I just recently purchased a 2009 Mazda 6 I sport with the 6 spd. manual transmission. It now has just over 350 miles. After purchasing, I started checking out some of the Mazda forums such as this one and Mazda 6 club. It was at this point that I started reading all about the first generation 6 (I & S) clutch problems. This was characterized as clutch judder and was commonly experienced at launch in first gear or 1-2 shift. I have noticed when backing up my driveway which is on a slight incline a loud knocking noise, which is also the way some people had described the judder on the Mazda forums. It is such an disconcerting sound and feeling, that I have started to pull in forward. I am not experiencing any such noise however at launch in first. My question is did Mazda revise the clutches on the 2009 Mazda 6. I know other than an increase in displacement, the 2.3 of the previous generation 6 is essentially the same engine as the 2.5 in the 2009 6 and because of this, the clutches are most likely interchangeable. The clutch judder was most commonly mentioned on the 2003-2006 years, with a few 2007 models mentioned as well. I don't recall ever reading about the same issue with the 2008, so maybe there was a revision in this model year. If someone knows the answer to this question, or has a 2009 and is experiencing similiar issues, any incite would be greatly appreciated. I hate to think that there will be a sequel to the first generation clutch problem. Thanks in advance.

 

Best thing that I can tell you is to take it to the dealer. The vehicle is under warranty.

 

Thank you for the prompt response. That is at least somewhat comforting knowing there is a warranty. The issue presents itself mostly when I am backing up a grade, but have noticed it a couple times on level surfaces. I try not to get into any drive situations that provoke it. Forward operation so far has been smooth, and I absolutely love driving this car. I was originally looking to buy a 2007-2008 6, but then cash for clunkers came along, and I couldn't pass up that in combination with the incentives Mazda was offering on the new 6. I used to only drive Hondas and Toyotas until I test drove a 2008 6. After cash for clunkers started up, I decided on the 2009 mostly because of the extra room. I have a family of 5, including infant seat, and boosters X2. I thought the 2009 6, at least offered more sporting characteristics both dynamically and style wise than anything currently in it's class. However I think the first generation is actually a little better in both counts. I guess I have just become a little paranoid reading all the previous posts on the first generation 6 and the aforementioned clutch problems. This and the greater weight of the new 6 would most assuredly place a greater load on the drivetrain and clutch. I usually research products well, before buying, and am hoping I didn't make a mistake buying the 6. All previous vehicles I have owned with manual transmissions have never required any drivetrain repairs. Does any one know if the clutch was ever revised either during the first generation run or for the redesign in 2009? I just want to know what the future may possibly hold in regards to the reliability of this vehicle.

 

I have not heard anything about any unreliability issues with the 09 models.

 

Thank you. That is a big relief to hear, especially because I have always heard you shouldn't buy a car in it's first year of production. I am going to continue monitoring this site on a regular basis, and am proud to join the Mazda family. I am really enjoying this car, and hope to do so for a long time.

 

Yes the 09 Mazda6 is a nice car. I bought one for my wife in May and she lets me drive it every now and then. Took it on a long trip not too long ago and it really impressed me. I have the automatic with the 2.5L four cyl, so can't comment helpfully on the clutch, but can reassure you that warranty coverage is excellent. If you feel there's any problem, take it back early on. I had a similar problem on another car years ago and it turned out to be one motor mount needed to be re-torqued down. Simple adjustment and it never happened again. You might also just need to let the clutch surfaces wear in a bit to get the newness off the surfaces, same as you do with the brakes.

 

hawker

Thanks for the reassurance and incite about the warranty coverage. The more I drive this car however, I believe you are correct about the clutch surfaces having to break in good. I only have 500 miles on my 6 now. When I first saw the new 6 in late 2008 I wasn't crazy about the new front fender design. It really started to grow on me the more I looked at it. Since purchasing I have really come to love the unique, elegant, and somewhat sporty look of the new 6. I still believe the first generation had more outright sportiness built into it's design however. When you take into account the low drag CD of .27 the new 6 has a remarkable and much more efficient design. Not to mention a much more modern look. When you factor in the superior IMHO interior and dash design it is a package hard to beat. Not to mention the overall room and trunk space (incredible) The 2.5 I4 is very smooth, and the vehicle is very quiet at speed no doubt due to the low drag CD. The ride/handling balance is very good, and body roll is fair especially when you factor in the increased size. The steering in my opinion provides a good combination of weight and feel. If you are getting the impression I enjoy driving this vehicle, then you would be right and I only have the I Sport. I hope you and your wife are enjoying your 6 as much. I can't honestly think of one thing I don't like about this car as of yet. Well one, but it is mostly due to trim. The steel wheels and 16" tires will definitely have to be replaced with at least 17" tires and alloys, but this won't happen until I wear these Michelin 16" tires out, and that may be a while. Happy Motoring!

 

Geezanages....so ya' Trini fuh real?

 

O.o was that english?....I'm not sure it was.

 

Ha! If you ever have to opportunity, pay a visit to Trinidad. I was born there, but I grew up here in the good ole' USA. By defination, I'm what they call a 'saltwater yankee' (or some variation there of) .

http://www.afriqueonline.com/Pages/Trini/Trini20.html