general problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 - part 1

43 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 based on all problems reported for the 2010 MAZDA6.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2026

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.  .

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/20/2020

The dash on my Mazda is melted. It is now causing a bright sheen which makes it difficult to see when the sun hits it. The dash is very sticky and starting to smell like burnt plastic. . I've called Mazda customer support and they said the defective part is covered untill 2010, however they said it ended 4 months ago. Unfortunately, covid19 stopped me from making it to the dealership in March. Mazda would not give me an extension due to the current covid19 stay at home order placed in my state.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2020

Passenger side dashboard has melted, causing black sticky residue and a very shiny effect, when trying to drive, the sunlight and nighttime lights cause a glare that is very distracting when trying to drive.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2019

Car system alarm goes off without notice. It will work fine for days then, the alarm will start to go off constantly. While driving at night, the interior car lights come on like a door is open. No indicator on control panel if door is open. Then turns off lights inside car. It scares you as you think a door came open.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/21/2018

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.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2018

On September 12, 2018 I took my 2010 Mazda 6i to a local Mazda dealership to get preventative maintenance done on the vehicle, replacing the drive belt. When the Mazda tech started the job, he discovered that the entire front sub-frame that holds the front end suspension, steering components, motor and transmission was rusted and rotted out with several holes and flaking metal. The tech was unable to perform the job as he stated he could not remove the sub-frame and keep it in tact. The tech reported that this created a hazardous and unsafe condition and that until repaired with a new or other-wise in-tact sub-frame the car would be unsafe to drive. Upon checking on-line I have discovered that this is quickly becoming a common problem with the Mazda 6 of this model year (2009 to 2019). The sub-frame should not be that rotted out in a 2010 vehicle with 101921 miles on it and no rust on the body.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2018

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.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2017

2010 Mazda 6 isport passenger dashboard crash pad has been melting progressively for about 2 years. Only began noticing the dash melting upon my move to hawaii, so I assume it is a result of subpar parts and the hot/humid climate. This appears to be common with this make and model, based on research into the issue.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2017

Takata recall, my alarm keeps going off randomly all throughout the day each day. The only way to get it to stop is disconnecting my battery while I'm not driving it which is not a viable option. My passenger airbag protector is also melting. Furthermore, I had to replace brake rotors before 100,000 miles was reached because my car would shake uncontrollably at any sort of braking speed.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2017

I began having problems with the steering, especially when turning at intersections, it made some bang/bump noises, and felt like the front wheels weren't turning unless I really cranked the steering wheel. I took it to the dealer for an evaluation, and they promptly pulled it off the road, telling me it was unsafe to drive. Turns out the front subframe on the passenger side had rusted out so badly that it was almost split into two pieces, and I could literally poke holes through the rusted areas, affecting the operation of both the steering and suspension. If the subframe had indeed split, according to the mechanic, the steering would've failed and I could've lost the right front wheel.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2017

Passenger dash melted and shiny and very sticky to the touch.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/29/2016

Takata recall I received a notice in the mail for the recall and that there hasn't been a replacement made by the manufacturer. I have also been noticed of a recall on the passenger dash board melting, disintegrating, etc. And there is also not a replacement made either. I contacted the Mazda dealership in trussculle, alabama and I was told that I would be notified when the replacement dash is available and I have yet to receive a call. That was 2 years ago.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2016

Dashboard is melting and we complained to Mazda long time. Still no response from Mazda. Dashboard is very shiny because of melting and affecting the sight. Not only that faulty dashboard. Please act. See the below links. Lot of people are waiting. . Read more...

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2016

The dashboard on the passenger side is melting. I live in central florida. I recently started noticing a slight glare coming from the dash area while driving. Upon a routine interior cleaning I noticed that the dashboard area was sticky/tacky to the touch. I used a high quality interior cleaner to test a small spot to figure out how to treat it. While doing the test spot cleaning the dash was literally rubbing off on the rag I was using. The subsequent removal of the dash material left the test spot very reflective. In the decades I have been working on and rebuilding cars I have never come across a defect like this. I park in open parking lots and use sun shades inside the car to help protect the interior. The sun shades are used approximately 80% of the time during sunny weather. I am currently afraid to attempt to clean the dash further because I fear that the glare would be increased and cause a further safety hazard while driving.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2015

Mazda over two years ago promised replace the dashboards on it Mazda 6 models it has a sticky surface it which Mazda explain in the recall notice it is now 2017 what is the status of the recall? my interior is ruin due to the material of the dashboard.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2015

This is the third complaint I have filed regarding the melting dashboard. I forgot to mention in the previous complaint that the melting passenger dashboard is actually not a true dashboard, it is an airbag for the front passenger. I have reason to believe that the melting, permanent, extremely stiky, semi liquid exterior of the airbag will fail to rupture properly allowing for normal deployment of the airbag. It may rupture too easily causing deployment of airbag with excessive force, possibly breaking the neck of a child or injuring an adult. It could not rupture completely causing a lag in the time of deployment and may not inflate completely. It could also possibly prevent deployment completely. In addition to causing defects in airbag deployment blindness or eye injury as well as skin injury can occur at time of airbag deployment caused by an explosion of the stiky liquidated airbag surface spraying into the face, eyes, and mouth of passengers. The liquifying airbag surface might also leak into internal airbag components causing malfunction. Remer that when someone refers to the passenger side dashboard melting, it is actually the surface of the front passenger airbag. I am a professional career automobile mechanic with over ten years experience. This is a very dangerous problem.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2015

The dashboard of my 2010 Mazda 6 , 2. 5l melted, emitting a chemical smell and liquifying the dashboard surface creating a sticky reflective surface that can blind the driver.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2015

Noticed the dashboard on the passenger was starting to get shiny. I checked and found the shiny area. I check to clean it and found it sticky. As I tried to clean it it began to separate as if it was tar. I am concerned about the safety of the passenger in regards to the airbag is under this dash and for the driver being blinded by the reflection of the melting dashboard as it is shiny. I checked with Mazda and the said they were not responsible for it and would not cover any cost to fix it. My vehicle is a 2010 Mazda 6. I feel the Mazda should cover this because they sold a car with defective materials that can compromise the safety of the vehicle.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2015

Dash on passenger side is melting. Sticky film all over dash. I have read that other Mazda 6 cars have this issue. I have pictures I can send.

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2015

The dashboard has begun to melt from exessive heat. Not only is it sticky to the touch, but it has become very reflective which at times can reflect & obscure you vision when driving. This is clearly a driving hazard, and it is very unprofessional for Mazda not to help in the manner. I contacted Mazda, they proceed to advice that my warranty had expired about 2 years ago and there was nothing they could do. They suggested that I take it to an authorized Mazda dealer for an inspection. From there I was to contact their claims department (18002225500) to see if they could help with the cost of the repair as part of an after warranty aid.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2015

Passenger side dashboard is melting complete off and air bags might not deploy if vehicle is involved in an accident.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2014

My dashboard panel on the passenger side have signs of melting, I haven't spill anything on the car. It's sticky and it have a really bad smell.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2014

Passenger side of dashboard is melting, theres also a glare and is sticky to the touch. Noticed it starting about a year ago, dealship said not to worry. Now half of the dashboard is sticky and melting.

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2014

My dashboard on the passenger side is melting.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/30/2014

Dash board melting from heat.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2014

The dashboard on the passenger side of my car is starting to melt. It is very sticky and shiny.

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2014

Car surges forward when you slow down or is stopping to park.

28 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2014

My vehicle's dashboard is meting creating a glare when I am driving affecting my vision and putting me, my family and others at a safety risk. To make matters worse, the glue-like material is smearing and fogging my windshield also affecting my vision and making the interior sticky. The car has cloth seats and it is getting all over the seats, steering wheel, carpets, and clothing. The vehicle has very few miles, this should not be occuring. It is definitely the result of a defect and a recall must be put in place for this safety hazzard. Consumers should not be exposed and have to be injured or die before action is taken. I am very dissapointed to read that Mazda and other auto makers are not paying to fix this issue. I have contact information for over 8,500 companies in the u. S. And I am going to be sending an email blast to make it public so that everyone stays away from buying a Mazda. Ironically, I have to take the vehicle in for another recall on the door latch that is defective and it is opening while my wife is driving.

29 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2014

There are two recalls open for my vehicle and for none there are no parts available in any dealer. My Mazda 6 2010 has a passenger air bag inflator recall and a melter dashboard recall. Both create safety hazards for me and my family yet the melted dashboard has been an issue for over two years and I am still awaiting from Mazda the second letter they promised to send me to take the vehicle to repair. The rubber or plastic that is melting is converting into a glue like substance that gets on my cloth seats and worst of all, in my windshield which causes glare and disrupts my vision. I end up having to remove it with other material that causes my windshield to become sticky. The material ends up in my steering wheel resulting in additional safety issues. I have tried to sell the car but no one will buy it in that condition. I have been patient for two years but at this point it is unreasonable the amount of time that I had to wait. I own another Mazda but fortunately it has not had similar issues. The situation is abusive and should have been resolved already. If Mazda cannot fix it in a timely manner they should be providing a replacement vehicle temporarily due to the safety concerns. I just contacted ocean Mazda in miami and the service dept. Confirms that they still do not have the parts for both recalls. It is insulting! I am sending an email flash to 21,000 + service providers that the company that I work for has in their data base so that they become aware of the issue and stay away from Mazda and their vehicles.

30 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/08/2014

The dashboard on the passenger side of the 2010 Mazda 6, 2. 5l has melted from high temperature of the southern part of the united states. The surface has become very sticky and reflective. The sticky material has gotten smeared onto the windshield and is not removable, the more you try to wipe it away so the read can be seen the more it smears blocking more and more of the view. When the sun hits the windshield the smears completely block the behind view and the light reflects off of the dash surface, now a sticky smeared liquid, it reflects into my eyes while driving causing temporary blindness to the point I have to slow down and brake sometimes pulling off the road due to lost visability. No cleaners or chemical detergents were ever used to clean the windshield, the dash melted from normal hot summer temps. Apparently Mazda knew of this problem and failed to disclose it at purchase, if they did I would not of bought it. It costs 1,500. 00 to fix and Mazda refuses to pay for the repair. Once this sticky substance gets on the windshield it is permanent. This is a very dangerous defect and I'm sure will lead to deaths.

31 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2014

I have had my well maintained car for just under 5 years. It is out of warranty. I have never used a chemical cleaning product to clean the interior, just a damp cloth. I noticed that only the section of dashboard that covers the airbag on the passenger side was sticky. Within a few days it became progressively worse and actually gooey. If it was touched by a window sun screen or by your hand, the dashboard color and material rolled off and spread to anything that was accidentally retouched. The 800 number Mazda customer assistance center told me that it was up to the Mazda dealership to decide what could be done about the problem. Paretti Mazda at 4000 veterans blvd. , metairie, la 70002 had me bring the car in on July 2, 2014 when the Mazda district representative was available to look at it. At 3:00 p. M. That same day, I was told that I had to decide before 5:00 p. M. Whether or not I would accept the offer of Mazda giving me a new $226. 96 dashboard part and my having to pay $324. 84 to them for labor. It was a one time only offer for that day. The entire scenario is unethical. I had no other choice but to let Mazda do this job and I was told that it may happen again in a few years. They do not stand behind the replacement part. The car was not ready by the end of today 7/11/2014 as promised because of "unforeseen problems. " paretti Mazda is now renting a car for me to use for the next 3 days because of the weekend.

32 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

The dashboard on the passenger side melted and is sticky causing a glare.

33 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

I have a 2010 Mazda 6 and recently noticed that my dashboard is melting.

34 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2014

The dashboard in my 2010 Mazda 6 is melting into a sticky, shiny substance with a tar-like appearance. In sunny weather the reflections created by the meted dashboard severely affect my visibility out of the passenger-side of my windshield. When taking right-hand turns I often need to crane my neck to see around the bright reflections created on my windshield from the affected dashboard material, which is about 1 square foot in size. I have trouble seeing pedestrians coming from the passenger side of my car due to the reflections. I have tried to clean off the sticky material to no avail. This safety issue is making me feel uncomfortable while driving my car, both on the road, highway, or even in a parking lot.

35 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2014

My Mazda dashboard is melting. It is very sticky, shiny and I cannot the stand the smell of it. Since the dashboard became shiny it reflects light in to my eyes and it kind of blinds me sometimes. I cannot clean it or touch it.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6


MAZDA6 Service Bulletins
MAZDA6 Safety Recalls
MAZDA6 Defect Investigations