The recall covers about 400,000 vehicles sold in Japan and 1.8 million units exported overseas, according to a Mazda spokeswoman.
It affects six models including the popular CX-3 and CX-5 sport-utility vehicles.
No accidents or injuries have been reported over the issue — paint was improperly applied to the tailgate which could lead to corrosion.
Separately the Hiroshima-based company recalled about 117,000 vehicles in Japan due to a diesel engine defect.