STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
2013 Mazda Mazda6
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 18V717000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Mazda Mazda6, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and exterior lighting categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 237 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 1 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 3 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 4 |
| Oct 2017 | 2 | 6 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 7 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 8 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 9 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 12 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 13 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 14 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 15 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 17 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 18 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 19 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 20 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 21 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 22 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Suspension516.7%
- Brakes516.7%
- Exterior lighting413.3%
- Airbags310.0%
- Body & structure310.0%
- Interior & seats26.7%
- Visibility26.7%
- Other / unspecified13.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained. After receiving the recall repair, the contact became aware that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was tilted to the left. The front passenger’s side tire was slightly turned inward. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross member on the passenger’s side was rusted, causing several fractures. After inspecting the damaged area, the mechanic confirmed that it was the area that was repaired under recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 67,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11601441
- Incident
- May 30, 2024
- Mileage
- 67,000 mi
I JUST BAUGHT A 2013 MAZDA6 THE REAR CRADEL AND CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETY RUSTED AWAY ONE MOUNT WAS COMPLETY RUSTED OFF .THE SPRINGS WAS ALMOST READY TO FALL OUT THE BOTTEM OF THE SPRING PURCH .IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE OCEAN WHERE IT HAD STAYED FOR YEARS .I TRIED TO FIND A USED REPLACEMENT OUT OF SEVERAL WE FOUND FROM 10-13 AND GOING THRU NATIONAL SALVAGE PARTS WE CAN NOT FIND ONE THAT WAS NOT RUSTY AWAY ALL THE MAZDA6 FRAMS WERE SO RUSTED THEY COULD NOT BE USED .WHY IS THIS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST IF ALL I COULD FIND ARE RUSTED OUT PARTS THAT IS A SAFTY HAZZARD TO HAVE ON THE ROAD.
- NHTSA ID
- 11560838
- Incident
- Dec 19, 2023
My car has approx 115,000 miles. I took it to Bass Mazda to have spark plugs and serpentine belt changed simply for maintenance purposes. After leaving dealership my car was pulling to the right. My steering wheel was no longer centered. It also was turned toward the right. Any time I had to hit the brakes the car pulled very hard to right. Long story short it we ended up finding out that my sub frame is very rusted and cracked. My car specifically does not fall into the recall for this issue. When I called mazda to inform them that this may be an issue with other cars the rep was ki d of rude. She just kept telling me I needed to contact the dealership to see what they could do and get cost appraisal. I was simply trying to let them know this could be an issue for other vehicles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11500180
- Incident
- Jan 4, 2023
2013 Mazda 6 VIN [XXX] 1)Fuel tank leak. yes it is available for inspection 2)Gas leak with danger of fire or explosion. 3) Yes 4) No 5)Yes Reoccurring The 2014 Mazda 6 had a recall for the exact same problem I am having where the tank would overfill or if parked unlevel and it will activate a check engine light and "leak gas" out of the EVAP canister even while driving. The recall covered cars built between October 25, 2012 and May 9, 2013. My car was built 7-19-2012 and the dealer will not fix the issue. I have taken it to a dealer in Cincinnati and they said put a new fuel cap on it which I did. The problem has persisted and has gotten worse. I have taken it to garages where they have merely reset the light and returned it unfixed. I have lived "because of the Covid" with the situation over a year and a half by only filling the tank half full. I have only recently discovered the 2014 had a recall but not the 2013. I have spent over a 1000$ trying to get someone to fix it but no body has yet to do the job. It has potential to explode and or catch afire. I am asking for help and reporting Mazda for under recalling and fixing the recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- NHTSA ID
- 11445637
- Incident
- Dec 28, 2021
was driving on the highway when the check engine light came on. not 10 minutes later, I lost acceleration and steering. managed to get to the shoulder just in time before my car pretty much died. the water light and battery light came on when I came to a stop. mechanic discribes it as 'catastrophic engine failure'. other than the check engine light, there were no other warnings. the temperature gage was normal and there were no weird sounds or smoke. diagnostic readings said a coolant leak lead to the radiator overheating which caused the engine to seize. the freeze frame data says 'P0117 engine coolant temperature sensor 1 circuit low'. I researched that and it said that when 'low', the check engine will come on but there will probably be no other warnings and that the sensor usually needs to be replaced around 100k miles. my vehicle is at 51k miles. currently have 3k in repairs which does not include the cost of an engine.
- NHTSA ID
- 11429692
- Incident
- Aug 5, 2021
RELATED TO MAZDA RECALL NUMBER 2818I - FRONT FRAME ROTTING OUT. THEY APPLIED A BANDAID FIX UNDER THE RECALL, TO ONLY 1 SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PART THEY USED DOES NOT EVEN CONNECT TO THE ACTUAL SUSPENSION PIECES THAT ARE ROTTING OUT OF THE FRAME. IT IS BASICALLY A PLATE TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING COMPLETELY ON ONLY 1 SIDE. THE PROBLEM IS THE ENTIRE FRAME IS STILL ROTTING AT A CRAZY EXCESSIVE RATE. I HAVE HAD MANY USED, OLDER VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A CAR SO NEW ALMOST RENDERED UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE FRAME CONDITION. MY MECHANIC SAID IT SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED GIVEN HOW MUCH CORROSION/RUST IS ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INSTEAD OF ONLY A BRACKET ON ONE SIDE... AND THE FIX THEY PERFORMED IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LIABILITY TREATMENT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM COMPLETELY FALLING APART AND KILLING SOMEONE WHEN THE FRAME FAILS ON THAT SIDE. THE FRAME WAS LEFT IN PLACE AND IS ROTTING FASTER THAN I HAVE EVEN SEEN ON A VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LESS THAN 10YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 100K MILES. NHTSA NEEDS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS RECALL AS SOME DEALERS ARE DOING THE BEAR MINIMUM TO 'FIX' THE ISSUE INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE FRAME AS THEY SHOULD BE....SOME OF THE CARS WERE NEWER AND WERE NOT YET EXPERIENCING THE HEAVY RUST AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BUT FAST FORWARD A YEAR OR TWO AND THE ENTIRE FRAME IS NEARLY JUNK COVERED BY A FANCY METAL PLATE ON ONLY 1 SIDE THAT IS SIMPLY INTENDED TO KEEP THE ROTTING FRAME FROM SEPARATING AND NOTHING ELSE...IT DIDN'T AT ALL 'FIX' THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT SUBMIT PICS RIGHT NOW, BUT GIVEN THIS IS RELATED TO A PREVIOUS RECALL NOT SURE IT IS NECESSARY...LOOK INTO HOW THEY ARE 'BANDAIDING' SOME OF THE 2013'S WHILE REPLACING THE ENTIRE FRAMES ON 2011'S...IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE SAME REPAIR AND THE 'BANDAID' FIX DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM OF PREMATURE ROT ON THE FRAME. I CAN SEND AN EXAMPLE OF BOTH UPON REQUEST.
- NHTSA ID
- 11404228
- Incident
- Mar 19, 2021
- Mileage
- 81,500 mi
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM YOU BARELY CAN SEE ANYTHING OFTEN I HAVE TO TURN ON HIGH BEAM LIGHTS
- NHTSA ID
- 11403799
- Incident
- Mar 5, 2021
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA6. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS FROSTED OVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE APPROACHING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS MAZDA LOCATED AT 5625 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615, (419)531-0151, TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *AS
- NHTSA ID
- 11310300
- Incident
- Feb 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 50,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.
ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 32.1 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2018 | 56 | 2 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2017 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 46.4 |
| 2016 | 76 | 1 | 0 | 47.3 |
| 2015 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 48.6 |
| 2014 | 137 | 4 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2013Viewing | 22 | 4 | 0 | 48.3 |
| 2012 | 99 | 6 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2011 | 134 | 6 | 0 | 57.3 |
| 2010 | 225 | 9 | 1 | 52.8 |
| 2009 | 386 | 10 | 2 | 55.8 |
| 2008 | 111 | 5 | 3 | 65.0 |
| 2007 | 156 | 6 | 3 | 62.7 |
| 2006 | 173 | 6 | 3 | 59.4 |
| 2005 | 147 | 6 | 3 | 62.1 |
| 2004 | 160 | 7 | 3 | 61.6 |
| 2003 | 174 | 9 | 4 | 59.2 |
| 2002 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 35.6 |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.