2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 has 8 complaints and 10 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to severe rust and corrosion of the front and rear suspension components, including cross members and the subframe. Complaints also note deterioration of the passenger crash pad which may affect airbag deployment.
Common Issues- Suspension corrosion. Several complaints describe extreme rusting and corrosion on the front and rear cross members and suspension frames, with some reporting that corrosion weakened or separated control arm mounting points.
- Rear frame failure. Owners report the rear suspension frame failing due to corrosion, causing abnormal tire wear and rendering the vehicle unsafe or undrivable.
- Subframe rust. The front subframe has been reported with holes and metal flakes due to rust corrosion, resulting in loss of steering or suspension control and vehicle instability.
- Structural integrity risk. Rust and corrosion affect structural components critical to safety, potentially increasing accident risk if these parts fail.
- Passenger crash pad damage. The crash pad has become sticky and cracked, raising concerns about airbag deployment and the influence of environmental factors.
- Lack of warning signals. Rust and corrosion issues often appear without prior warning lights or dashboard messages.
The vehicle has 10 recalls covering various critical systems such as fuel, door latches, airbags, and structural components. Many recalls address suspension corrosion issues and defective airbag inflators, with some carrying do not drive advisories.
Recalls- Fuel system (Recall 11V134000). A spider web may restrict the evaporative canister vent line causing excessive negative tank pressure and potential tank cracks leading to fuel leaks and fire risk. 52,000 vehicles affected. Dealers inspect and clean the vent line and install a preventive spring free of charge.
- Door latch screws (Recall 13V425000). Door latch mounting screws might loosen causing the door to open while driving. 161,400 vehicles affected. Dealers apply thread locking adhesive and retorque screws at no cost.
- Passenger airbag inflator (Recall 19V782000). Inflators replaced under a prior recall may explode due to propellant degradation with risk of metal fragments causing injury or death. 69,879 affected. Owners advised not to drive until repair. Dealers replace the inflator at no charge.
- Passenger airbag inflator (Recall 17V429000). Original or replacement inflators may rupture on deployment because of propellant degradation, risking serious injury or death. 205,377 vehicles affected. Driving is not advised until repair. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge.
- Front cross member corrosion (Recall 18V631000). Exposure to road salt may cause corrosion weakening the passenger side lower control arm mounting point, altering steering and increasing crash risk. 50,176 vehicles affected. Dealers inspect and either install protective parts or improved components at no cost.
- Passenger airbag inflator (Recall 18V018000). Inflators in certain regions may explode due to propellant degradation after exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, risking injury or death. 70,227 vehicles affected. Dealers replace the inflators free of charge. Owners advised of risk.
- Passenger airbag inflator (Recall 17V457000). Inflators can rupture during deployment caused by propellant degradation. 79,402 vehicles affected. Driving is not advised until inflator replacement. Dealers provide free repairs.
- Air bag control unit protection (Recall 16V594000). Improper protective coating on the airbag control unit may allow moisture damage causing malfunction and failure to deploy airbags. 41,918 vehicles affected. Dealers replace the unit free of charge when parts are available.
Owners of 2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 vehicles with repeated repairs or unresolved recall issues related to suspension corrosion or airbag defects may have rights under state lemon laws. Those facing persistent safety defects should consider consulting consumer protection resources.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 Summary
2009
Model Year
8
Total Complaints
8
Total Recalls
730379
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
69879 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
70227 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
50176 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
79402 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or 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. 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 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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
205377 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
41918 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
161400 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
52000 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Complaints
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2123495SUSPENSION
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.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2119145SUSPENSION
Hello, My name is [XXX] . I took our Mazda 6 in for wheel balance and alignment and was informed of very serious rust issues in the rear suspension. I was pretty shocked at what they showed me. I worked at Raben Tire for 10 years and I've never seen anything like this. I have two retired mechanic friends look at it, and they (along with the mechanic from firestone) said they cannot even fathom how this level of rust is possible (80+% of the miles on this vehicle are highway). One of my retired mechanic friends started looking into it and said he'd noticed the 09 Mazda recalls for suspension rust. We all thought that made sense given how immensely abnormal this rusting is. The recall list sent to me says "front" suspension. I'm not sure why the front is listed and not the rear, but this, to all of us, is very clearly faulty (the rusting is INCREDIBLY abnormal) and we believe should be considered as part of the suspension rust recall (there are no rusting issues anywhere else). Ive provided pictures. This is incredibly unsafe. The rear suspension could collapse at any moment while driving and cause casualties. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2088330AIR BAGS
The passenger crash pad has deteriorated and become sticky and cracked. This may affect deployment of airbag and perhaps allow outside environmental elements to affect the airbag. The takata fiasco being an example of environmental factors affecting airbag safety.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2088329STRUCTURE:BODY
The front and rear crossmembers have significant rust. The front has holes and chunks of metal missing due to rust corrosion. The rear has flaking and is deeply pockmarked with rust. These are structural components. Failure can lead to a crash.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2088328SUSPENSION
The front and rear crossmembers have significant rust. The front has holes and chunks of metal missing due to rust corrosion. The rear has flaking and is deeply pockmarked with rust. These are structural components. Failure can lead to a crash.
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2079266SUSPENSION
The rear Suspension Frame has failed due to corrosion. The right rear tire has worn severely from the premature failure of that part on the right side. I feel it was a defect in Engineering by Mazda. My email: [XXX] Mobile: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2076231SUSPENSION
The rear frame has failed due to corrosion on the right side. The rear passenger tire is canted in on the topside worn severely worn. This was noted when I drove home from my job. This is a critical part of the vehicle and should've never failed. I'm hopeful to hear from the NHTSB for a repair to be done properly by Mazda;
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6
ID: 2072086SUSPENSION
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.