The front sub frame was recalled due to SEVERE rot and corrosion. It was replaced at the dealers cost. The issue is the rear subframe has the exact same, if not worse rot and corrosion. I called the dealer and no recall is issued. Thousands of people are having the same issue
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
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.
What owners actually said
134 reportsOctober 11, 2022 I hit a steep curb while pulling into a gas station before heading to work, which caused alignment issues. I originally thought it was just about that time for an alignment so I drove my car to tire discounters. [XXX] the manager there called me and told me pretty much the sub frame on my car was rusted so bad t…
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October 11, 2022 I hit a steep curb while pulling into a gas station before heading to work, which caused alignment issues. I originally thought it was just about that time for an alignment so I drove my car to tire discounters. [XXX] the manager there called me and told me pretty much the sub frame on my car was rusted so bad that he doesn’t even know how I made it to their facility, and pretty much it would cost more to fix than the car is worth, so I should think about trading it in or I would have to look elsewhere for someone to fix the sub frame. After google search about this particular part, my store manager found a recall for the Mazda subframes claiming the listed states fail to put a coating on the subframe to protect the car from rusting. The car originated from Michigan which was one of the states listed on the recall list, so I called Nelson Mazda in Murfreesboro, TN and they had informed me that this particular part was already fixed in 2019 but judging by the picture [XXX] from tire discounters sent me. No one actually fixed anything, so someone falsely lied on documentation so [XXX] from Mazda agreed to take a look at it and he agreed that this sub frame was not “properly” done and had to wait a couple days to get approved in order to redo the recalled part. Well due to sub frame rusting caused additional problems like replace the front uppers control arm, the struts, the front control arm, and the tie rod end needs to be replaced as well. I specifically asked [XXX] if the sub frame was done correctly the first time would these additional problems exist and without any extra explanation he said “No.”, but he informed me Mazda is only taking care of the subframe at no cost, and an alignment. The alignment would prove useless without catering to the other maintenance that needs attention as well, and I do feel since the recall wasn’t not done properly I should not be responsible for additional costs as well. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving my Mazda today and while I was pulling into a parking lot I hit a pothole and my rear frame broke and now the car is sitting on one side almost touching the back right tire, when Mazda recalled the front frame they should’ve fixed the rear frame too I believe that this should have been recalled because there is the…
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I was driving my Mazda today and while I was pulling into a parking lot I hit a pothole and my rear frame broke and now the car is sitting on one side almost touching the back right tire, when Mazda recalled the front frame they should’ve fixed the rear frame too I believe that this should have been recalled because there is the same problem all over the internet with this model.
The rear subframe is badly rotting out and broken in i right rear side. There is a large hole in the subframe next to the spring . The garage said it is not safe to drive. Same issue with the front frame and it was replaced under recall.
The headlights are increasingly failing. They are so dim that i can not safely drive at night. They burn out easily. I have to replace them about 4 times a year now. In the first few years of owning the car the headlights were fine. But now it is a major safely issue for myself and others on the road. It seems like with age th…
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The headlights are increasingly failing. They are so dim that i can not safely drive at night. They burn out easily. I have to replace them about 4 times a year now. In the first few years of owning the car the headlights were fine. But now it is a major safely issue for myself and others on the road. It seems like with age the headlights or components are wearing out. I am considering getting rid of this car only due to the headlights. I have considered changing to a xenon system but i am scared of the wiring and do not want to risk a wiring issue. This is my only concern with this car and it appears that most who have the same car have the same headlight issue. This should be recalled to save lifes! It is dangerous to drive this car at night with such poor lighting.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda MZ6. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, the rear subframe had detached, causing the vehicle to spin across four lanes of traffic and then crash into the median wall. The air bags were not deployed. A police report was filed that listed the cause of failure …
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The contact owns a 2011 Mazda MZ6. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, the rear subframe had detached, causing the vehicle to spin across four lanes of traffic and then crash into the median wall. The air bags were not deployed. A police report was filed that listed the cause of failure as a passenger's side rear tire blowout due to cracks along the tire. The contact's son sustained a back injury and medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the rear subframe had detached. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crossmember rust causing a hole which effects driving the vehicle, because of the safety issue
Corrosion on the rear subframe as a result of salt on roadways used to clear snow
Vehicle was brought in for recall 2818I in January 2020. Still noticed a rough ride afterwards and believed issue to be with the rear suspension. Local independent auto repair shop inspected suspension and said all was well. Brought in for regular check up at Mazda dealer in September 2021. Mechanic took video to show the amoun…
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Vehicle was brought in for recall 2818I in January 2020. Still noticed a rough ride afterwards and believed issue to be with the rear suspension. Local independent auto repair shop inspected suspension and said all was well. Brought in for regular check up at Mazda dealer in September 2021. Mechanic took video to show the amount of rust on the rear subframe. Condition is beyond repair without replacement and is hazardous to drive. This should have been addressed with the front subframe recall. Definitely needs to be addressed by Mazda now.
Rear cross subframe is very rotten and my mechanic told me not safe to drive car. Mazda had recall on front but not on rear. Is made of same material I look at line and a lot of people have same problem I hope you can help us with this problem Thank you and I hope you can investigate this major issue
Official recalls
619V782000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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