2010 Mazda Mazda6 Owner Complaints

I recently had my front subframe replaced as part of your recall, however, the rear subframe and all components attached are suffering from the exact same rust and potential component failure as the front. I was replacing my brakes today and noticed that the entire structure is on the verge of complete failure. The right rear suspension already makes unusual noises when going over even small bumps and I imagine if I were to hit a large pothole that would probably be the end of this car. I imagine all similar Mazda 6s in the Midwest suffer from the exact same degradation and it is a major safety concern. There are places where there's chunks of subframe missing because it has rusted completely through and just disintegrated.

NHTSA ID

11746080

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

I looked up recalls on my vehicle and it states that The 2011 Mazda6 is  part of a recall (NHTSA 19V-323, Mazda 2818I) covering 2011-2013 models for front cross member (subframe) corrosion due to insufficient rust protection . In salt-belt states, this corrosion can cause the lower control arm to detach, reducing steering control and increasing crash risk.  Key Details regarding the 2011 Mazda6 Subframe Recall: Scope: The recall affects specific 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles (and 2009-2010 models in a previous, related recall). Location Restrictions: Vehicles must have been originally sold in, or currently/previously registered in, 23 "salt belt" states (including CT, NY, MI, MN, OH, etc.). The Issue: The front cross member may experience severe corrosion, causing structural failure of the passenger-side lower control arm mounting point. Symptoms: Drivers may notice a change in steering alignment or a broken cross member. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the cross member and replace it if necessary. Action Required: Owners should contact their local Mazda dealership to check their VIN for open recalls.  The recall was officially announced in May 2019 and is an expansion of a 2018 action.

NHTSA ID

11715942

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine cradle had failed and was severely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11649768

Incident

Mar 21, 2025

Mileage

114,000 mi

The airbag light is still flashing on the dashboard after the airbag recall on this vehicle was fixed. It may be related to a different recall, which is safety campaign #16V594000.

NHTSA ID

11643653

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

Extensive rust and corrosion in rear subframe. So severe the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11624391

Incident

Nov 9, 2024

2010 mazda 6 i series sedan the entire rear subframe/cradle is rotted along with all the other parts connected to it, the A arm, bumper stops, control arms, rear sway bar the entire rear under carriage. took it to the shop and they said there have been several complaints about this exact issue on several of these cars from 09-13 models. the parts was not painted correctly like the front that was recalled. exposed to all weather elements, the shop wants almost 4k for labor only to fix but the main problem is finding the rear subframe on these cars is almost impossible next to cost a fortune. now i have a yard ornament. junk yard wants to give me 170 bucks for the car but im not doing that. Mazda needs to fix this issue. i would of never know it was rotted out unless i took it to the shop for rear swaying and sagging. its all over the road. very dangerous and will cause a wreck almost certainly. please someone do something about this issue. dont have the money to fix this let alone buy another car.

NHTSA ID

11604971

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

The rear subframe is compromised; it separated from the body of the car. The vehicle is in my driveway and available for inspection should the need arise. The rear end had felt a bit shaky for a month so I took it to my mechanic, who declared the vehicle "unfit for the road" due to the fact that the subframe was rotted away and detached from the car itself. I was told one big bump is an accident waiting to happen...pieces of the car would go flying and I could be left with zero mobility to evade oncoming traffic. The possibility of projectiles injuring anyone around the car was enough for me to park it. The car has not been inspected by Mazda, the police, or insurance because there was no accident. Since it's not safe to drive, I took the word of my independent mechanic rather than driving it to a dealership. There were no warnings other than a bit of a sway in the rear end, which I originally attributed to its age. I've researched the issue and it seems to be a result of subpar quality with regard to the metal that was used in manufacturing.

NHTSA ID

11587423

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the rear main sub frame was completely rusted. There was a crack detected in the middle of the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that it was normal wear and tear, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11572146

Incident

Feb 11, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

Rear sub frame on car rusting out. Never protected from corrosion or rust. Car is currently in shop. Car has rusted out in the joint just behind drivers rear tire. Received notice of recall on the front of car due to salt and weather conditions front sub frame area replaced . Currently multiple cars have same issues Mazda hasnt fixed or issued any repairs for this

NHTSA ID

11570548

Incident

Feb 7, 2024

My gf went for a basic oil change and the automotive person was shocked to find the rear right cross bar to be suffering from incredible corrosion. He said at this point it is unsafe to drive. We looked into recalls for this make and model and there is one for the front cross bar due to insufficient or improper application of a corrosion spray on the frame. How can they say the front needs to be recalled and not the back? If the dealership didn’t do a good job of covering the appropriate metal frame in corrosion resistant spray any car that has that level should be recalled. This is immensely dangerous

NHTSA ID

11549093

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

Mazda issued a extended warranty for sticky dash board and supposedly mailed notices to owners. I never received one and dispute the fact they mailed it to all owners. The sticky dash repair should be issued as a recall as it presents a significant safety issue. The sticky dash is so shiny that it reflects sun into driver’s eyes and should be considered a significant safety issue. I request the NHTSA to mandate Mazda to make the sticky dash repair a recalled issue versus allowing them to issue a extended warranty. I never got the notice and the issue existed within the warranty period. In addition, what happens if the issue arises after the warranty period. This sticky dash is a defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle and presents a significant safety issue to drivers as it impacts their road visibility, which may lead to increased accidents. Please have Mazda issue a recall on the sticky dash repair due to the manufacturer’s defect. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11541192

Incident

Jan 8, 2018

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear frame detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) and the contact related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11538412

Incident

Aug 14, 2023

Mileage

160,000 mi

The rear frame completely corroded. I was on my way to work this morning and the frame broke due to corrosion. I almost lost my life this morning. According to the recall only the front end was considered faulty. I took the vehicle in for the recall and only the front was looked at and replaced.

NHTSA ID

11538302

Incident

Aug 14, 2023

I took car to dealership for recall repair (3) one of which was for front sub-frame corrision While it was there thet called Me and said that the rear sub-frame was rausted so bad it was unsafe to drive and that it would cost $4600 to fix it. It seems to Me if You aknowledge a corrision problem in the front then You would accept responsibility for rear. Mazda said that They would have fixed it if the title were not branded ? It was wrecked in the front end and I replaced hood grille bumper lights etc and has nothing to do with the rear sub-frame. The Mazda Forum say's that it is shoddy workmanship. This car only has 147,000 miles on it and runs like a new car. I am a US army Vet 10 years) and am retired and cannot afford to fix this on My own and this is about doing what is right so I am asking You to help Me to get this problem fixed so I can drive this car. Thank You,

NHTSA ID

11532534

Incident

Jan 25, 2023

While im driving the steering is shifting to the right and seems lower on right side. My tires daily need to have air in them because of the uneven weight. While I drive and let go of the gas the car pulls back like an E brake could be stuck not sure though. No accidents at all but it seems like the vehicle is getting weaker and weaker with the uneven weight going down on the tires and steering seems like it's going to crash onto the right without being able to control it.

NHTSA ID

11526861

Incident

Jun 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the dashboard on the passenger’s side of the vehicle was melted, causing a glare on the windshield which obstructed the view of the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11526027

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

Mileage

32,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6 . The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph and drove over a bump and lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated the disc off warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact was towed to her residence and then to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with the rear structure was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The contact stated that the dealership deemed the vehicle unsafe to bring to the shop and therefore did not perform the necessary repairs in the recall. The dealer notified the contact about that as well as the manufacturer. The contact must arrange a way to tow the vehicle off of their lot.

NHTSA ID

11515224

Incident

Feb 7, 2023

Mileage

180,000 mi

The rear subframe is corroded with rust to the point of about to break into pieces. I did not have control of the vehicle and could not drive above 40mph, sudden pull to one side while braking, loose steering. I could have had a wreck if the subframe would have broke before taking the vehicle in to be inspected by an independent service center. I live over an hour to the nearest Mazda dealership and the car is not drivable. No warning lamps came on and I first noticed the problems around January 11,2023. The part looks completely tissue thin all over and the rest of the components look new bolted to it. I do have pictures from the independent service center. I think the car needs to be seen by a regional service manager like a Mazda engineer. This is not just rust this is a defective part that was to thin to begin with.

NHTSA ID

11504756

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

The contact called on behalf of a client who owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as designed and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. The vehicle was diagnosed that the rear passenger’s side cross member was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the rear cross member was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the mechanic was informed that the customer was liable for the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11504534

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

Mileage

70,000 mi

Rear subframe is rotted

NHTSA ID

11475491

Incident

Jul 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear cross members and brakes needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact to not drive the vehicle until the repairs were performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the brakes; however, the rear cross members were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

NHTSA ID

11471554

Incident

Jun 29, 2022

Mileage

186,000 mi

The dasboard on the rite side is melting, causing a sicky like surface and is reflecting the light on to the driver, making it hard to drive.

NHTSA ID

11471007

Incident

Oct 21, 2018

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she lost control of the vehicle. The failure caused the passenger's side rear tire to rub on the fender while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger's side rear subframe was severely corroded and had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11469128

Incident

Jun 14, 2022

Mileage

82,000 mi

Crossmember rust from recall campaign 2818I is able to effect structural attachment despite recall work. The recall installed an "improved: cross member. This was not an actually replacement cross member, rather additional plate steel between the rear and front of the existing attachment points of the defective OE cross member. Improved cross member contains no provisions to support rapidly corroding lower control arm attachment point in original cross member. Added member for recall also does not appear to additionally support lateral stresses from control arm. Evaluation of original cross-member seemed inadequate to detect structural integrity based on condition of the cross member today. "improved" cross member does not support mounting points of the control arm. Based on recall documents, some "improved" cross members have supports for Lower Control Arm (LCA) mounts. This issued occurred with sudden change in steering and braking characteristics. Vehicle suddenly started pulling right. Issue further exacerbated after follow on braking. Passenger wheel suddenly lost alignment and camber is indicating lower attachment geometry change. I was able to control vehicle, but with significant effort.

NHTSA ID

11468983

Incident

May 16, 2022

Car won't start due to PCM/TCM lost communication.

NHTSA ID

11458436

Incident

Mar 20, 2022