Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 123 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 123, in the owner's own words
My rear subframe rusted thru and has holes in it. It is too dangerous to drive and mazda won't recall the rear like the front subframe knowing that a lot of people are suffering from the same issue. A subframe should last a long time. My mechanic inspected the car and feels like it's not safe to drive.
The front and rear crossmembers have significant rust. The front has holes and chunks of metal missing due to rust corrosion. The rear has flaking and is deeply pockmarked with rust. These are structural components. Failure can lead to a crash.
2009 Mazda 6 Rear subframe and springs are deemed unsafe due to extreme rusting and corrosion. The vehicle is registered and has been registered in both NY and PA (salt states), however was regularly washed and garage maintained. Vehicle will no longer pass inspection due to this issue and Mazda indicates no recall for the rear at this time and is ignoring that this is a highly prevalent issue. Mazda recalled and acknowledged this issue on these makes/models related to the front; however refuses to acknowledge and repair/recall the issue extending to the rear. The vehicle is in otherwise good shape, and the extreme rusting to the subframe/springs is not consistent with normal wear and tear. This is an extremely prevalent issue arising to these vehicles being ignored by Mazda. Mechanics are indicating the issue is extremely deteriorated and not safe, but that the vehicle is in otherwise good shape and the issue is consistent with faulty parts.
I have a 2009 Mazda 6, the subframe/engine cradle has completely rusted out on the right side causing the lower control arm to detach from the frame while I was driving almost causing a accident luckily I was driving slow at the time. There was a recall for this exact issue, I contacted Mazda and they have no open recalls and can not help me
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?" - Rear subframe. Total rust through due to improper steel alloy and insufficient paint. Same as happened for the front subframe. Front subframe was recalled as 2818I (Mazda's number) and 19V-323, 18V-631 (NHTSA numbers). NHTSA should also mandate rear subframe be recalled. "How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?" - Total catastrophic structural failure of rear suspension. Would result in a total loss of control while driving. This would likely lead to a severe, possibly fatal accident at-speed. "Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?" - As reported by independent service center. "Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?" - no, this exact vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer. Manufacturer is doubtless aware of the issue. A cursory google search leads to dozens of identical cases. "Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?" - there were no warnings of the failure prior to discovery by service center.
I took my car to the mechanic for some routine maintenance and they called to tell me they discovered that the rear subframe is completely corroded. They say the car is not safe to drive, as it could come apart at any moment, and it will cost so much to repair (current estimate is $8000 and still climbing!) that it may be better for me to buy a new car (which I cannot afford). The mechanic expressed shock at how badly the subframe has deteriorated. He said it is in much worse shape than the rest of the car, which I have always maintained carefully. In 2019 my car was recalled for a defective front cross-member, which the dealer replaced. I was told at the time that it was recalled because the coating applied to it was defective and did not protect the part from corrosion. Based on my research, it seems that the same defective coating was applied to the rear subframe, and that it is why it has rusted so quickly and severely. I see that the NHTSA is already aware of this issue - [XXX] . The exact problem I am having is described in [XXX] : "Mazda6 owners told NHTSA there was severe corrosion of the right rear subframes that caused the steering rack mounting bolts to fail." It is completely unacceptable that Mazda replaced the defective part in the front but has not replaced the similarly defective part in the rear, which has failed for the same reason. I am furious that this has made my beloved car, which is otherwise in very good shape and runs beautifully, undriveable. Mazda should be required to repair this severe safety defect, which is entirely their responsibility! Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
* Drivers side (worst) and passenger side rear lower control arm. Both are available for inspection upon request. * The drivers side rear lower control arm rusted through and cracked near the point where it connects to the rear subframe. The right lower control arm did not yet visibly crack (it's still on the vehicle), but it is also severely rusted. If driven and either completely separated, loss of control as well as flying debris on the road would have been nearly certain. * I cannot drive the car to a dealer or service center. The problem is visibly obvious and online owners forums anecdotally indicate the problem is widespread. * The component is available for inspection. I have shown my mechanic and intend to take to a dealer. Because there was no accident or injury, thankfully, I have no cause for engaging police or insurance. * There was no warning/indicator in the vehicle. The first symptom of trouble was severe wear on the inside of the left rear tire. The vehicle then had a four-wheel alignment and suspension components were noted to be tight and adjusted into spec at that point. Some weeks later, we heard disturbing noises from the rear as we went over even small bumps in the road. We noticed the suspicious sound during a local drive and drove gently and directly home, so cannot say how much the partial break may have affected control at that point. Upon inspection, the rusted & cracked steel of the driver's side control arm was readily visible. Other notes: The rear subframe itself shows significant flaking and rust in comparison to the rest of the vehicle's undercarriage, but at least there appears to be more substance left to the metal of the subframe. Photos & measurements available upon request.
The right side of the dashboard melts when the sun is out it’s very sticky and black comes off
Rear subframe rust got so bad the control arm snapped off and nearly killed my family.
Rear subframe rusted completely out
I own a 2009 mazda 6 witch is my only vehicle I had tooken it to a mechanic shop due to noise comming from the front and rear of the car under farther investigation I was notified by the mechanic that the entire front and rear subframes were badly rotted and rusty i than took the car to a mazda dealer for further inspection we’re I was notified that they would replace the front sub frame under recall but I would still have to pay out of pocket for all the other suspension components long story short I was given an estimate of thousands n thousands of dollars that I could not afford and was told the car is unsafe to drive mainly due to the rear subframe and components bein severely rusted I would just like to know why there hasent been a recall for the rear subframe on this vehicle when there has been hundreds of other complaints about the same thing I’m goin through about the same year make and model vehicle so now I am out of a vehicle due to it bein unsafe to drive that could cost me my job
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the front of the vehicle while turning, also while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered corrosion and a hole on the front passenger’s side suspension cross member. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer who confirmed the diagnosis and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 85,600.
There was a recall for the front K-frame (Sub-frame) due to excessive corrosion. However the rear also has the same issue and loses structural integrity because of it. The rear control arms can snap through the frame where they are mounted, resulting in an increased likelihood of losing control.
MY DASHBOARD (CRASH PAD) ON MY PASSENGER SIDE OVER MY AIRBAG IS MELTING AND CRACKING CAUSING ME TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. MAZDA CLAIMS THAT RECALL ENDED IN MARCH OF 2019 BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY MAZDA OF THIS RECALL THEREFORE I FEEL IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR MY SAFETY. THE CRASH PAD BECOMES STICKY, MELTS AND CRACKS THE DASHBOARD. MY VEHICLE IS STILL IN OPERATION AND THEREFORE MY SAFTEY IS STILL IMPORTANT
THE DASHBOARD HAS MELTED. THE CAR IS USUALLY PARKED OUTSIDE. IT STARTED MELTING IN 2017, BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. WHEN THE SUN IS BRIGHT, THE REFLECTION WILL CAUSE DRIVING CONCERNS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED SOUTH BURLINGTON MAZDA (1795 SHELBURNE RD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403, 802- 660-6900) AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V631000 (SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT MY DASHBOARD HAS BECOME CRACKED AND VERY STICKY . I DO NOT KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED WHEN I CONTACTED MAZDA TO GET IT FIXED I WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT REPLACE THAT PART . I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I FEEL STUCK I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR
I RECENTLY NOTICED OUT OF NO WHERE THE DASHBOARD ON MY CAR CRACKED FOR NO REASON IT IS RIGHT BY THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY STICKY . I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT IN THIS CONDITION
DOOR LATCH STICKS WHEN OPENING, CAUSING DOOR TO POSSIBLY STAY OPEN UNBEKNOWNST TO DRIVER AND CAUSE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND POSSIBLY EJECT NON SECURED PERSONS OR OBJECTS IN CAR. FOUND OUT DURING OPERATION WHEN THE DOOR NEXT TO MY TODDLER SWUNG OPENED IN A TURN.
THIS VEHICLE HAD THE FRONT SUB-FRAME REPLACED BASED ON NHTSA COMPLAINT 11100333 AND THE SUBSEQUENT RECALL FROM MAZDA WITH NHTSA ID 18V-631. IT IS NOW TWO YEARS LATER AND THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS SO ROTTED THAT IT WAS FALLING APART. MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION WITHOUT IT BEING FIXED. IT WAS REPAIRED BY A NON-DEALER MECHANIC IN FEB 2020. THE MECHANIC TRIED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET A NEW REAR SUB-FRAME BUT COULD NOT BECAUSE IT IS ON MANUFACTURER BACK-ORDER. SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE FIXED ASAP, A USED SUB-FRAME HAD TO BE INSTALLED. BECAUSE THE NEW PART WAS UNAVAILABLE THIS MAKES ME THINK THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER CAN'T KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND. I WAS TOLD BY A MAZDA DEALER THAT THE REAR SUB-FRAME IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL AS THE FRONT. BOTH ITEMS WERE MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME TIME USING THE SAME INFERIOR STEEL SO I THINK THIS SHOULD ALSO BE COVERED. I DEFINITELY FEEL THAT ANOTHER MAZDA RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE REAR SUB-FRAME.*DT *AS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING, SHINY, AND STICKY TO THE TOUCH. THE REFLECTION FROM THE SUNSHINE AND APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT NIGHT AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S VISION TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. HENNESSY MAZDA (7261 JONESBORO RD, BUILDING 2, MORROW, GA 30260, (844) 237-2079) STATED THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED BY SIX MONTHS AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN AT WHALING CITY FORD LINCOLN MAZDA (475 BROAD ST, NEW LONDON, CT 06320, (860) 333-1841) NOTICED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME HAD SEVERE CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRONT END SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS NOT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V631000 (SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. *LN *JB
WHILE PULLING DOWN MY STREET AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT WAS NOT NORMAL. IT WAS MORE EVIDENT GOING OVER BUMPS. MY CAR WAS DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE ANYWAY SO I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND ASKED THEM TO INVESTIGATE. THE REAR CROSS MEMBER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING A NEARLY CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE RIGHT REAR SECTION, INCLUDING A PIECE THAT RUSTED OFF AND IS FLOATING WITHIN THE SPRING. MAZDA DID ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS VERY ISSUE, BUT IT ONLY COVERS THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER, WHICH IS ABSURD. I CALLED MAZDA TO CONFIRM THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY TO THE REAR, AND JOSE, THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE TO BY PHONE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT DOES NOT. I AM IN A RUST BELT STATE, AND IF SALT CAN AFFECT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER, OBVIOUSLY IT CAN AFFECT THE REAR IN THE SAME NEGATIVE FASHION. JUST BECAUSE THE REAR DOESN'T TURN THE CAR, DOESN'T MEAN IT POSES LESS OF A DANGER AS EVIDENCED BY MY VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BACK IN MARCH OF 2019 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V631000 (SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT CALLED GARDEN CITY MAZDA AT 516-874-0385 AND INFORMED THEM THAT THE PARTS TO REMEDY THE RECALL WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED, THE DEALER WOULD EMAIL HER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION TO HAVE THE RECALL REMEDIED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AS WELL AS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY BOTH PRIOR AND AFTER SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC SUSPECTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN OIL LEAK THAT AFFECTED THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS MELTED AND CREATED A VISIBILITY HAZARD. WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAY TIME, THE SUN REFLECTED ONTO THE DASHBOARD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEAN PATTERSON MAZDA (101 PLEASANT VALLEY BLVD, ALTOONA, PA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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