2009 Mazda MAZDA6: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Suspension · WI

The rear subframe rusted out and my control arm broke off! This is extremely serious and because there is no recall I’m going to have to buy an another vehicle. Please issue a recall. I’ve read forms about this and many others have had the same issue with the rear subframe corroding and rotting out.

Filed Mar 10, 2025 · Suspension · OH

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.

Filed May 24, 2024 · Body · CT

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

Filed Jan 25, 2024 · Suspension · OH

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.

Filed Dec 11, 2023 · Suspension · OH

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.

Filed Sep 24, 2023 · Body, Suspension · MI

* 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.

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Suspension · WV

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.

Filed Feb 25, 2023 · Body · IL

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

Filed May 17, 2022 · Suspension · NY

The entire rear subframe is completely corroded and rusted and caused the back right cross member to break. The entire rear subframe needs to be replaced including the control arms. This is unacceptable. Mazda had a recall for the front subframe, but not the rear which makes no sense as they were made with same materials. 2 separate mechanics have had the car in their possession and have both been unable to locate the parts in order to fix the problem. As a result, I am going to have to junk the car.

Filed May 16, 2022 · Body · NY

There was a recall for the front K-frame (Sub-frame) due to excessive corrosion. However the rear also has the same issue and loses structural integrity because of it. The rear control arms can snap through the frame where they are mounted, resulting in an increased likelihood of losing control.

Filed Oct 30, 2018 · Body · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mazda 6. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel was turned approximately one quarter to the left in order to drive the vehicle in a straight line. Also while driving at various speeds the vehicle would pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side tie rod and suspension cradle was damaged due to rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 120,000. *dt*jb the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified and the vehicle was in their possession in the process of being repaired.

Filed Jun 7, 2018 · Body · 133,000 miles · RI

Brought vehicle in to a mechanic to replace right-side inner/outer tie rods due to knocking sound when turning the steering wheel all the way to one side. Mechanic got it on a lift and showed me the tie rods weren't the problem, it was the fact that the front subframe was so rotted that the tie rods weren't attached to it anymore, they were just free floating. Mechanic said the vehicle was unsafe to drive and the subframe needed to be replace asap. After removing the rotted subframe, it was obvious to see that the large amount of rust that had formed was due to the poor design of the A/C waste water port. It's just a plastic opening sticking out of the firewall, so all the waste water is dripping/pouring down from the opening and ends up sitting on the subframe and causing rust. There is also an intentional hole in the subframe right below the waste water port, so the water also gets into the frame and travels down its length to spread out all the rust and corrosion. I had to buy some hose clamps and a plastic elbow and some vinyl tubing to direct the waste water down below my brand new subframe so that I don't end up rusting it out as well.