Mazda MAZDA6 Steering Problems
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Mazda MAZDA6 across 16 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “sub frame” (15% of reports).
- 136steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Sub frame: mentioned in 20 of 136 complaints (15%)
- Control arm: mentioned in 11 of 136 complaints (8%)
- Front subframe: mentioned in 7 of 136 complaints (5%)
- Engine cradle: mentioned in 7 of 136 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 110 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 136 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury.
Mazda MAZDA6 steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 MAZDA6 | 1 | 17% | 104,500 |
| 2018 MAZDA6 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2016 MAZDA6 | 6 | 8% | 54,900 |
| 2015 MAZDA6 | 3 | 5% | 32,000 |
| 2014 MAZDA6 | 9 | 7% | 17,000 |
| 2013 MAZDA6 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2012 MAZDA6 | 4 | 4% | 88,000 |
| 2011 MAZDA6 | 16 | 12% | 96,906 |
| 2010 MAZDA6 | 29 | 13% | 111,800 |
| 2009 MAZDA6 | 36 | 9% | 125,000 |
| 2008 MAZDA6 | 4 | 4% | 19,000 |
| 2007 MAZDA6 | 8 | 5% | 53,580 |
| 2006 MAZDA6 | 7 | 4% | 109,000 |
| 2005 MAZDA6 | 1 | 1% | 90,000 |
| 2004 MAZDA6 | 3 | 2% | 118,822 |
| 2003 MAZDA6 | 7 | 4% | 24,981 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification; steering:electric power assist system; seats
Model years: 2016
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.
Risk: If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will attach a protective pad on the seat frame. If the OCS harness is damaged, insulating tape will be applied to the harness. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1517H.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Crossmember is rusted out and car is undriveable. There is a recall on the crossmember front subframe
Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and…
2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control…
Alignment is off. Recall for my type of call for the control arm weakening and causing wheel alignment problems. Why isn't mine part of recall??
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA6s have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 136 owner complaints about steering for the Mazda MAZDA6. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda MAZDA6 steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Mazda MAZDA6?
The most frequent phrase is “sub frame”, in 20 of 136 complaints, followed by “control arm” (11).
Other Mazda MAZDA6 problems
- Air Bags problems (636)
- Structure problems (296)
- Electrical System problems (228)
- Suspension problems (226)
- Power Train problems (198)
- Engine problems (139)
- Exterior Lighting problems (114)
See all Mazda MAZDA6 problems.