2011 Mazda MAZDA6

135 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.

1. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Dayton, OHSteering, Suspension, Wheels

   Crossmember is rusted out and car is undriveable. There is a recall on the crossmember front subframe

   NHTSA complaint 11765687
2. Filed Jun 17, 2026Failure Jun 13, 202692,000 milesOmaha, NEStructure

   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. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side wheel. The contact stated that the wheel was turning abnormally. A mechanic arrived at the residence to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the sub frame was rusted. While touching the sub frame, pieces of the sub frame fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11744830
3. Filed May 15, 2026Failure Apr 17, 2026115,000 milesKaukauna, WIStructure, Suspension

   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 maintain control of the vehicle. The contact managed to pull over into a parking lot and called her husband for assistance. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle home despite the vehicle being extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact's husband managed to drive the vehicle to a local mechanic, who determined that the front subframe had failed due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The mechanic then informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained in the mechanic's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11738066
4. Filed Apr 13, 2026Failure Mar 27, 2026Big Lake, MNBody

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11730786
5. Filed Mar 5, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026Gretna, NEBody, Unknown or other, Wheels

   Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11722303
6. Filed Jan 25, 2026Failure Jan 16, 2026Lakewood, COSteering, Body, Suspension

   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, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.

   NHTSA complaint 11713263
7. Filed Nov 21, 2025Failure Nov 21, 2025Niles, OHSuspension, Unknown or other

   When I took the car into my ASE mechanic shop for a normal oil change and tire rotation, they performed a general overall car inspection. They noticed that the Driver Side Rear Subframe had rusted through completely, where the coil spring is located. The passenger side was rusted, but has not yet broke through. They stated that the subframe parts should not rust through like this. They also stated that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition. I have not notified the manufacturer as of yet, but plan to do so. There were no warning lights, but the ride did seem to be rougher than normal. The attach photos contain 2 photos of the failed driver side rear subframe and 1 photo of the good, passenger side rear subframe.

   NHTSA complaint 11700788
8. Filed Oct 26, 2025Failure Oct 26, 2025East Longmeadow, MASuspension

   2011 Mazda6 rear subframe rot/rust, unsafe and dangerous to drive, Same situation as the front subframe that is part of a recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11695663
9. Filed Aug 22, 2025Failure Aug 21, 2025Omaha, NEBody, Suspension

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11682499
10. Filed Aug 19, 2025Failure Aug 19, 2025150,000 milesCrystal Lake, ILStructure, Suspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11681707
11. Filed Jun 12, 2025Failure Jun 12, 2025Rochester, NYSteering

    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??

    NHTSA complaint 11666615
12. Filed Mar 20, 2025Failure Mar 20, 2025Cambridge, MASuspension

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

    NHTSA complaint 11649538
13. Filed Nov 25, 2024Failure Nov 25, 2023100,000 milesBloomington, INStructure, Suspension

    The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine service, the vehicle was diagnosed with rust and corrosion of the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V323000 (Structure, Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11627207
14. Filed Sep 30, 2024Failure Aug 22, 2024184,000 milesSyracuse, NYSuspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11617312
15. Filed Aug 12, 2024Failure Jul 31, 2024New Hope, PASuspension

    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)

    NHTSA complaint 11608007
16. Filed Jul 31, 2024Failure Jul 30, 2024Belle, WVBody, Suspension

    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!

    NHTSA complaint 11605695
17. Filed Jul 29, 2024Failure Jul 15, 2024129,000 milesNorth Andover, MAStructure, Suspension

    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 subframe was severely rusted with holes in the subframe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear subframe 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.

    NHTSA complaint 11605184
18. Filed Jul 21, 2024Failure Jul 21, 2024North Versailles, PASuspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11603648
19. Filed Jun 18, 2024Failure May 9, 2024Maplewood, NJSteering, Suspension

    Completely rusted rear crossmember subframe

    NHTSA complaint 11595019
20. Filed May 6, 2024Failure Apr 13, 202489,000 milesFargo, NDStructure, Suspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11587143