2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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 drive.

This car was purchased in 2017 and maintenanced regularly. We recently took it to have the oil changed and to check out a noise that was coming from the passenger side. We were told that the subframe was rusted so badly it was too dangerous to drive and would cost $7k to repair. That caught us by surprise and we ended up having to buy a car by the next day. We traded the car in… However, I started doing some research and noted that this is very common and there was a recall between 2010 and 2014. I’m pretty upset that we lost this car without having any recall notification after the purchase. Could this have been taken care of instead of having to get a new car?

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.

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 passenger crash pad has deteriorated and become sticky and cracked. This may affect deployment of airbag and perhaps allow outside environmental elements to affect the airbag. The takata fiasco being an example of environmental factors affecting airbag safety.

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.

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)

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;

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.

Rear subframe corrosion

Vehicle jerks at low speed when accelerate and idle when accelerate, P0766 Code shows, engine noise and gears jump, when reverse the vehicle jerks.

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.

Vehicle jerks at low speed when accelerate and idle when accelerate, P0766 Code shows, engine noise and gears jump, when reverse the vehicle jerks.

The sensors on my alarm system will randomly activate, with alarm going off at 30 second intervals. The problem began approximately 6 months ago. I took the initiative to replace my cars battery, along with the battery in my fab. I really thought that solved my problem, as a first step fix. I began once again to identify the sound of my car alarm in multiple parking lots throughout time. I have been investigating this problem, and have read that this alarm problem has been sited by many Mazda 6 owners. I am the original owner of the 2009 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, and have 67,000 miles driven. I called the Repair Department at my dealership, and was told that it cost $185.00 for just the diagnosis. My auto insurance company policy price is based on using a secured vehicle. Right now I only can leave it unlocked in my garage, otherwise, my vehicle is at risk of being stolen.

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.

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.

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. I see that the NHTSA is already aware of this issue - [XXX] . The exact problem I am having is described in [XXX] : "Mazda6 owners told NHTSA there was severe corrosion of the right rear subframes that caused the steering rack mounting bolts to fail." It is completely unacceptable that Mazda replaced the defective part in the front but has not replaced the similarly defective part in the rear, which has failed for the same reason. I am furious that this has made my beloved car, which is otherwise in very good shape and runs beautifully, undriveable. Mazda should be required to repair this severe safety defect, which is entirely their responsibility! Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Purchased the vehicle, brought it to our mechanic. Was told that the rear subframe was completely rusted, making it unsafe to drive.

Purchased the 2009 mazda6 for our daughter. Brought it to our mechanic for an electrical issue. We were told that the rear subframe was completely rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.

the front crossmember rusted out and broke while driving down the road (per owner), all bolts needed replaced along with the rear engine torque strut mount. Confirmed and replaced by an independent shop 01/20/2024. upon inspection the rear crossmember, lower control arms, bolts, and other parts are all rusted and ready to break at anytime. front crossmember is at the shop for inspection. Car can easily be at shop on a lift for inspection. No warnings.

Both my back and front chassis are completely rusted through and it’s a complete screwed car. Looking online there is a recall on something like this but not for my model? All I see online is people talking about how they had to scrap their cars because of this issue. The salt and snow has ruined this car and so many people have complained to no avail.

Crash

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the replacement of the headlights, and the mechanic discovered that the rear suspension was rusted and corroded while the vehicle was on the lift. Additionally, the passenger’s side rear spring was detached. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The rear suspension needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a rear suspension recall for corrosion and a case was not opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

I brought my 2009 Mazda 6 to the dealership to inspect the suspension after the car began pulling to the right when braking. I was informed the front and rear subframes have failed on this car due to corrosion—even though the front subframe was serviced previously for the recall campaign with the addition of a support bracket. The front subframe will be replaced by Mazda due to the failed recall repair. However, Mazda will not cover the rear subframe at this time because it has not been recalled. The dealership recommends I do not drive the car until the rear subframe is replaced. However, the dealership quoted over $5,000 to replace it due to the high price of the subframe. There is a significant risk the lower control arms can separate from the vehicle due to corrosion, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

The REAR subframe has rusted out pretty much completely, but the total failure of the right rear spring mount has allowed the spring to punch through the frame, being stopped only by the top plate which has now turned sideways and is lodged between the spring and the floor pan. I understand this is a common problem with this and a few other model years, and has not been addressed by Mazda. I am hoping to help change this.

On October 13, almost lost control of my vehicle while driving at normal speeds in good weather. The car tried to pull off the road with every bump I hit. Drove it to tire dealership as I thought there might be problem with tire or suspension. Mechanic there told me the front engine frame ($595 part, approx $1100 labor) was completely rusted & he didn't know how I was able to drive it. I had it towed to my regular mechanic who said the frame has to be replace. Just in November 2022, I had to pay $290 (parts only) and approx $1100 labor for the rear frame to be replaced due to rust. I know this says the recall had been done but if so, the rear frame shouldn't need replacing again. I tried talking with Mazda for 30 minutes & they were no help. The web is filled with complaints about the front & rear subframes rusting out. It is extremely dangerous for Mazda to ignore this issue. I am attaching receipt from 2022 for the part & will have the receipt soon for the front engine subframe as soon as the mechanic is finished with the work.

Airbag light indicator continuously flashes. Air bags have been serviced previously under prior recalls.

* 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.

The rear sub frame on this vehicle was not painted and/or coated to properly withstand the corrosion that is caused by the salt used to treat the roads in the winter. This can cause serious issues.

There was a recall on the front subframe due to rust. The rear subframe has the same safety issue but there is no recall for that and there should be

The Rear Frame Suspension Cradle Subframe Crossmember has corroded and my mechanic at Jimmy's Tire and Auto in Granby Ct. says it is unsafe to drive. This corroded part is available for inspection while I wait for a used part to be delivered to complete the repair. No-one else has inspected the part. The condition was discovered when I had sent it in for general maintenance to replace the shocks and rear suspension linkages because there was noise in the rear when driving over bumps. The only warning I had was the odd noise when going over bumps in the road. I recall when buying the used vehicle many years ago that the dealer performed a recall on the front suspension #18V-631 and this shows closed.

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

While driving 40mph heard a pop, hissing sound and unable to steer vehicle. Stopped at roadside to examine tires, which were ok. Incredibly difficult to steer wheel and to stay on the road while swerving. I was within a mile of Belle Tire for a mechanic to look at my Mazda 6. He showed me how the open recall on the front crossmember was repaired only on the right wheel side, and the left front wheel had the same amount of rust completely broken apart. A phone call was made to the Mazda dealer closest, problem was relayed to service manager, and said even with my pictures, Mazda needs inspection on vehicle, and wait for repair was a month. As my only vehicle ,it took 2 days to get repaired by Belle Tire. I went with my receipt, and 10 photos, to the Service Department Manager that did the original recall work to discuss what transpired, and request a reimbursement for the incomplete repair on this open recall. He was not there. I then asked to speak to the Service Department Director. He also was not there. The Mechanic Supervisor took my name and phone number for one of the managers to call me regarding this problem. I have not received any communication from either Managers, which now has been since last week. There were NO warning lights on the dashboard when this occurred. I have had this vehicle since new, and only 61,000 miles.

Rear subframe corrosion/complete rot out, suspension complete rot out, and other components due to salt from the road and Mazda not correctly painting the components: 2009 Mazda 6I 2.5 Noticable drop in the back of the car. The tire wells are almost touching the rear tires. The rear tires are leaning inward, also putting inside ware on the new tires. The rear of the vehicle fishtails while driving. It takes bumps very hard. No suspension. When you hit a bump, the rest of the car is all over the road. Very dangerous driving conditions, as the fishtailing throws you into other lanes, possibly into other traffic. Took vehicle to Meinke on 3-15-23, was told and shown the damages to the rear suspension and rear subframe and other rear components. Vehicle is not safe to drive until fixed. Called Mazda dealer, was notified of recall on front subframe, but not the rear. Have appointment on 3-29-23 to drop off at Mazda dealer to get the front subframe serviced. My front subframe is not the issue, not that I know of yet anyways. My rear is the issue. Why was it not recalled with the front? Why are they allowed to risk the lives and safety of so many for not servicing the rear also? This needs to be recalled, and I am definitely going as far as I can into getting something done about this. I do not have the funds to pay out of pocket to get this fixed, or funds to go out and buy a new car. I am a mother of a toddler, and disabled. I'm hoping to get a class action lawsuit against Mazda for this, or at the VERY least, a recall to fix this issue also. I live in Indiana, we have some snowy winters, so salt is used on the roadways. I believe the car came from Ohio before I purchased it from Kentucky. I purchased the car on March 27, 2021. Have only had "normal" maintenance issues or water and tare before this, and actually love the vehicle! It has been a great vehicle, other then this issue.

The rear subframe of my car is severely corroded. Both dampers (not sure if I have that name right, the cylinder inside the rear suspension coil) have rusted off. The rear left lateral control arm has rusted off. It is higher in mileage so it might be expected, except, other owners have reported the same problem with way less miles. Also there was a recall for the front crossmember in salt states for the same issue but nothing issued for the rear. Driving on a rusted subframe could potentially cause major components of the rear end to rust and break off while driving causing an accident. If the front was poorly coated and had potential for severe premature corrosion, the back should also be addressed as well. Had there been something earlier many owners would not be facing the risk of a potential hazard.

Rear subframe rust got so bad the control arm snapped off and nearly killed my family.

Rear subframe rusted completely out

The rear subframe is absoutley rotted out from the car. Bought used and did not see until recently. Car was a Rhode Island car and was in Mass for a while. The rear wheels are concaved in and it is not only my car MULTIPLE owners of this generation car have experienced this these cars obly have the front subframe but not the rear! This particulat rear subframe is especially rotted THROUGH near the suspension! This is NOT ONLY MY CAR BYT MULTIPLES MAZDA 6'S!!! GOOGLE IT! I WILL SEND PICTURES LATER WHEN REQUESTED! IT IS LATE AND RAINING RIGHT NOW!

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