Suspension Problems of Mazda MAZDA6 - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

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 contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at slow speeds in a parking area, there was an abnormally loud metallic sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and moments later the vehicle became extremely difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear crossmember had detached from the vehicle due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v323000 (structure, suspension); the VIN was previously included, but was repaired in 2019. The contact stated that the recall repair was for the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

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.

Front and rear subframe rust leading to gaping holes, outside of normal wear and tear.

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;.

The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was bouncing, and the clicking sound was extremely loud. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mobile mechanic visited the residence and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with severe corrosion of the suspension. The contact was informed that the corrosion was irreparable. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side suspension was fractured due to severe corrosion. The dealer that sold the vehicle was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked since the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

Rear subframe corrosion.

Extensive rust and corrosion in rear subframe. So severe the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

See all problems of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15v451000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

See all problems of the 2016 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.

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while reversing, the contact heard an abnormal snapping sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, where the contact observed a big spring pushing a bar into the ground on the rear passenger’s side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

The rear cross member / aka (rear subframe) p/n geg1-28-80x has completely rusted out. The car is no longer safe to drive per a pennsylvania state inspection. If driven parts of the rear suspension will drop off the car creating a hazard to other motorists and the driver of the car can lose control / mobility causing a traffic accident. Picture the entire rear suspension suddenly collapsing, that is what is going to happen. The front subframe was subject to a recall. That recall should have included the rear as it is the same material just a few feet away, subject to the same rusting issues. These subframes were not property designed to prevent rust or even withstand a little moisture, as my car has been very well maintained. When I read the online forms this is a flaw in all 2009- 2013 Mazda 6's and the sister car the Ford fusion and Mercury milan. I have opened a case with Mazda USA case #[xxx]. They are going to inspect to confirm my mechanic diagnosis. However they are currently under no obligation to repair and replace the rusted parts but they should be as this should have been replaced when the front subframe recall was performed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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!.

2010 Mazda 6 I series sedan the entire rear subframe/cradle is rotted along with all the other parts connected to it, the a arm, bumper stops, control arms, rear sway bar the entire rear under carriage. Took it to the shop and they said there have been several complaints about this exact issue on several of these cars from 09-13 models. The parts was not painted correctly like the front that was recalled. Exposed to all weather elements, the shop wants almost 4k for labor only to fix but the main problem is finding the rear subframe on these cars is almost impossible next to cost a fortune. Now I have a yard ornament. Junk yard wants to give me 170 bucks for the car but im not doing that. Mazda needs to fix this issue. I would of never know it was rotted out unless I took it to the shop for rear swaying and sagging. Its all over the road. Very dangerous and will cause a wreck almost certainly. Please someone do something about this issue. Dont have the money to fix this let alone buy another car.

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the steering wheel began to shake violently, with the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact's father was called to the scene and the spare tire was placed on the vehicle. The contact then drove to an independent mechanic where both the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; and the diagnostic test determined that the cross member had corroded and caused the tire failure. The contact was then notified that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA campaign number: 19v323000 (structure, suspension) and that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was 204,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

I'm filing a complaint as to substandard steel being used in the rear crossmember/rear subframe. Extensive corrosion has been confirmed upon a state inspection, which requires replacement at my personal cost. The front engine cradle was replaced in 2019, per a recall notice for the same extensive corrosion problem. A safety issue that needs to be addressed by Mazda.

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the independent mechanic was performing an oil change on the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the rear sub frame was severely rusted with holes in the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v323000 (structure, suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Front subframe completely rusted out causing loss of steering. I believe this should have been covered by safety recall 2818i which addresses the issue. Mazda inspected and said because the recall was performed in 2019 on this car, there is nothing more they can do, once and done. Unfortunately their fix didn't take care of the issue.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained. After receiving the recall repair, the contact became aware that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was tilted to the left. The front passenger’s side tire was slightly turned inward. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross member on the passenger’s side was rusted, causing several fractures. After inspecting the damaged area, the mechanic confirmed that it was the area that was repaired under recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 67,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

Rear sub frame, critical fail- rusted through. Needs new rear subframe. Wheel pulling to right, unable to align. I bought this car 2 weeks ago for my 16 year old daughter and was told today it needs to be scrapped. She is devastated . We are out 4500 with no recourse. I bought a Mazda because I trusted the safety. I am so disappointed. If the front was recalled the rear should have been too.

Completely rusted rear crossmember subframe.

The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel inadvertently moved to the left at a 30–35-degree angle. Additionally, the rear end of the vehicle swayed while coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the crossmember was severely corroded and the front driver's side crossmember had cracked. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front sub frame, sub frame link, sway bar, sub frame nuts, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v323000 (structure, suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

The front beam crossmember sub k frame of this vehicle has failed due to corrosion. This has resulted in a loss of steering control. Fortunately his failure was discovered while the vehicle was parked or it could have resulted in a very serious vehicle accident. There was an acknowledgment (and recall) of this corrosion failure issue issued by Mazda but it was for a subsequent model years. I contacted Mazda regarding this very dangerous issue and they denied any responsibility.

See all problems of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA6 🔎.

"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.

Rear subframe rusted and cracked in half when my daughter was on a major highway!.

My 2011 Mazda 6 rear suspension broke while my wife was driving our car on the highway. It could have killed my wife and son. The frame is rusted so bad that the lower control arm broke away from the frame, the rear wheel is barely hanging on it by one bolt on the front control arm. It is very much a safety issue and Mazda needs to take charge of the problem before someone dies in their vehicle. Our car has 106215 miles on it and we still owe alot of money on this thing.

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center for maintenance, it was discovered that rust and corrosion was present on the front passenger’s side lower control arm. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the model year was not included in a manufacturer's recall for the same failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,000.

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...

The rear subframe is compromised; it separated from the body of the car. The vehicle is in my driveway and available for inspection should the need arise. The rear end had felt a bit shaky for a month so I took it to my mechanic, who declared the vehicle "unfit for the road" due to the fact that the subframe was rotted away and detached from the car itself. I was told one big bump is an accident waiting to happen. . . Pieces of the car would go flying and I could be left with zero mobility to evade oncoming traffic. The possibility of projectiles injuring anyone around the car was enough for me to park it. The car has not been inspected by Mazda, the police, or insurance because there was no accident. Since it's not safe to drive, I took the word of my independent mechanic rather than driving it to a dealership. There were no warnings other than a bit of a sway in the rear end, which I originally attributed to its age. I've researched the issue and it seems to be a result of subpar quality with regard to the metal that was used in manufacturing.