← New search

2011 Mazda MAZDA6

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 105.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all MAZDA6 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

61 reports with mileage · 73 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

134 reports
60,000 miles · May 10, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other

THE AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE BELT TO MAKE LOUD SCREECHING NOISES. ALSO, SOMETHING BURNING COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE THE ENGINE AND BURNT RUBBER WAS FLUNG AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ANOTHER ISSUE: READ ABOUT THIS A LOT BECAUSE I AM EXPERIENCING IT, THE PASSENGER-SIDE DASH IS MELTING. SEEMS THEY USED A C…

Read full complaint

THE AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE BELT TO MAKE LOUD SCREECHING NOISES. ALSO, SOMETHING BURNING COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE THE ENGINE AND BURNT RUBBER WAS FLUNG AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ANOTHER ISSUE: READ ABOUT THIS A LOT BECAUSE I AM EXPERIENCING IT, THE PASSENGER-SIDE DASH IS MELTING. SEEMS THEY USED A CHEAP MATERIAL AND WHEN IT GETS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OUTSIDE THE DASH BEGINS TO MELT. IT IS STICKY, LEAVES A RESIDUE ON YOUR FINGERS, AND PRODUCES AN EXTREME GLARE. THE AC WENT OUT WHILE I WAS IN THE DRIVE-THROUGH ORDERING FOOD. THE DASH BOARD HAS BEEN MELTING SINCE LAST SUMMER AND HAS NOT GOTTEN ANY BETTER. STOPPED MELTING DURING THE WINTER AND BEGAN MELTING NOW THAT IT'S SUMMER AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10864098

36,500 miles · Mar 28, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury

TWO CAR COLLISION AT AN INTERSECTION .CITY STREETS. BOTH CARS IN MOTION. AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT DIDN'T INFLATE. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR. ATTENDING FIREMAN AT FIRST THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. EXAMINATION SHOWED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM A RUPTURE IN THE AIR BAG NEAR THE POINT WHERE THE BAG WAS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL…

Read full complaint

TWO CAR COLLISION AT AN INTERSECTION .CITY STREETS. BOTH CARS IN MOTION. AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT DIDN'T INFLATE. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR. ATTENDING FIREMAN AT FIRST THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. EXAMINATION SHOWED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM A RUPTURE IN THE AIR BAG NEAR THE POINT WHERE THE BAG WAS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI #10851915

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2016
Unknown Or Other

MELTING DASHBOARD. CAUSING GLARE AND SOME WEIRD SMELL..

NHTSA ODI #10825893

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM LIGHT GOES OUT EVERY TIME THE CAR IS OFF FOR THE NIGHT ,IN THE MORNING WHEN TURNED BACK ON YOU NEED TO HIT THE LIGHT OR THE FONT FENDER ON DRIVER SIDE WHER THE PROBLEM IS,EVERY TIME EVERY MORNING,I HAVE TO DO THIS IN ORDER FOR THE LOW BEAM LIGHT TO WORK, L/S LOW BEAM LIGHT..MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM JUST GO…

Read full complaint

THE LOW BEAM LIGHT GOES OUT EVERY TIME THE CAR IS OFF FOR THE NIGHT ,IN THE MORNING WHEN TURNED BACK ON YOU NEED TO HIT THE LIGHT OR THE FONT FENDER ON DRIVER SIDE WHER THE PROBLEM IS,EVERY TIME EVERY MORNING,I HAVE TO DO THIS IN ORDER FOR THE LOW BEAM LIGHT TO WORK, L/S LOW BEAM LIGHT..MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM JUST GO ON YOUTUBE..

NHTSA ODI #10821802

50,000 miles · Sep 28, 2015
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MAZDA 6. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10778207

55,000 miles · Sep 28, 2015
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000......UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF VEHICLE SOLD 2/…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA 6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000......UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF VEHICLE SOLD 2/24/18, UPDATED 3/22/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #10778144

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2015
Unknown Or Other

MY 2011 MAZDA6 IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. HOWEVER, THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS AND IS MELTING CAUSING A VERY BAD GLARE THAT OBSTRUCTS ONES VIEW. I'VE READ THERE'S BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. MAZDA NEEDS TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THEIR CONSUMERS AND PUT THEIR SAFETY FIRST! MY SON IS USING THIS CAR…

Read full complaint

MY 2011 MAZDA6 IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. HOWEVER, THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS AND IS MELTING CAUSING A VERY BAD GLARE THAT OBSTRUCTS ONES VIEW. I'VE READ THERE'S BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. MAZDA NEEDS TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THEIR CONSUMERS AND PUT THEIR SAFETY FIRST! MY SON IS USING THIS CAR FOR COLLEGE AND JUST SENT ME PICTURES OF THE GLARE HE SEES. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST.

NHTSA ODI #10776636

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2015
Visibility/wiper

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HWY AND MY SUNGLASSES HOLDER FELL OPEN WAS IN THE WAY OF MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND WHEN I WENT TO CLOSE IT POPPED OFF AND FLEW AT ME SPRING AND ALL. MY MAZDA 6 IS A 2011 AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT A LOT OF REPORTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MAZDA SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ME TO INSTAL…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HWY AND MY SUNGLASSES HOLDER FELL OPEN WAS IN THE WAY OF MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND WHEN I WENT TO CLOSE IT POPPED OFF AND FLEW AT ME SPRING AND ALL. MY MAZDA 6 IS A 2011 AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT A LOT OF REPORTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MAZDA SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ME TO INSTALL A NEW ONE. AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEM. VERY HAZARDOUS WHEN YOURE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SPRINGS FLIES OFF AND LANDS ON ME THE DRIVER LET ALONE THE WHOLE DOOR FALLING TO MY FEET AND IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #10762243

110,000 miles · Sep 4, 2015
Air Bags

I AM HAVING VARIOUS ISSUES WITH MY MAZDA 6. FIRST, I HAVE HAD THE CAR 4 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS NORMAL. MY MAJOR ISSUE IS THE AIR BAG LIGHT. HAD A PROBLEM BACK IN JULY WITH THE LIGHT FLASHING. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS THE PAD SENSOR AND I HAD IT REPLACED. NOW THE AIR BAG…

Read full complaint

I AM HAVING VARIOUS ISSUES WITH MY MAZDA 6. FIRST, I HAVE HAD THE CAR 4 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS NORMAL. MY MAJOR ISSUE IS THE AIR BAG LIGHT. HAD A PROBLEM BACK IN JULY WITH THE LIGHT FLASHING. DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS THE PAD SENSOR AND I HAD IT REPLACED. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN AND DEALER NOW THINKS IT IS THE SRS CONTROL MODULE. THE PAD SENSOR WAS $200.00 AND THIS SENSOR IS OVER $500.00. I AM NOT SURE WHY AIR BAG COMPONENTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 4 YEARS. THEY ARE NOT A WEAR ITEM. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10761639

46,000 miles · Aug 18, 2015
Unknown Or Other

SOMETIME AROUND THE BEGINNING OF JUNE I THOUGHT MY CHILDREN HAD SPILLED SOMETHING ON THE PASSENGER DASH BY THE WINDSHIELD. IT TURNS OUT IT IS NOT A SPILL, THE DASH IS STICKY, SHINY, AND IT IS SOFT AND MELTING. I CAN STICK MY NAIL INTO THE DASHBOARD; IT IS LIKE HOT BLACK ASPHALT WHERE YOU WALK WITH HEELS AND THE HEEL GOES INTO …

Read full complaint

SOMETIME AROUND THE BEGINNING OF JUNE I THOUGHT MY CHILDREN HAD SPILLED SOMETHING ON THE PASSENGER DASH BY THE WINDSHIELD. IT TURNS OUT IT IS NOT A SPILL, THE DASH IS STICKY, SHINY, AND IT IS SOFT AND MELTING. I CAN STICK MY NAIL INTO THE DASHBOARD; IT IS LIKE HOT BLACK ASPHALT WHERE YOU WALK WITH HEELS AND THE HEEL GOES INTO THE BLACK ASPHALT. SINCE I REALIZED THIS, THE AREA THAT IS SOFT, STICKY/MELTING IS PROGRESSING FARTHER DOWN THE DASH TOWARD THE GLOVE BOX. MY CAR HAS 46,000 MILES AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH MAZDA. ADDITIONALLY I HAD A HEADLIGHT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OUT; AFTER RESEARCHING ON YOUTUBE, I FOUND OUT THAT I CAN BANG THE CLEAR HEADLIGHT SHIELD WITH MY HAND AND THE LIGHT TURNS BACK ON. THESE ARE THE TWO ISSUES I AM ALERTING ABOUT AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF CORROBORATION ON THE WEB AND YOUTUBE FROM MAZDA OWNERS ABOUT BOTH THESE SAME PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI #10749611

Official recalls

6

19V782000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 31, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

19V323000 · Structure; Suspension:front:control Arm

Apr 25, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Suspension:front:control Arm

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

18V717000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 12, 2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

17V429000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 29, 2017

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

14V114000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Mar 11, 2014

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214C.

13V425000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Sep 24, 2013

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, through August 24, 2012. The door latch mounting screws may become loose.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If all three door latch mounting screws become excessively loose the door latch mechanism would not engage and the door might open while the vehicle is in motion increasing the risk of accident or injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will apply a thread locking adhesive to the door screws and retorque them, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2013. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number is 7013I.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.