Mazda MAZDA6 Structure Problems
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Mazda MAZDA6 across 17 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (123). The words owners use most often: “sub frame” (8% of reports).
- 296structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 16mention a crash
- 11mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 36%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 25 of 296 complaints (8%)
- Dashboard melting: mentioned in 23 of 296 complaints (8%)
- Engine cradle: mentioned in 15 of 296 complaints (5%)
- Control arm: mentioned in 15 of 296 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 212 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 296 complaints, 16 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 11 an injury.
Mazda MAZDA6 structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 MAZDA6 | 1 | 50% | 2,000 |
| 2018 MAZDA6 | 2 | 3% | 8,000 |
| 2017 MAZDA6 | 2 | 3% | 3,760 |
| 2016 MAZDA6 | 5 | 6% | 6,800 |
| 2015 MAZDA6 | 6 | 10% | 3,900 |
| 2014 MAZDA6 | 7 | 5% | 5,300 |
| 2013 MAZDA6 | 3 | 13% | 67,000 |
| 2012 MAZDA6 | 12 | 12% | 96,000 |
| 2011 MAZDA6 | 30 | 22% | 100,700 |
| 2010 MAZDA6 | 60 | 27% | 88,500 |
| 2009 MAZDA6 | 123 | 32% | 85,000 |
| 2008 MAZDA6 | 2 | 2% | 77,000 |
| 2007 MAZDA6 | 5 | 3% | 46,650 |
| 2006 MAZDA6 | 7 | 4% | 80,500 |
| 2005 MAZDA6 | 5 | 3% | 86,000 |
| 2004 MAZDA6 | 15 | 9% | 92,900 |
| 2003 MAZDA6 | 11 | 6% | 80,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Structure; suspension:front:control arm
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631.
Structure; suspension:front:control arm
Model years: 2009, 2010
Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I.
Structure:body:door:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2009
Problem: Mazda is recalling 29,000 my 2009 mazda6. The outer door handles may stick which may prevent the door from latching. This situation may allow the door to open while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk: Driving the vehicle with the door unlatched could lead to an unbelted occupant being ejected and could result in death or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the door handles and if necessary repair or replace the handles free of charge. The recall began on february 13, 2009. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the steering wheel was not operating properly. Several days later while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was play in the steering wheel…
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the contact attempted to swerve out the way of another vehicle as she suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact force to steer the vehicle to the left as the contact attempted to…
Front Subframe has corroded and broke. There is a recall on the subframe that was repaired by dealership in 2019, but this repair did not fix the issue since it has now rusted through and broke. The repair was faulty.
My rear subframe rusted thru and has holes in it. It is too dangerous to drive and mazda won't recall the rear like the front subframe knowing that a lot of people are suffering from the same issue. A subframe should last a long time. My mechanic inspected the car and feels like it's not safe to…
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and crossing a bridge, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly after driving over several expansion joints. The contact stated that the vehicle had not stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the passengerâs…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA6s have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 296 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Mazda MAZDA6?
The most frequent phrase is “sub frame”, in 25 of 296 complaints, followed by “dashboard melting” (23).
Other Mazda MAZDA6 problems
- Air Bags problems (636)
- Electrical System problems (228)
- Suspension problems (226)
- Power Train problems (198)
- Engine problems (139)
- Steering problems (136)
- Exterior Lighting problems (114)
See all Mazda MAZDA6 problems.