Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Mazda Mazda6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling without warning. There was rust on the frame. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. Mechanic noted that Mazda's recall repair only served to keep the car from splitting apart, but it in no way resolved the control arm issue. As a result my car was unexpectedly swerving all over the road and was difficult to control. It was with the control arm still somewhat attached, though extremely loose. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign number 18V631000 (Suspension, structure). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 151,000. …
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 wheels were turning in and the steering was really hard to keep straight had to turn the steering wheel almost half around car make Loud screaming noises.tires went flat ..i have 6 grandkids lucky I wasn't going fast the car could of flipped .subframe broke in half on passenger side rusted right out.i got this car from right way dealership in Saginaw Michigan in march of 2019 they never told me or never contacted me that there was a recall for the subframe breaking.could of killed someone!!!!
While im driving the steering is shifting to the right and seems lower on right side. My tires daily need to have air in them because of the uneven weight. While I drive and let go of the gas the car pulls back like an E brake could be stuck not sure though. No accidents at all but it seems like the vehicle is getting weaker and weaker with the uneven weight going down on the tires and steering seems like it's going to crash onto the right without being able to control it.
Heard a knock while driving (as though hitting pothole). Next day steering column felt loose, breaks seemed worn and sound on sharp turns. Later that day while driving in city, went over a normal dip in the road and heard a crack/louder knock. Wheel turned to the left, even though driving straight. When applying brakes, wheel now turned to the right. Pulled aside and ran over curb as brakes were not as effective. Initial diagnosis: brakes and bearings need repair (although these were replaced less than 5 months ago). Next diagnosis: subframe psg. Side completely rotted and cracked. Will take a month to repair [rental provided]. Note- the past 6 months I've had other issues including: electrical (fuse for radio/locks/int lights keeps breaking; after 1.5 hour diagnostic cause still unknown. …
On September 12, 2018 I took my 2010 Mazda 6i to a local Mazda dealership to get preventative maintenance done on the vehicle, replacing the drive belt. When the Mazda tech started the job, he discovered that the entire front sub-frame that holds the front end suspension, steering components, motor and transmission was rusted and rotted out with several holes and flaking metal. The tech was unable to perform the job as he stated he could not remove the sub-frame and keep it in tact. The tech reported that this created a hazardous and unsafe condition and that until repaired with a new or other-wise in-tact sub-frame the car would be unsafe to drive. Upon checking on-line I have discovered that this is quickly becoming a common problem with the Mazda 6 of this model year (2009 to 2019). …
As I was driving down the interstate my steering wheel rotated clockwise and was at an angle and my car continued to go straight down the road. It felt as if I were driving on ice and was very hard to control the vehicle. While making a turn my front tires began to squeal. It was very hard to turn. When braking the car shook dramatically. I took it to a local auto mechanic because I thought it was possibly something with the steering. The mechanic called back and was shocked to tell me the sub frame was completely rotten and had broken. It was hard for him to believe that a car that was only 8 years old would have that much corrosion on the frame. I purchased the car brand new and have had the car for the entire 8 years with no accidents at all.
I began having problems with the steering, especially when turning at intersections, it made some bang/bump noises, and felt like the front wheels weren't turning unless I really cranked the steering wheel. I took it to the dealer for an evaluation, and they promptly pulled it off the road, telling me it was unsafe to drive. Turns out the front subframe on the passenger side had rusted out so badly that it was almost split into two pieces, and I could literally poke holes through the rusted areas, affecting the operation of both the steering and suspension. If the subframe had indeed split, according to the mechanic, the steering would've failed and I could've lost the right front wheel.
When maneuvering to or from parking when the steering wheel is turned and puts any pressure on the steering components the right front of the car makes a very loud clunking and popping and makes both steering and moving difficult. It has gotten progressively worse over the last 2 months so I did some research and found out about the possible corrosion issue of the front right subframe and recall "inspection". I will call my local dealer and schedule an appointment as it seems this car is under an open recall and was never looked at. I just bought it as a used car in mid October and mostly drive my truck all winter so it took awhile for this to surface.
I have the open and dangerous recall ( # 2818i ) still pending at this time. It was hard enough just to get the dealership, in order to inspect the car for corrosion in the concerning areas. I don't feel that the car is safe to drive at this time and prefer that no one rides with me when driving it, just for the safety of others. I'm very concerned that this fix will not come soon enough and the problem keep messing up my cars alignment. Causing all sorts of problems driving it, especially at high speeds. That's when a wheel wobble starts to happen in the affected areas of the front passenger side of the car. Please help!
Steering complaints in other Mazda6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2010 Mazda Mazda6?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, 13% of the model year's 225 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda Mazda6 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, though it has 9 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 2010 Mazda Mazda6 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
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.