Body problems of the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 - part 1

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. . Read more...

* 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 rusted completely out.

Rear subframe rust got so bad the control arm snapped off and nearly killed my family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 stated that the dash board on the passenger side had melted causing a visibility hazard while driving during the day time with the sun reflecting onto the dash board. The cause of the failure was not determined the manufacturer and local dealer dean patterson Mazda(101 pleasant valley blvd, altoona PA. ) were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 102,000. Jft.

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda 6. While driving 10 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle in the middle of the street because it was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact spoke with woodhouse place Mazda (located at 8606 s 145th st, omaha, ne 68138, (402) 397-8300) and was informed that the failure was due to NHTSA campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Mazda 6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel was turned approximately one quarter to the left in order to drive the vehicle in a straight line. Also while driving at various speeds the vehicle would pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side tie rod and suspension cradle was damaged due to rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 120,000. Jft.

Rust through of engine cradle frame on passenger side of vehicle. Discovered during oil change.

Driving on highway, I had to brake and realized I had to struggle to steer the vehicle properly. I heard a loud clunk when releasing clutch when I had to use it. My steering wheel was out of alignment. When I brought in for service they said the entire frame and underside of the body had rusted out. I do not have pictures yet.

This past week, while driving my vehicle to and from work on a public roadway, the steering wheel was off-center and the vehicle started to shift to the side of the road while vehicle was in motion while driving straight. I took it to an auto repair shop and they told me the sub frame is completely split in half and all corroded. The vehicle is undriveable right now. It's going to be very expensive to repair.

In August 6th, 2018, I was driving back from work with my 4y old son in quebec city at 50 km/h. When I want to stop at the red-light I sensed a significant loss of steering control to the right and I was completely shocked because I was just about to hit a cyclist. And my son was frustrated too. Luckily nothing bad happened. But from there I wasn't able to drive correctly, I held the steering wheel to 60 degrees to the left while going at 25 km/h to be able to drive straight and get back to my home. The following day I drove my car to the nearest garage, and to my surprise, the guy told me that the subframe at the right near to the wheel is completely corroded and the steering rack was separated from its mounts causing the steering loss. The garage owner told that he called Mazda to ask for a new subframe for me, but they told him that they don't have it in stock and they have already 5 more people with the same problem waiting for that. Knowing that I do rust check and treatment before every winter. I am very thankful to god that nothing bad happened while I was traveling with my family during our holidays. Mazda should recognize this as a serious and very dangerous defect since it is happening for a lot of people.

The front of the sub frame on the right side has rusted and the car is not driveable. The steering is pretty much disabled. I was able to get it to the shop which is a mile away. It will take two months to repair as parts are not readily available.

Tl the contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at state inspected, the contact was informed that the sub frame was extremely corroded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was driven to marketplace Mazda dealer located at 3755 w henrietta rd, rochester, NY 14623, (585) 359-4900, for inspection. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,300.

While driving my 2009 Mazda 6 at 30 mph on a city street the car violently pulled to the right and I had to cut the wheel to the left in order to drive straight. I brought the car to a local mechanic who informed me that the car's subframe had significant rust and rot and was not safe to drive. The car is in otherwise good condition and has approximately 65k miles.

I was driving and making a turn when a loud clunking noise occurred and I lost stability of the car. In order to make it to the dealership (which was within a mile), I had to turn the wheel to the left and drive 10mph to maintain stability. Over the 2 days previous to the event I heard occasional clunking noises while driving. The mechanic found significant rust that had gone through the subframe on the front passenger side, rendering it undriveable. They informed me that this was a common problem they had been seeing and that the part is backordered months. The rest of the undercarriage was mostly rust free except for the subframe.

During a recent alignment, for my 2009 Mazda 6, I was informed by a mechanic that I could have a serious problem if the "suspension crossmember-engine cradle" is not replaced. After bringing the car to a body shop, I was informed it would not be wise to drive the car until this part is replaced. I was quoted $1,800 dollars for parts and labor. For a well maintained car with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer, I consider this an extreme and unreasonable repair.

At 70,000 and 9 years to the day since we purchased the vehicle the front sub-frame is dangerously rusted and close to complete failure. Detected during routine service.

The vehicle was purchased by me and given to my son to drive a year ago. The vehicle has about 120,000 miles and run perfectly except it won't pass a state inspection because the inspector says the subframe under the engine is so badly rusted, the engine could easily drop out from under the car while in operation. This is a safety hazard and were told Mazda is ignoring the issue.

Currently my car is stationary, unsafe to drive, in a repair shop. The front subframe on the right side is completely rotten to the core. All parts attached (suspension, wheel, etc. ) to the frame are falling off. The rotten part is chipping away. My car was making a clanking, banging noise (I believed the muffler or something was loose) so I towed it to the repair shop. When I returned to the repair shop, the manager said she had bad news, lord and behold, she tells and shows me the frame. I could have passed out. If I would have known this car had this problem, I would have never purchased it. To make it worst is the cost to repair the vehicle. My car is not repaired, Mazda does not have a recall on this vehicle issue which is not safe, and Mazda does not what to help with the expense. Nhtsa, this is very common problem with Mazda 6 2009 models; a lot of customers have identified this problem and it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. Please do something about this immediately. The current repair shop cannot fix the frame so I must have my vehicle towed to a collision shop. I am not very happy and I am not driving my car. I will go back and take pictures of the frame and send it to you.

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.

I usually get my girlfriends oil changed on her 09 Mazda 6 4 cyl at a local shop but decided to do the oil change myself. Upon inspection while waiting for the oil to drain I noticed a significant amount of rust corrosion on the right rear where the subframe attaches. It's sad because we have only had the car a year and a half and before we bought it it was actually really clean underneath. I honestly don't see this 2009 Mazda passing inspection again and would like to know if Mazda will help out. Do we keep driving this car and risking our and everyone else's life's ? photo is just the bottom. Top side of cross member is much worse. Please help!!??.

I was driving to a medical appt on local roads when I noticed a thumping sound from the front left, as if the tire were going flat. I stopped and inspected the tire and found no problems, so I continued on to the appt less than a mile away. Leaving the appt I felt the car suddenly pulling sharply to the right, and the dsc-off light came on. Turning right caused a loud squeaking noise. I drove immediately to a Mazda dealership that was fortunately only a mile or so away. They examined the car and found that it is unsafe to drive due to severe rusting of the front subframe (right side). They said that if I had hit a pothole the right front tire may have broken off, endangering my life and the lives of others. The dealership was unable to locate a used subframe, and new subframes are on backorder until June - leaving me to find alternate means of transportation for at least a month. Living in a northern climate I expect cars to rust, but a 9 year old car with only 70,000 miles should not have deteriorated to such a level this quickly.

Tl the contact owns a 2009 Mazda 6. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection of the front passenger tire, and front and rear frame, the contact noticed extensive rust and corrosion. The frame also had cracks near the front passenger tire. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v457000 (air bags), but the contact was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was to follow-up on the recall information. The approximate failure mileage was 74,151.