general problems of the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 - part 1

The rear subframe rusted out and my control arm broke off! this is extremely serious and because there is no recall I’m going to have to buy an another vehicle. Please issue a recall. I’ve read forms about this and many others have had the same issue with the rear subframe corroding and rotting out.

Component or system that failed: the front subframe on my 2009 Mazda 6i touring is completely rusted through. There are holes in the frame and large flakes of rusted metal breaking off. The car is available for inspection if needed. Safety risk: this is a serious safety concern because if the subframe fails, I could lose steering or suspension control while driving. That would put me and other drivers at immediate risk of an accident. Reproduction / confirmation: an independent mechanic confirmed the problem and told me the car is unsafe to drive in its current condition. Inspection: the vehicle had the original Mazda subframe corrosion recall performed years ago, but now the same exact problem has come back. The car has not yet been re-inspected by Mazda, but the severity of the rust is obvious. Warning lamps / symptoms: there were no warning lights or messages before this happened. The issue was only noticed when the rust and holes became visible on the underside of the car during a recent inspection.

Hello, my name is [xxx] . I took our Mazda 6 in for wheel balance and alignment and was informed of very serious rust issues in the rear suspension. I was pretty shocked at what they showed me. I worked at raben tire for 10 years and I've never seen anything like this. I have two retired mechanic friends look at it, and they (along with the mechanic from firestone) said they cannot even fathom how this level of rust is possible (80+% of the miles on this vehicle are highway). One of my retired mechanic friends started looking into it and said he'd noticed the 09 Mazda recalls for suspension rust. We all thought that made sense given how immensely abnormal this rusting is. The recall list sent to me says "front" suspension. I'm not sure why the front is listed and not the rear, but this, to all of us, is very clearly faulty (the rusting is incredibly abnormal) and we believe should be considered as part of the suspension rust recall (there are no rusting issues anywhere else). Ive provided pictures. This is incredibly unsafe. The rear suspension could collapse at any moment while driving and cause casualties. Thank you for your time, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

The rear suspension frame has failed due to corrosion. The right rear tire has worn severely from the premature failure of that part on the right side. I feel it was a defect in engineering by Mazda. My email: [xxx] mobile: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear suspension cross-member corroded to the point that a minor pothole separated the right lower control arm mounting point from the cross-member, rendering the car undrivable. The rest of the car is fairly rust-free.

The rear frame has failed due to corrosion on the right side. The rear passenger tire is canted in on the topside worn severely worn. This was noted when I drove home from my job. This is a critical part of the vehicle and should've never failed. I'm hopeful to hear from the nhtsb for a repair to be done properly by Mazda;.

Rear subframe corrosion.

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 noticed a rattling sound that seemed to come from the rear passenger side wheel. I took it to a mechanic who told me that the rear sub-frame was so rusted that the damper had come loose from the sub-frame and caused the rattling sound. He said that he was unable to reattch the damper because the sub-frame was too rusted. The only solution was to remove the loose damper to eliminate the rattling sound and continue driving that way or have the rear sub-frame replaced which would cost from $4,000-$6,000.

This 2009 Mazda 6 hit a chuck hole in the buffalo NY area, virtually severing the connection between the rear cross member (aka cradle or sub frame) and the right rear wheel and rendering the car all but undriveable. Mechanic said the failure to sufficiently rust proof the subject parts caused severe deterioration of the rear sub frame. This is essentially the same problem that led NHTSA to issue a recall on this vehicle for the front engine cradle in 2018.

"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...

Both my back and front chassis are completely rusted through and it’s a complete screwed car. Looking online there is a recall on something like this but not for my model? all I see online is people talking about how they had to scrap their cars because of this issue. The salt and snow has ruined this car and so many people have complained to no avail.

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda 6. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for replacement of the headlights, and the mechanic discovered that the rear suspension was rusted and corroded while the vehicle was on the lift as well as the passenger rear spring was detached. The mechanic advised the contact the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The rear suspension needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that vehicle was not included in a rear suspension recall for corrosion and a case was not opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

I brought my 2009 Mazda 6 to the dealership to inspect the suspension after the car began pulling to the right when braking. I was informed the front and rear subframes have failed on this car due to corrosion—even though the front subframe was serviced previously for the recall campaign with the addition of a support bracket. The front subframe will be replaced by Mazda due to the failed recall repair. However, Mazda will not cover the rear subframe at this time because it has not been recalled. The dealership recommends I do not drive the car until the rear subframe is replaced. However, the dealership quoted over $5,000 to replace it due to the high price of the subframe. There is a significant risk the lower control arms can separate from the vehicle due to corrosion, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

Purchased the 2009 Mazda6 for our daughter. Brought it to our mechanic for an electrical issue. We were told that the rear subframe was completely rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.

The front crossmember rusted out and broke while driving down the road (per owner), all bolts needed replaced along with the rear engine torque strut mount. Confirmed and replaced by an independent shop 01/20/2024. Upon inspection the rear crossmember, lower control arms, bolts, and other parts are all rusted and ready to break at anytime. Front crossmember is at the shop for inspection. Car can easily be at shop on a lift for inspection. No warnings.

The rear subframe has rusted out pretty much completely, but the total failure of the right rear spring mount has allowed the spring to punch through the frame, being stopped only by the top plate which has now turned sideways and is lodged between the spring and the floor pan. I understand this is a common problem with this and a few other model years, and has not been addressed by Mazda. I am hoping to help change this.

Purchased the vehicle, brought it to our mechanic. Was told that the rear subframe was completely rusted, making it unsafe to drive.

There was a recall on the front subframe due to rust. The rear subframe has the same safety issue but there is no recall for that and there should be.

* 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 rear frame suspension cradle subframe crossmember has corroded and my mechanic at jimmy's tire and auto in granby CT. Says it is unsafe to drive. This corroded part is available for inspection while I wait for a used part to be delivered to complete the repair. No-one else has inspected the part. The condition was discovered when I had sent it in for general maintenance to replace the shocks and rear suspension linkages because there was noise in the rear when driving over bumps. The only warning I had was the odd noise when going over bumps in the road. I recall when buying the used vehicle many years ago that the dealer performed a recall on the front suspension #18v-631 and this shows closed.

Rear subframe corrosion/complete rot out, suspension complete rot out, and other components due to salt from the road and Mazda not correctly painting the components: 2009 Mazda 6i 2. 5 noticable drop in the back of the car. The tire wells are almost touching the rear tires. The rear tires are leaning inward, also putting inside ware on the new tires. The rear of the vehicle fishtails while driving. It takes bumps very hard. No suspension. When you hit a bump, the rest of the car is all over the road. Very dangerous driving conditions, as the fishtailing throws you into other lanes, possibly into other traffic. Took vehicle to meinke on 3-15-23, was told and shown the damages to the rear suspension and rear subframe and other rear components. Vehicle is not safe to drive until fixed. Called Mazda dealer, was notified of recall on front subframe, but not the rear. Have appointment on 3-29-23 to drop off at Mazda dealer to get the front subframe serviced. My front subframe is not the issue, not that I know of yet anyways. My rear is the issue. Why was it not recalled with the front? why are they allowed to risk the lives and safety of so many for not servicing the rear also? this needs to be recalled, and I am definitely going as far as I can into getting something done about this. I do not have the funds to pay out of pocket to get this fixed, or funds to go out and buy a new car. I am a mother of a toddler, and disabled. I'm hoping to get a class action lawsuit against Mazda for this, or at the very least, a recall to fix this issue also. I live in indiana, we have some snowy winters, so salt is used on the roadways. I believe the car came from ohio before I purchased it from kentucky. I purchased the car on March 27, 2021. Have only had "normal" maintenance issues or water and tare before this, and actually love the vehicle! it has been a great vehicle, other then this issue.

The rear subframe of my car is severely corroded. Both dampers (not sure if I have that name right, the cylinder inside the rear suspension coil) have rusted off. The rear left lateral control arm has rusted off. It is higher in mileage so it might be expected, except, other owners have reported the same problem with way less miles. Also there was a recall for the front crossmember in salt states for the same issue but nothing issued for the rear. Driving on a rusted subframe could potentially cause major components of the rear end to rust and break off while driving causing an accident. If the front was poorly coated and had potential for severe premature corrosion, the back should also be addressed as well. Had there been something earlier many owners would not be facing the risk of a potential hazard.

We purchased this car last year for our teenage daughter. It is making a terrible banging noise in the rear. We took it to a mechanic who stated the entire rear subframe is completely corroded, the bolts are rusted, and all the components need to be replaced. This is thousands of dollars if we can even find the parts. As the car is unsafe to drive, I'm not letting my daughter use it until we can get it resolved. After looking at all the complaints, this is a well known problem that Mazda needs to address. There was a recall for the front subframe, but not the rear. Current mileage on the vehicle is only 70,000. The rear subframes and suspension links are severely rusted and deteriorating rapidly, making this car unsafe to drive unless most (or all) the components are replaced and the metal subframes rust treated. Mazda should be made to recall this vehicle and fix this problem before someone is severely injured or killed in an accident due to their negligence. I would be interested in entering into a class action lawsuit for this vehicle as well if someone pursues it.

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.

The entire rear subframe is completely corroded and rusted and caused the back right cross member to break. The entire rear subframe needs to be replaced including the control arms. This is unacceptable. Mazda had a recall for the front subframe, but not the rear which makes no sense as they were made with same materials. 2 separate mechanics have had the car in their possession and have both been unable to locate the parts in order to fix the problem. As a result, I am going to have to junk the car.

Independent service center diagnosed vehicle safety concerns confirmed rear subframe rust.

Component - rear subframe/crossmember. Yes it is available for inspection. I was driving and suddenly heard a loud crack and the rear drivers side of my vehicle dropped to the ground. I was getting ready to pull into a parking lot so I was luckily driving slowly. If I were traveling at the normal speed limit, I could have wrecked and possibly caused injury to myself or others on the road. Upon inspection from the mechanic, the rear subframe is completely rusted out and broke as a result. After research, I found that the front subframe/crossmember was recalled in 2018 for rust issues. This car had the recalled repaired. But Mazda has no recall for the rear. There were no warnings that this was going to happen.

Hello, back a few years ago Mazda issued a recall for the front subframe of our Mazda 6 due to premature and extremely damaging rust that rendered the vehicle dangerous. We had this replaced and all was fine until not that long ago when we had to repair an exhaust leak and in the process realized how bad the rear subframe is rusted out as well. . . I've noticed the back wheels of our car have been cambered out by a few degrees for a few months and I'm pretty sure this is due to the rear suspension and rear subframe components collapsing on themselves due to the rust weakening the metal. I have some pictures which I will attach. Mazda currently does not have a recall for this part but we would, and many other Mazda owners out there on the forums would like a recall to be issued due to the extremely expensive nature of the subframe repair. . . I would really love to hear back from you all on this issue, I believe the car is fairly unsafe to drive at the moment. . . Thanks in advance!.

The car has only 31,000 original miles and I'm the original owner. The entire rear subframe and suspension assy is heavily rusted and suspension bushings are rotting. This is a common problem among owners in north eastern states and mid atlantic. Mazda recalled the front subframes but not the rear. This is a major safety defect and will result in the car having to be scrapped before it accumulates many more miles.

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 garden city Mazda 516-874-0385 where they informed her that the parts to remedy the recalll were unavailable. The contact was informed that when the part had arrived, she would be informed via email to have her vehicle serviced; the contact had yet to receive a notification to have the recall remedied. Since then, the contact stated that while driving her vehicle at 40 mph, the vehicle began to jerk while depressing the accelerator as well as when shifting gears. The contact stated the check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently both prior and after she experienced the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where it had yet to be officially diagnosed. The mechanic suspected that there had been an oil leakage which had effected the transmission. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure and the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 94,000. Jo.

I brought my 2009 Mazda6 in for the recalled front cross member corrosion safety recall. After an inspection I was told it qualified for a replacement. I authorized the work and picked the car up a few days later. We did not receive the normal maintenance sheet. After driving the car the next few days the at (automatic transmission) light came on and transmission started to slip. We serviced the transmission fluid with 3 quarts and found damage and leak just above the cross member recall repair. We returned the car to the dealer and informed Mazda customer care. Walser Mazda of burnsville said the transmission line has rusted and repair costs would be around $400. I said the damage to the line was when the recall repair was done. The car was driven less than 250 miles since the repair and leaked out 3 quarts of fluid. I believe the sharp edge of the cross member damaged the transmission line when the recall repair was done. Damage should be the cost of the dealer. Document possible damage when this recall is preformed.