Suspension Noise problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound by the passenger's side engine compartment. The steering then became difficult to turn. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer bill gatton of johnson city Mazda (2909 n. Roan st, johnson city, TN 37601, (423) 418-6152) where it was diagnosed with needing the subframe to be replaced. 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 was informed of failure and the contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Tl takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Mazda 6. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 18v717000 (air bags) and 18v631000 (suspension, structure). The contact called sentry west Mazda at 508-281-8171 (located at 940 boston turnpike, shrewsbury, MA 01545) and was informed that the parts were not available. While driving approximately 20 mph, a loud noise was heard and the steering lost power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was stated that the recall repairs needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA campaign number: 18v717000 (air bags) and VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure).

While driving on town roads and around a traffic circle a loud noise was heard from the right hand side of the vehicle. I attempted to pull into a nearby gas station but the vehicle would not steer to the left enough to enter the parking lot. I managed to pull into another lot a short distance down the street on the right hand side. I inspected the under side of the vehicle and discovered the front sub-frame had rusted through to the point of failure. This failure allowed the complete front left wheel/suspension assembly to move about freely under the car.

When performing an oil change I noticed that the subframe / engine cradle on the passenger side near the right suspension was severely rusted. The subframe is no longer structurally sound and I have parked the vehicle until a repair is completed. The vehicle is no longer safe to be on the road. The severe corrosion appears to be isolated to the right side with the rest of the subframe showing surface corrosion normally seen in an area that uses road salt such as minnesota. I believe that the cause of this failure is the air conditioning evaporator drain dripping on the subframe. As you can see in the attached pictures there is no drain hose used to divert the water from the evaporator around the frame and overboard. This moisture mixed with the road salt created a dangerous amount of corrosion on a key structural component. I am glad I noticed this before an accident occurred.

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.