2009 Mazda MAZDA6: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Suspension · GA

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2018 · Body · 93,565 miles · OH

Had the oil changed yesterday at 93000 miles and was told subframe was extremely rusted. They suggested we only drive in town because it could break with any stress and cause loss of steering.10

Filed Sep 11, 2018 · Steering · 140,000 miles · IL

Steering became difficult. We thought it needed an alignment nut 2 days later the steering became difficult. This was driving on a residential street at approximately 30 MPH. We took the car to a repair shop to discover the sub frame has rusted into two. $1700 minimum to repair with a used part.

Filed Aug 8, 2018 · Body, Steering · 131,000 miles · ME

In august 6th, 2018, I was driving back from work with my 4y old son in quebec city at 50 km/h. When I want to stop at the red-light I sensed a significant loss of steering control to the right and I was completely shocked because I was just about to hit a cyclist. And my son was frustrated too. Luckily nothing bad happened. But from there I wasn't able to drive correctly, I held the steering wheel to 60 degrees to the left while going at 25 km/h to be able to drive straight and get back to my home. The following day I drove my car to the nearest garage, and to my surprise, the guy told me that the subframe at the right near to the wheel is completely corroded and the steering rack was separated from its mounts causing the steering loss. The garage owner told that he called mazda to ask for a new subframe for me, but they told him that they don't have it in stock and they have already 5 more people with the same problem waiting for that. Knowing that I do rust check and treatment before every winter. I am very thankful to god that nothing bad happened while I was traveling with my family during our holidays. Mazda should recognize this as a serious and very dangerous defect since it is happening for a lot of people.

Filed Jun 14, 2018 · Body, Steering · 93,000 miles · OH

Loss of steering due to passenger side rusted sub frame

Filed Apr 7, 2018 · Suspension · 85,583 miles · OH

In september 2017 while driving on a city street at approximately 30 MPH there was a sudden and significant loss of steering control following a loud knock originating from the front end of the vehicle. Upon inspection the front crossmember/sub-frame was completely corroded to the point of breaking. The steering rack became totally separated from its mounts on the passenger side resulting in the steering loss. The failure occurred at 85,583 miles. Since the failure I have attempted to get this fixed. However, even after trying to get a replacement sub-frame from 4 different dealerships, I have been unable to get one for the last 7 months. They are back ordered and every time the date comes around, the date is pushed back further again, again, and again. I have reached out to mazda's north american customer service (service request number 1-1245266941) and in the last month have gotten no more than we'll look into when a replacement will be available. In researching this problem, it is apparent that this is far from an isolated incident as many others with this model car report failures of this exact nature. The employees of the local mazda parts departments are well aware of the complaints as well and have stated to me they are surprised that mazda has not initiated a recall or tsb regarding this issue. These failures have the potential to create a significant risk of injury and it is my belief that mazda is not treating this situation with the seriousness and promptness that it warrants. It is my understanding that this same part is was installed on not only the 2009 models, but all model years through 2013. If there is not corrective action taken, it is reasonable to expect this problem to persist for years to come as the other later models age.

Filed Mar 12, 2018 · Engine · 110,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mazda mazda6. While driving 45 MPH, the engine cradle fractured and there was a loss of steering function directly afterwards. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine cradle had fractured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 125,000 miles · MA

Steering safety issue urgent. Vehicle was being driven on a highway when suddenly lost steering, front end of vehicle elevated upon turning steering wheel when it was stopped and stationary. Subframe of vehicle rotted prematurely allowing steering linkage attached to subframe to become detached. Vehicle unsafe and required tow to dealership. Dealership inspected vehicle and reported subframe needed replacement in order to fix safety issue - car not able to be driven until repair complete. Vehicle had been serviced at same dealership for years and issue never reported with subframe. This is an extremely unsafe condition for these vehicles. Technician verbally reported that premature rust/rot could be due to location of AC condenser drain line. Subframe replaced with new mazda oem subframe. Friend with same make/model/year recently reported same issue with subframe.

Filed Feb 22, 2017 · Steering · 69,000 miles · NY

2009 mazda6 possible loss of steering control. The steering rack mounting bolt on the right side is not connected to the frame. The mounting boss on the cross member frame (engine cradle) is rusted out after 8 winters and 69000 miles. The steering rack is only connected on the left side by 2 bolts that will fail soon. At that point there would be a total loss of steering control when the rack breaks free of its mounts. I found this after noticing that the car made a noise when turning, also while in park and turning the steering wheel back and forth, the front end of the car would lift up and back down. I inspected the front right for a cause and found the rack was loose. I believe it is too dangerous to drive in this condition.