Mazda – Fuel Tank Issues (Various Models & Years)

Several Mazda vehicles from the 2000s–2020s experienced fuel tank‑related defects, including tank corrosion, evaporative emissions leaks, fuel tank deformation, and filler‑neck failures. These issues can cause fuel odors, check‑engine lights, refueling difficulty, and in severe cases, fuel leakage or stalling. Some models were subject to recalls or extended warranty programs depending on region and severity.

Year(s)	Make	Model	Should Purchase?	Notes
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009	Mazda	Mazda3	Caution	Component: Fuel Tank & Filler Neck Issues: corrosion, fuel odor, EVAP leaks, difficulty refueling Notes: salt‑belt states most affected; corrosion can perforate tank or filler neck; EVAP leak codes common
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008	Mazda	Mazda6	Caution	Component: Fuel Tank & EVAP System Issues: tank rust, EVAP leaks, fuel smell, filler neck corrosion Notes: similar to Mazda3; NHTSA complaints document tank perforation in rust‑belt regions
2014 2015 2016	Mazda	CX‑5	Caution	Component: Fuel Tank (plastic composite) Issues: tank deformation, inaccurate fuel gauge, difficulty filling tank Notes: Mazda issued service bulletins for tank shape deformation affecting fuel level sensor accuracy
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020	Mazda	CX‑9	Awareness	Component: Fuel Tank Venting / EVAP Issues: slow refueling, pump shutoff, EVAP vent clogging Notes: not as severe as corrosion issues; mostly EVAP‑related but still widely reported
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010	Mazda	Tribute	Not Suggested	Component: Fuel Tank & Mounting Straps Issues: severe rust, tank strap failure, potential tank drop Notes: shared platform with Ford Escape; subject to recalls for tank strap corrosion and fuel leakage risk

Summary of Mazda Fuel Tank Defect Patterns

Corrosion: metal tanks and filler necks on early Mazda3/Mazda6 can rust through in salt‑belt states.
EVAP leaks: cracked tanks or corroded filler necks trigger check‑engine lights and fuel odors.
Tank deformation: plastic tanks on CX‑5 can warp, causing inaccurate fuel readings.
Venting issues: CX‑9 and other models may experience slow refueling or pump shutoff.
Tank strap failures: Mazda Tribute tanks can drop due to severe strap corrosion.

Legal context

Mazda fuel tank issues resulted in multiple NHTSA investigations and regional recalls, especially for corrosion in salt‑belt states. While not all models received nationwide recalls, Mazda issued service bulletins, extended coverage in some cases, and corrosion‑related repair programs for affected vehicles.

References

NHTSA – Mazda fuel tank & EVAP system complaints
CarComplaints – Mazda fuel tank & corrosion reports
Mazda TSBs addressing fuel tank deformation, EVAP leaks, and corrosion
Regional corrosion recall documentation for Mazda Tribute fuel tank straps