Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mazda Mazda5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 25 MPH on dry road conditions, the power steering failed without warning, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The check engine light illuminated intermittently prior to the incident. This occurred on two occasions. The first time, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who performed a diagnostic and determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. On 08/16/06, the stabilizer bar bushings were replaced. On 10/21/06, while making a right turn at 20 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, and the vehicle went down an embankment. The contact sustained injuries to the back, arm and head. The contact expressed that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The insurance company was contacted, and deemed the vehicle totaled. Pictures and a police report were taken. Updated 11/17/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 5. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard in the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 126,481.
Update - tire wear/suspension. I contacted Mazda USA via e-mail on 5/31/13. I received a response concerning this matter and was given a canned response but it was basically "sorry for your luck" you will need to take to a Mazda dealer to see what steps "you" can take to ensure a better life for your vehicle and to try to avoid such costly repairs. There was no offer to assist. I called the rep and was basically told the same thing. I asked how many reports of the alignment/tire wear issues were reported to them and was told they would not provide that information. I've re-checked NHTSA's web page and noted these issues from 2006 to 2011 models are heavily documented. Pages and pages of the same problem exists. …
Started with a rubbing noise in suspension, dealer said it was nothing. Seemed to go away but returned early in 2007 as a creaking. Took it in 3/31/2007 and the dealer said the sway bar bushings had to be lubed. Creaking returns in July of 2007. The dealer replaced the rear shock absorber/bushing and damper on one side. October of 2007 a knocking came from the front suspension. Dealer replaced the front stabilizer bushing and the lower right and left arms. January of 2008 knocking returns to the rear of car and front end noisy. Front stabilizer bushings replaced. Right rear stud that holds the damper failed. Remaining portion had to be burned out and a new stud welded on. Crunching noise from front end soon after picking up car. I fear that this car is no longer safe to put my wife or four kids into. I only drive it alone when possible.
Purchased 06 Mazda 5 touring in 8/2007 - had first problem with tires - had blow out on highway - pulled off road - husband came and noted the inner wall of tire was worn badly and blew - on outside tires appeal fine but was told all 4 tires needed replaced due to wear on inner walls. Replaced - 1.5 years later - same inner wall wear issues - replaced tires. 1 year later - replace front struts - 6 months later - replaced front two tires due to inner wall wear. 1 year later replace all four tires due to inner wall wear - told today that I will need new tires once again.... Same issue, inner wall wear - also told I will need new front and rear suspension. Per multiple sites, this appears to be an ongoing issue and creates safety risks.... Needs to be addresses by Mazda asap!
I bought a 2006 Mazda 5 in July 2007, in November had to buy all new tires($618). In May, had a flat. In July 2008 , the under guard screws fell out and had to pay $180 for a new guard, and the front struts were leaking. September2008 rotated the tires because of the noise,which made the noises worse. The tires had uneven wear and cupping. Also, in September 2008, compressor and clutch failed because of the compressor. R&r compressor assembly, clutch and belt cost me $1397.40. October 2008, the under guard was coming off again and the found the bearings need replacing. They had to order them because everyone is getting them replaced. I'm ready to sell this car!. I did so love it. I can't afford car payments and all the repairs.
I recently noticed severe wear on the inside shoulders of both rear tires on my 2006 Mazda 5. Looking from the rear of the vehicle, the rear tires appear to lean in at the top. I believe the failure of the tires to correctly contact the road contributes to poor handling, and the severe tire wear will lead to unexpected blow-outs. The vehicle was purchased in nov. 2005 and currently has 23,000 miles. It has not been wrecked or otherwise abused in a manner which would affect the rear alignment. The dealer has refused to repair or align the vehicle under warranty when presented this problem on oct. 30, 2007. I have seen similar issues logged under suspension and tires on this site.
At 62,000 miles had a noise in the rear. Took it to dealer who said it was the shocks. This is the 3rd set of shocks that have broken. Mazda was good about it and will cover most of the cost. Dealer stated that they see this a lot and that Mazda has resigned the shocks so hopefully it will not be an issue going forward. The parts are on back order because of this redesign so it will be a few weeks before they come in.
Tires-premature wear. Tires become cupped. I have driven the vehicle for 26,000 miles and had to replace all tires at 21,000 due to noise. Problem was first reported at 17,000 miles. I have 5,000 on the new tires and the noise is back. Noise sounds just like bad bearings. Dealer said there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and can not explain the reason for the abnormal tire wear.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 5. The contact stated that they had to take the vehicle to dealer five times to have the control arms replaced on the vehicle. The dealer has been unable to permanently repair the failure. The contact was concerned with the possibility of having a crash due to the failure. The failure mileage was 24,528 and the current mileage was 50,000.
Suspension complaints in other Mazda5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Mazda Mazda5, 26% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is rear (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mazda Mazda5 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2006 Mazda Mazda5, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Mazda5 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.