Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Mazda Mazda6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the front of the vehicle while turning, also while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered corrosion and a hole on the front passenger's side suspension cross member. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer who confirmed the diagnosis and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 85,600.
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?" - Rear subframe. Total rust through due to improper steel alloy and insufficient paint. Same as happened for the front subframe. Front subframe was recalled as 2818I (Mazda's number) and 19V-323, 18V-631 (NHTSA numbers). NHTSA should also mandate rear subframe be recalled. "How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?" - Total catastrophic structural failure of rear suspension. Would result in a total loss of control while driving. This would likely lead to a severe, possibly fatal accident at-speed. "Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?" - As reported by independent service center. …
I own a 2009 mazda 6 witch is my only vehicle I had tooken it to a mechanic shop due to noise comming from the front and rear of the car under farther investigation I was notified by the mechanic that the entire front and rear subframes were badly rotted and rusty i than took the car to a mazda dealer for further inspection we're I was notified that they would replace the front sub frame under recall but I would still have to pay out of pocket for all the other suspension components long story short I was given an estimate of thousands n thousands of dollars that I could not afford and was told the car is unsafe to drive mainly due to the rear subframe and components bein severely rusted I would just like to know why there hasent been a recall for the rear subframe on this vehicle when there has been hundreds of other complaints about the same thing I'm goin through about the same year …
2009 Mazda 6 Rear subframe and springs are deemed unsafe due to extreme rusting and corrosion. The vehicle is registered and has been registered in both NY and PA (salt states), however was regularly washed and garage maintained. Vehicle will no longer pass inspection due to this issue and Mazda indicates no recall for the rear at this time and is ignoring that this is a highly prevalent issue. Mazda recalled and acknowledged this issue on these makes/models related to the front; however refuses to acknowledge and repair/recall the issue extending to the rear. The vehicle is in otherwise good shape, and the extreme rusting to the subframe/springs is not consistent with normal wear and tear. This is an extremely prevalent issue arising to these vehicles being ignored by Mazda. …
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
My rear subframe rusted thru and has holes in it. It is too dangerous to drive and mazda won't recall the rear like the front subframe knowing that a lot of people are suffering from the same issue. A subframe should last a long time. My mechanic inspected the car and feels like it's not safe to drive.
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.
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.
The subframe of my 2009 Mazda6 completely rotted out from the inside and the vehicle broke down during normal use. On Wednesday, May 2nd, a Mazda dealership replaced my rotors, pads, and noticed the car was pulling to one side so they corrected the alignment. During this time they identified a normal level of rust on the subframe but was not concerned by any other signs of failure. Less than 10 miles after leaving the dealership the subframe cracked, my front passenger wheel cv axil disconnected and the car was inoperable. Thankfully I was going only 35 MPH, down a straight, paved city road, and not on the highway. I fear that at higher speeds the car would have gone off road or worse for when the subframe broke the car jerked heavily to the right then completely stopped. …
* 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. …
Related recalls
Structure
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,…
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…
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Mazda is recalling 29,000 my 2009 mazda6. The outer door handles May stick which May prevent the door from latching. This situation May allow the door to open while the vehicle is in motion.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the door handles and if necessary repair or replace the handles free of charge. The recall began on February 13, 2009. Owners May contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Body complaints in other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has 123 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Mazda Mazda6, 32% of the model year's 386 complaints. The component named most often is body (79 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Mazda Mazda6 body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-631 (structure, Sep 14, 2018); NHTSA recall 09V-043 (hinge and attachments, Feb 4, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Mazda Mazda6 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.