FaultScore

FaultScore report

2011 Mazda MAZDA6 problems

Owners have filed 186 complaints about the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 18 worst.

C

FaultScore 53/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mazda MAZDA6.

How this is worked out

The numbers

186

Complaints

13

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries reported

90,957 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 57 vs 50 Severity 67 vs 50 Early failure 21 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 57
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA6. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
12.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2011 compares with every other Mazda MAZDA6

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2011 Mazda MAZDA6

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 49 26.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 108,000 mi

Body & Structure 30 16.1%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,700 mi

Airbags 28 15.1%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 109,000 mi

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Steering 15 8.1%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 96,906 mi

Lights 11 5.9%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Electrical System 8 4.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 58,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 2.7%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Brakes 5 2.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,298 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 4 2.2%

Median failure at 12,500 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 1.6%

Median failure at 61,005 miles

Engine & Cooling 3 1.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Wheels 1 0.5%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 21 84.0%
Subframe/Mounting Bracket 2 8.0%
Underbody Shields 1 4.0%
Headlights 1 4.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 4.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 1.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 3.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 10.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 16 18.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 18 20.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 27 30.7%
150,000+ miles 10 11.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2011 peak 6 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19V782000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V323000

STRUCTURE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.

Risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.

18V717000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with cer

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

17V429000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

14V114000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.

Risk: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

13V425000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, through August 24, 2012. The door latch mounting screws may become loose.

Risk: If all three door latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019201 7,008 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: The front cross-member may rust due to a manufacturing defect. This could affect handling and cause reduced steering control. Note: This problem only affects cars registered and operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), Safety Risk: Reduced handling and steering control could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their car to a dealership to inspect the front cross-member and install a drain hose. Depending on its condition, the dealer will install a reinforcement and a wax coating, or replace the front cross-member. Note: This is an expansion of Recall 2018-504.

Recall 2018597 17,701 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This is an expansion of recall 2018-040.

Recall 2014075 5,466 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine, a particular type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line which may cause a restriction in the line. If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapors from the canister. As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack causing a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the canister vent line and, if a web is found, the fuel tank and check valve on the canister vent line will be replaced. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will be reprogrammed with modified software having a function to avoid excessive negative pressure of the fuel tank.

Recall 2013322 25,155 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, door latch screws could loosen over time, causing the door(s) to fail to latch when closed and illuminating the door ajar warning light. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the door(s) could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and re-tighten or replace the latch screws.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 200,000 miles Wickliffe, OH Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda MZ6. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, the rear subframe had detached, causing the vehicle to spin across four lanes of traffic and then crash into the median wall. The air bags were not deployed. A police report was filed that listed the cause of failure as a passenger's side rear tire blowout due to cracks along the tire. The contact's son sustained a back injury and medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the rear subframe had detached. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11477574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS IN A CRASH WHERE MY FRONT END WAS EASILY DAMAGED AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYED

NHTSA complaint #11364856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

I WAS IN A CRASH WHERE MY FRONT END WAS EASILY DAMAGED AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYED

NHTSA complaint #11364856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,000 miles Memphis, TN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

HAD AN HEAD ON CAR ACCIDENT ON THE STREET MY TIRE BLOW OUT AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT, ALSO THE DRIVER AIRBAG CAME OUT BUT IT WAS DEFLATED NO AIR WAS IN IT OR WHAT EVER MAKES AN AIR BAG BLOW UP. IN WHICH COST ME TO HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11326689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Hazleton, PA Crash

STEERING

I WAS ON A STREET IN THE CITY WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, THE CARD ACCELERATED HIMSELF. I TRY TO AND PUT BRAKE TO THE BOTTOM BUT ANYWAY I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MUCH OF THE FRONT OF MY CAR IS BROKEN. THE OTHER CAR WAS DAMAGED IN THE BACK OF THEIR CAR. THE POLICE MADE A REPORT OF WHAT HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11209918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Hazleton, PA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS ON A STREET IN THE CITY WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE. SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, THE CARD ACCELERATED HIMSELF. I TRY TO AND PUT BRAKE TO THE BOTTOM BUT ANYWAY I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MUCH OF THE FRONT OF MY CAR IS BROKEN. THE OTHER CAR WAS DAMAGED IN THE BACK OF THEIR CAR. THE POLICE MADE A REPORT OF WHAT HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11209918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 92,000 miles Omaha, NE

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the steering wheel was not operating properly. Several days later while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was play in the steering wheel. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side wheel. The contact stated that the wheel was turning abnormally. A mechanic arrived at the residence to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the sub frame was rusted. While touching the sub frame, pieces of the sub frame fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11744830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Kaukauna, WI

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the contact attempted to swerve out the way of another vehicle as she suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact force to steer the vehicle to the left as the contact attempted to maintain control of the vehicle. The contact managed to pull over into a parking lot and called her husband for assistance. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle home despite the vehicle being extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact's husband managed to drive the vehicle to a local mechanic, who determined that the front subframe had failed due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained in the mechanic's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11738066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Kaukauna, WI

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the contact attempted to swerve out the way of another vehicle as she suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact force to steer the vehicle to the left as the contact attempted to maintain control of the vehicle. The contact managed to pull over into a parking lot and called her husband for assistance. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle home despite the vehicle being extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact's husband managed to drive the vehicle to a local mechanic, who determined that the front subframe had failed due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained in the mechanic's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11738066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Big Lake, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

Front Subframe has corroded and broke. There is a recall on the subframe that was repaired by dealership in 2019, but this repair did not fix the issue since it has now rusted through and broke. The repair was faulty.

NHTSA complaint #11730786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gretna, NE

WHEELS

Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.

NHTSA complaint #11722303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gretna, NE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.

NHTSA complaint #11722303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gretna, NE

STRUCTURE:BODY

Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.

NHTSA complaint #11722303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakewood, CO

STEERING

2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.

NHTSA complaint #11713263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakewood, CO

SUSPENSION

2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.

NHTSA complaint #11713263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakewood, CO

STRUCTURE:BODY

2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.

NHTSA complaint #11713263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Niles, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I took the car into my ASE mechanic shop for a normal oil change and tire rotation, they performed a general overall car inspection. They noticed that the Driver Side Rear Subframe had rusted through completely, where the coil spring is located. The passenger side was rusted, but has not yet broke through. They stated that the subframe parts should not rust through like this. They also stated that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition. I have not notified the manufacturer as of yet, but plan to do so. There were no warning lights, but the ride did seem to be rougher than normal. The attach photos contain 2 photos of the failed driver side rear subframe and 1 photo of the good, passenger side rear subframe.

NHTSA complaint #11700788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Niles, OH

SUSPENSION

When I took the car into my ASE mechanic shop for a normal oil change and tire rotation, they performed a general overall car inspection. They noticed that the Driver Side Rear Subframe had rusted through completely, where the coil spring is located. The passenger side was rusted, but has not yet broke through. They stated that the subframe parts should not rust through like this. They also stated that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition. I have not notified the manufacturer as of yet, but plan to do so. There were no warning lights, but the ride did seem to be rougher than normal. The attach photos contain 2 photos of the failed driver side rear subframe and 1 photo of the good, passenger side rear subframe.

NHTSA complaint #11700788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Longmeadow, MA

SUSPENSION

2011 Mazda6 rear subframe rot/rust, unsafe and dangerous to drive, Same situation as the front subframe that is part of a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11695663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE

SUSPENSION

The front and back cross members underneath my Mazda6 have completely rusted out. There are numerous complaints about Mazda's "Safety Recall 2818I Expansion" not covering the back support member and also not considering Nebraska to be a Salt Belt state despite the state, and specifically Omaha using salt to treat their roads in the winter. On [XXX], my front cross member completely failed due to rust, causing my vehicle to lose control. I've taken my car to the mechanic and they confirmed the front and back cross members are completely rusted and need replacement costing $7,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11682499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Omaha, NE

STRUCTURE:BODY

The front and back cross members underneath my Mazda6 have completely rusted out. There are numerous complaints about Mazda's "Safety Recall 2818I Expansion" not covering the back support member and also not considering Nebraska to be a Salt Belt state despite the state, and specifically Omaha using salt to treat their roads in the winter. On [XXX], my front cross member completely failed due to rust, causing my vehicle to lose control. I've taken my car to the mechanic and they confirmed the front and back cross members are completely rusted and need replacement costing $7,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11682499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Crystal Lake, IL

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at slow speeds in a parking area, there was an abnormally loud metallic sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and moments later, the vehicle became extremely difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear crossmember had detached from the vehicle due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); the VIN was previously included, but was repaired in 2019. The contact stated that the recall repair was for the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Crystal Lake, IL

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at slow speeds in a parking area, there was an abnormally loud metallic sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and moments later, the vehicle became extremely difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear crossmember had detached from the vehicle due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); the VIN was previously included, but was repaired in 2019. The contact stated that the recall repair was for the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

STEERING

Alignment is off. Recall for my type of call for the control arm weakening and causing wheel alignment problems. Why isn't mine part of recall??

NHTSA complaint #11666615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cambridge, MA

SUSPENSION

Front and rear subframe rust leading to gaping holes, outside of normal wear and tear.

NHTSA complaint #11649538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bloomington, IN

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine service, the vehicle was diagnosed with rust and corrosion of the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bloomington, IN

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine service, the vehicle was diagnosed with rust and corrosion of the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Syracuse, NY

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while reversing, the contact heard an abnormal snapping sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, where the contact observed a big spring pushing a bar into the ground on the rear passenger’s side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

NHTSA complaint #11617312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Hope, PA

SUSPENSION

The rear cross member / AKA (Rear Subframe) P/N GEG1-28-80X has completely rusted out. The car is no longer safe to drive per a Pennsylvania State inspection. If driven parts of the rear suspension will drop off the car creating a hazard to other motorists and the driver of the car can lose control / mobility causing a traffic accident. Picture the entire rear suspension suddenly collapsing, that is what is going to happen. The Front subframe was subject to a recall. That recall should have included the rear as it is the same material just a few feet away, subject to the same rusting issues. These subframes were not property designed to prevent rust or even withstand a little moisture, as my car has been very well maintained. When I read the online forms this is a flaw in ALL 2009- 2013 Mazda 6's and the sister car the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. I have opened a case with Mazda USA case #[XXX]. They are going to inspect to confirm my mechanic diagnosis. However they are currently under no obligation to repair and replace the rusted parts but they should be as this should have been replaced when the front subframe recall was performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11608007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belle, WV

SUSPENSION

After getting the recall information about the front crossmember rusting out due to corrosion, I decided to check the rear crossmember on my car. WOW, the rear crossmember is SO much worse than the front one and I’ve read hundreds of similar stories about the exact same thing happening to other Mazda 6 sedans around these model years (2009-2013). The rear crossmember on my car, which supports the entire rear suspension is completely rusted thru in several spots and the lower end links aren’t even attached anymore because the brackets literally fell off and so now both back tires are leaning in at the top. It is very noticeable! Very unsafe to drive! I decided to park this car until a solution is reached with Mazda or the NHTSA on how to deal with this. I don’t know why the front crossmember was recalled but not the rear? There’s only 2 things that are rusted on my car, period…the front & rear crossmembers!

NHTSA complaint #11605695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belle, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

After getting the recall information about the front crossmember rusting out due to corrosion, I decided to check the rear crossmember on my car. WOW, the rear crossmember is SO much worse than the front one and I’ve read hundreds of similar stories about the exact same thing happening to other Mazda 6 sedans around these model years (2009-2013). The rear crossmember on my car, which supports the entire rear suspension is completely rusted thru in several spots and the lower end links aren’t even attached anymore because the brackets literally fell off and so now both back tires are leaning in at the top. It is very noticeable! Very unsafe to drive! I decided to park this car until a solution is reached with Mazda or the NHTSA on how to deal with this. I don’t know why the front crossmember was recalled but not the rear? There’s only 2 things that are rusted on my car, period…the front & rear crossmembers!

NHTSA complaint #11605695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.