Body Problems of Mazda MAZDA6 - part 1

The front and back cross members underneath my Mazda6 have completely rusted out. There are numerous complaints about Mazda's "safety recall 2818i expansion" not covering the back support member and also not considering nebraska to be a salt belt state despite the state, and specifically omaha using salt to treat their roads in the winter. On [xxx], my front cross member completely failed due to rust, causing my vehicle to lose control. I've taken my car to the mechanic and they confirmed the front and back cross members are completely rusted and need replacement costing $7,000. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

My sunroof exploded while I was driving on the 405 s freeway. It can be inspected at any time as I haven’t had it repaired or inspected by anyone yet. It happened while I was driving at least 65 mph in the fast lane. It sounded like a gunshot and startled me greatly. Glass flew everywhere and I believe hit cars around me as I heard multiple vehicles honk. This was a very scary and dangerous experience. There were no warnings and I’ve never had any issues with my sunroof. Nothing fell on my vehicle or impacted the glass. Thankfully no one was hurt but this is extremely concerning.

See all problems of the 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

After getting the recall information about the front crossmember rusting out due to corrosion, I decided to check the rear crossmember on my car. Wow, the rear crossmember is so much worse than the front one and I’ve read hundreds of similar stories about the exact same thing happening to other Mazda 6 sedans around these model years (2009-2013). The rear crossmember on my car, which supports the entire rear suspension is completely rusted thru in several spots and the lower end links aren’t even attached anymore because the brackets literally fell off and so now both back tires are leaning in at the top. It is very noticeable! very unsafe to drive! I decided to park this car until a solution is reached with Mazda or the NHTSA on how to deal with this. I don’t know why the front crossmember was recalled but not the rear? there’s only 2 things that are rusted on my car, period…the front & rear crossmembers!.

My 2012 Mazda 6 subframe is is unsafe to drive due to over-time corrosion my local mechanics said madzda corp. Should fix it.

See all problems of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

I purchased a used vehicle in nh from a private seller "as is", repaired tires and brakes, passed MA state inspection and dropped the car off to address the recall, which I had researched via a VIN number search. The dealership informed me that the body had corroded beyond repair, and they cannot perform the required repair for the recall. While the dealership has been helpful, this looks like a major underlying manufacturing flaw for a vehicle at 115k built in 2011.

The right side of the dashboard melts when the sun is out it’s very sticky and black comes off.

The rear cross member/subframe is completely rusted in two and the rear lower forward control arm is detached from cross member/subframe on both sides. There is currently an active recall for the front cross member due to accelerated corrosion from road salt but I’m not aware of any inclusion of the rear frame or suspension components tied in with this recall. It definitely needs added to it as this is very dangerous, possibly even more so than the front. Rest of the actual car body is fine, except for a little bit of surface rust. Please add this to the current corrosion recall! car is registered in wv and is available for inspection anytime and I will be attaching pictures and I also have a video but it won’t let me post it on here.

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.

Corrosion on the rear subframe as a result of salt on roadways used to clear snow.

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.

Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: lower rear control arms (left & right), rear stabilizer links (left & right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on front lower control arms. Rear cross-member rusting at all weld locations. Cat. Sensor protector shield has disintegrated. Available for inspection upon request. Failure has not happened yet, but when it does vehicle control will be compromised. Dealer identified problems 12/18/21 and recommended/quoted repair. Vehicle inspected by dealer only. No indicator warnings exist for structural corrosion.

See all problems of the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

Hello, I have 2012 Mazda6 was involved in a previous safety recall in regards to a rusting engine subframe. I was informed to bring my car in my local Mazda dealer. My car has serious rusting issues with my subframe, Mazda decided in lieu of replacing the subframe they attached a subframe brace. While having my car serviced the mechanic and I noticed severe rusting at the subframe which this recall was suppose to taken cared of. Ive attached a couple of pics but I have more that details the severe rusting. I feel a little disheartened that this recall fix the issue adequately. I want to 100% confident that the car is truely safe to drive for me and my family.

Rear cross subframe is very rotten and my mechanic told me not safe to drive car. Mazda had recall on front but not on rear. Is made of same material I look at line and a lot of people have same problem I hope you can help us with this problem thank you and I hope you can investigate this major issue.

After only 3 years and less than 17,000 miles of driving, the soul red crystal metallic paint is chipping in many spots on the front of the body. There are at least 100 small chips on the hood, bumper, and front fenders. All of this occurred under normal driving conditions.

See all problems of the 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

Water leak in trunk area leading to about a 2-inch puddle of water accumulation inside the trunk at the location of the spare tire area. Issue was noticed on April 16, 2021. The water accumulated on top and at the bottom of the spare tire. The parts of the vehicle are beginning to be negatively affected --mold, etc. There were items stored around the spare tire �e. G. Flat tire repair kit, emergency blanket, etc. That developed mold due to the accumulated water and were thrown away upon inspection. In addition to the spare tire area accumulating several inches of water, the spare the cover (I. E. Plastic honeycomb type that sits directly on top of the spare tire) is affected with the evaporation/condensation of the accumulated water. All other parts of the trunk and vehicle are were not wet to the touch. The source of the water is unknown. And it was not a user error type of issue �the vehicle has been stored with all windows, doors, trunk, and hood closed. Concern is that the accumulation of water will lead to the development of mold inside the vehicle and an unhealthy environment for the driver and passengers occupying the car. Additionally, it will lead to vehicle corrosion since the area where the water accumulates is not intended to be consistently holding water. Attached are several photos showing the affected area. Note that the photos only show the accumulated water that was underneath the spare tire after the water accumulated on top of the spare tire (inner section of the spare tire metal wheel which lays up when stored in the vehicle's trunk), close to 2-inches worth, was removed along with the spare tire itself. I did not think of taking photos of the issue until after I removed the spare tire and the accumulated water. Please look into the matter and consider issuing a recall that would allow Mazda to correct the problem. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2016 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

After less than a year of leasing this vehicle, an abundance of rock chips have shown up, more than any other car I've leased. This paint seems extremely susceptible to foreign objects. (this would be the soul red color they use. ) items that shouldn't cause a scratch do, and road debris causes chips that shouldn't far too much.

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.

Passenger side dash started melting about a year ago and has gotten so bad the dash is almost liquid. Sunlight reflects off the shiny melted dash and blinds the driver. I was in an accident because I couldn't see due to light reflecting off melted dash. Dash is so sticky that you cannot touch or it will stick to hands/ clothing. I have ruined multiple items of clothing due to this mess.

See all problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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.

Driving along a highway (left side of road) I crashed into large boulders of concrete scattered along the road that was caused by a previous accident. Traveling at 60 mph my vehicle launched off the ground slamming back down on all four tires. My vehicle then spun out of control crashing to the side guard rail impacting the side of the vehicle 2x's (right side of road) resulting in disabling damage to my vehicle. To my surprise the airbags did not deploy (particularly my side airbags). Later I learned that Mazda (manufacture) reported a recall for my vehicle relating to a potential malfunction of side airbags. Upon my discovery I learned that Mazda had learned of the defect around August 2019, but had not issued a recall notice on their website until January 1st 2020. My accident took place Dec 4th 2019, and I should also add that as of yet Mazda still has not made any direct attempts (email, mail, phone) to notify me of the potential hazard. Had it not been for my own inquiries I still may have not known that there was a safety issue within my vehicle especially when I needed it the most. I don't want to come off as being dramatic but that accident I was involved in could of cost my wife and I our lives. For that reason I am seeking to retrieve the event data records (edr) of my vehicle so that I may determine if the airbags failed to deploy as noted as a potential hazard or if the impact and damages where simply not substantial enough to cause the airbags to deploy. I asked my insurance company if they could assist me in gathering that data which they first claimed to be possible, but shortly after I was informed that they did not have the sophistication to do so, hence forwarding me to this website. Please advise on how I may retrieve that information, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I was in a crash where my front end was easily damaged and passenger air bags not deployed.

There was a recall on the door latches back in 2013 which I got repaired. Today 10/20/2019 after driving on highway 15 south dropping off my kids my son went to close the back passenger door that did not close I had to purchase rope and tape to hold it close so I could drive back home going on the 15 north highway. This is a huge safety issue I would like to have this issue fix ASAP I will call the dealer tomorrow and hope they can repair without me coming out of pocket.

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.

The passenger lower control arm broke while driving, and I lost control of the vehicle. I almost hit a car coming towards, but thankfully I was able to stop since I was only doing 35 mph. I don't know what would have happened if I was on the highway. The mechanic said the sub-frame was completely rotted out and it was not safe to drive the vehicle anymore. Apparently, the a/c is draining right onto the control arm area, which may or may not have affected the situation.

Vehicle subframe almost completely rusted out.

See all problems of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.