Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 based on all problems reported for the 2003 MAZDA6.
I have a 2003 Mazda 6s with the automatic transmission. Since it was new it made noises and did not feel as though it was shifting right. It hangs between gears and there is a considerable hesitation when accelerating. Have had it to the dealer four times, went through the lemon law, and even though with the tech in the car I got the car to glitch and hang, he indicated normal operation. He insisted that the switch to synthetic transmission fluid is the culprit; however, quality of operation has decreased significantly since the dealer flushed the fluid and went back to conventional transmission fluid.
I bought my car March 6, 2003. In may of 2003 it started making a howling noise when turning left at low speeds or into a parking space. I have brought it in 4 times and they cannot find the noise. For the last 2 months my transmission has been hesitating at around 25-35 mph. It is like it doesn't know what gear to shift into and when it does it makes a loud clunking noise and my car jerks forward. I have had it in twice for that and they cannot find the source of that either.