Brake booster failure
Brake pedal becomes very hard to push, accompanied by hissing sounds, directly affecting stopping power and vehicle control
Check engine light: Off
This is the single largest complaint theme for this generation: the brake pedal becomes very hard to push, accompanied by hissing sounds, directly affecting stopping power and vehicle control. Mazda addressed this through a 7-year/90,000-mile extended warranty program rather than a full recall, and multiple owners report not receiving adequate notification about the program before their coverage window expired, leading to out-of-pocket repairs. This is a braking-system fault, mechanical rather than engine-based, so it doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light — but a hard-to-push brake pedal is a serious symptom regardless of your warranty status.
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Water pump failure causing engine damage
Coolant leaking into the engine, causing motor damage
Check engine light: On
Water pump failures that let coolant leak into the engine, causing motor damage and often requiring a complete engine replacement. No official recall has been issued despite multiple complaints. Coolant contamination of the engine typically triggers a check-engine light and/or overheating warning.
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Transfer case / power train issues
Burning smells, grinding noises; a time-limited extended warranty program exists
Check engine light: Off
Transfer case and transmission failures producing burning smells and grinding noises. An extended warranty program exists but is time-limited, so coverage may have already lapsed for some owners. A transfer case/transmission fault like this doesn't typically trigger a check-engine light, though a drivetrain warning light may appear.
This is a second time-limited coverage program, separate from the brake booster program on this vehicle. Check your current eligibility before assuming either still applies.
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Hard Shifts and Transmission Slips
Hard shifts and transmission slipping
Check engine light: Off
Hard shifts and transmission slipping. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 178 owner reports on file.
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Water Damage to Body Control Module
Body control module damaged by water intrusion
Check engine light: Off
Body control module damaged by water intrusion. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 79 owner reports on file.
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Chirp or Squeak Noted From the Front of the Vehicle
Chirp or squeak noise from the front of the vehicle
Check engine light: Off
Chirp or squeak noise from the front of the vehicle. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.
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The dominant problem on this generation is brake booster failure — the brake pedal becomes very hard to push, accompanied by hissing sounds, directly affecting stopping power. Mazda addressed this through a 7-year/90,000-mile extended warranty program rather than a full recall, and multiple owners report not being adequately notified before that coverage window expired, leaving them to pay out of pocket. Given the safety implications, take a hard brake pedal seriously regardless of your warranty status.