I recently had my front subframe replaced as part of your recall, however, the rear subframe and all components attached are suffering from the exact same rust and potential component failure as the front. I was replacing my brakes today and noticed that the entire structure is on the verge of complete failure. The right rear suspension already makes unusual noises when going over even small bumps and I imagine if I were to hit a large pothole that would probably be the end of this car. I imagine all similar Mazda 6s in the Midwest suffer from the exact same degradation and it is a major safety concern. There are places where there's chunks of subframe missing because it has rusted completely through and just disintegrated.
The worst 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body60
- Airbags54
- Suspension43
- Steering29
- Lights21
- Brakes16
- Electrical14
- Visibility14
- Tires6
- Wheels6
- Engine5
- Transmission5
- Fuel system3
- Seat belts3
- Seats2
- Acceleration1
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6
Recalls 9
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V782000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 18V717000 · Recall details
Structure
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
- Risk
- 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 March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818I.
Recall number 18V631000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and 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 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and 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.
- Risk
- 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 March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Recall number 18V018000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 17V429000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured February 4, 2008, to December 3, 2009. The protective coating may not have been properly applied to the air bag control unit (ACU) and, as a result, moisture may damage the unit causing it to malfunction.
- Risk
- Failure of the ACU would illuminate the air bag warning light and prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Mazda dealers will replace the ACU, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9816H.
Recall number 16V594000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 14V114000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 13V425000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mazda6 vehicles manufactured from april 8, 2008, through february 8, 2010. A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction in the line. If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapors from the canister.
- Risk
- As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage ad an increased risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and clean up the canister vent line, and install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 25, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 11V134000 · Recall details
See all 9 recalls for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6
Defect investigations
Front Subframe Corrosion
In a letter dated September 14, 2018, Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) notified the federal safety agency of a defect in the front subframe assemblies of model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Mazda6 vehicles in certain states with high road salt use in winter months (Recall 18V‑631). The recall covers approximately 48,814 vehicles that were sold or ever registered in the following states and District of Columbia:Connecticut, Delaware, 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. Mazda indicated that the recalled vehicles may have insufficient paint coating on the front cross member, which after continuous use in salt states may cause premature corrosion of the cross member. As the corrosion progresses over time, the structural integrity of the mounting point at the passenger side of the lower control arm may deteriorate and cause the steering alignment to change. If the steering alignment changes significantly while the vehicle is in motion this may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.ODI's analysis of complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and Mazda complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE18-006 identified a total of 53 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which front cross-member corrosion had progressed to the stage of complete or partial separation of the subject steering or suspension components and another 98 reports alleging premature and/or excessive corrosion of the subject components with no separation. Mazda's recall will inspect the subframe and apply structural reinforcements, anti-corrosive wax and an AC drain tube free of charge. In cases of excessive corrosion, the subframe will be replaced free of charge.All 53 complaints alleging complete or partial separations involved vehicles that will be covered under Mazda's recall, resulting in a failure rate of 108.6 reports per 100,000 vehicles (R/100k) in the recalled population. When all complaints are analyzed by region, 150 involve vehicles included in Mazda's recall (307.3 R/100k) and just 1 involved a MY 2009 through 2010 Mazda6 vehicle not included in 18V‑631 (2.8 R/100k). The field data indicate that Mazda's recall adequately covers vehicles with a risk of experiencing premature corrosion-related failure of the subject steering and suspension components in the subject vehicles. Based on Mazda's safety recall, this investigation is closed.The following VOQs allege loss or compromised steering control while vehicle was in motion:11115277, 11115790, 11128449, 10706604, 10846298, 10899584, 11019306, 11033821, 11048014, 11074634, 11078734, 11080014, 11083781, 11090944, 11091913, 11098279, 11101718, 11102209, 11102796, 11110606, 11110773, 11112830, 11113461, 11113963, 11114039, 11114567, 11114939, 11115303, 11119368, 11119423, 11121341, 11123997, 11124647, 11128648, 11128774, 11130281, 11132046, 11133295, 11133511, 11138829, 11139187, 11139486The following VOQs allege subframe corrosion detection prior to subframe failure:11141172, 11131161, 11129747, 11129349, 11129185, 11128591, 11128223, 11124644, 11122948, 11120047, 11119752, 11119362, 11118786, 11118242, 11115432, 11114568, 11114477, 11114061, 11105334, 11104096, 11103756, 11103724, 11101659, 11100420, 11099962, 11097874, 11084411, 11081783, 11034064, 11025276, 10956316Some VOQs have been omitted from this list due to duplicate VOQ submission between ODI records and Mazda records.
PE18006
Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 251
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Description
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),...
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows
- When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing...
What 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I looked up recalls on my vehicle and it states that The 2011 Mazda6 is part of a recall (the federal safety agency 19V‑323, Mazda 2818I) covering 2011-2013 models for front cross member (subframe) corrosion due to insufficient rust protection . In salt-belt states, this corrosion can cause the lower control arm to detach, reducing steering control and increasing crash risk. Key Details regarding the 2011 Mazda6 Subframe Recall: Scope: The recall affects specific 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles (and 2009-2010 models in a previous, related recall). Location Restrictions: Vehicles must have been originally sold in, or currently/previously registered in, 23 "salt belt" states (including CT, NY, MI, MN, OH, etc.). The Issue: The front cross member may experience severe corrosion, causing structural failure of the passenger-side lower control arm mounting point. Symptoms: Drivers may notice a change in steering alignment or a broken cross member. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the cross member and replace it if necessary. Action Required: Owners should contact their local Mazda dealership to check their VIN for open recalls. The recall was officially announced in May 2019 and is an expansion of a 2018 action.Â
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine cradle had failed and was severely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
The airbag light is still flashing on the dashboard after the airbag recall on this vehicle was fixed. It may be related to a different recall, which is safety campaign #16V594000.
Extensive rust and corrosion in rear subframe. So severe the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
2010 mazda 6 i series sedan the entire rear subframe/cradle is rotted along with all the other parts connected to it, the A arm, bumper stops, control arms, rear sway bar the entire rear under carriage. took it to the shop and they said there have been several complaints about this exact issue on several of these cars from 09-13 models. the parts was not painted correctly like the front that was recalled. exposed to all weather elements, the shop wants almost 4k for labor only to fix but the main problem is finding the rear subframe on these cars is almost impossible next to cost a fortune. now i have a yard ornament. junk yard wants to give me 170 bucks for the car but im not doing that. Mazda needs to fix this issue. i would of never know it was rotted out unless i took it to the shop for rear swaying and sagging. its all over the road. very dangerous and will cause a wreck almost certainly. please someone do something about this issue. dont have the money to fix this let alone buy another car.
The rear subframe is compromised; it separated from the body of the car. The vehicle is in my driveway and available for inspection should the need arise. The rear end had felt a bit shaky for a month so I took it to my mechanic, who declared the vehicle "unfit for the road" due to the fact that the subframe was rotted away and detached from the car itself. I was told one big bump is an accident waiting to happen...pieces of the car would go flying and I could be left with zero mobility to evade oncoming traffic. The possibility of projectiles injuring anyone around the car was enough for me to park it. The car has not been inspected by Mazda, the police, or insurance because there was no accident. Since it's not safe to drive, I took the word of my independent mechanic rather than driving it to a dealership. There were no warnings other than a bit of a sway in the rear end, which I originally attributed to its age. I've researched the issue and it seems to be a result of subpar quality with regard to the metal that was used in manufacturing.
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the rear main sub frame was completely rusted. There was a crack detected in the middle of the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that it was normal wear and tear, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Rear sub frame on car rusting out. Never protected from corrosion or rust. Car is currently in shop. Car has rusted out in the joint just behind drivers rear tire. Received notice of recall on the front of car due to salt and weather conditions front sub frame area replaced . Currently multiple cars have same issues Mazda hasnt fixed or issued any repairs for this
My gf went for a basic oil change and the automotive person was shocked to find the rear right cross bar to be suffering from incredible corrosion. He said at this point it is unsafe to drive. We looked into recalls for this make and model and there is one for the front cross bar due to insufficient or improper application of a corrosion spray on the frame. How can they say the front needs to be recalled and not the back? If the dealership didn’t do a good job of covering the appropriate metal frame in corrosion resistant spray any car that has that level should be recalled. This is immensely dangerous
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6
Is the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
Owners have filed 225 complaints about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6, 2.0 times a typical MAZDA6 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 year score?
The 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 scores 44 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda MAZDA6: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6?
Body and structure, with 60 complaints, typically around 89,000 miles. Next is airbags (54).
How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 have?
9 recalls, covering air bags, structure and fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 body?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V631000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA6 have the most body problems?
The Mazda MAZDA6 model years with the most body complaints are 2009 (123 complaints), 2010 (60 complaints) and 2011 (30 complaints).
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