 mazda5 that has been the subject of two previous recalls for engine overheating and catching fire due to exhaust and shoddy locks that do not work well under colder weather. This morning the car has smoke coming out of the engine compartment due to a faulty…
While driving, the vehicle would suddenly stall. It happened at low speeds up to speeds near 50mph. Everything would be fine, but then it was like there was a stumble and the engine would shift to idle, causing the vehicle to a stop. The engine would not cut out, but would only…
I have a 2006 Mazda 5. I have gone through 4 sets of tires because they wear on the inside. I am about to replace my 5th set. This is a very costly issue and needs to be addressed. Mazda says its driving habits that is causing this, I drive mostly highway miles. *tr
Had a problem with your 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
On certain passenger vehicles currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin,and wyoming
As a result, when the door is opened the door latch pawl may remain in the open position resulting in the door not being able to be closed and latched. If the vehicle is operated with an open door it may allow an unbelted occupant to be ejected from the vehicle which could result in injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the sliding door latches with modified latches. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
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.
Fix: 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.
On certain sport utility vehicles, a heat buildup in the exhaust system can occur
This condition could result in a fire.
Fix: Mazda instructed owners (september 16, 2005) to bring in their vehicles and will be given a rental or loaner vehicle at no cost while Mazda repairs these vehicles. The recall began on october 26, 2005. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
The 2006 Mazda Mazda5 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
Inspect the suspension first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 18 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 42,065 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2006 Mazda Mazda5 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 78 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is suspension. Typical failure occurs around 42,065 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 18 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 42,065 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 42,065 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda Mazda5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 78 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Mazda/Mazda5.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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