Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 5% | 11,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 22% | 82,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% | 188,000 miles |
| 2011 | 50 | 37% | 108,000 miles |
| 2010 | 43 | 19% | 104,000 miles |
| 2009 | 76 | 20% | 118,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% | 92,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% | 142,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% | 106,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% | 41,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% | 81,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Got error message that said "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" slso fot "smart brake malfunction" while driving. The ac stopped, the car speedometer kept going from 50 to zero. The car died and couldn't open doors, windows. Lost steering while driving. We were able to get off road and restart and fine for 2 weeks. While at still light tonight, the car turned off. Windows were up, couldn't open door, emergency blinkers would not come on. This is very dangerous.
The front and rear suspension pops, clunks, the vehicle shakes, vibration also happens, it also causing tires to be replaced faster than normal they go bold in the center its causing now the axles to shake at night time you can see the reflection from headlights bouncing, they have TSB's on this suspension issue however not for 2018 only 14-16 Mazda 6s I believe and supposedly the issue was corrected well they lied because mine is a 18 and it is a disaster, my transmission is now shifting very hard from 1st to second gear, turn wheel it makes a loud clunk sound or popping sound, go over a dip in road does the same thing, you go over a bump the vehicle feels soggy, it like dribbles, it causes the vehicle to sway.. …
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
This car has serious problems. I have approached Mazda with numerous service complaints and they refuse to fix. The car gets terrible gas mileage not the factory stated 42 mpg which was sold on the msrp but more like 22. The suspension drives terrible makes noises, the car "creaks" when going over things and is not stable at freeway speeds. The car also sways form left to right on the freeway and is extremely slow to stop. It is dangerous and Mazda will not fix. I even have a voicemail form Mazda corporate stating then refuse to fix these problems. I have had to hired a lawyer to declare the car a lemon. Mazda also refused to service the car for oil changes, tire rotation, etc. I have also filed a claim with Mazda corporate along with the numerous times in and out of the shop yet they still refuse and are unwilling to service/fix the safety issues on my car. …
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was bouncing, and the clicking sound was extremely loud. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mobile mechanic visited the residence and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with severe corrosion of the suspension. The contact was informed that the corrosion was irreparable. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side suspension was fractured due to severe corrosion. The dealer that sold the vehicle was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …
My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and radio and dash lights, had no power to drive train, had vechile dinogstic check done at O'Reilly auto and they told me it was a PCM power control module. And I called the mazda dealer in Fostoria ohio the macanhic told me the PCM power control module had been reprogram and I never received no notice on any recalls or the person I bought my car never either. My car is 7 years old and if it war reprogram it should not go bad that soon. Unless there is a problem with there components there using. But my car will cause a accident if I continue to drive it. …
Buenos dias en el ano 2017 manejaba en linea recta aproximadamente 40 m/h logre ver un venado y aplique los frenos pausadamente el carro se dezplazo hacia la izquierda sin razon alguna saliendo fuera de la carretera e impactando con el orillo de la carretera causando desprendimiento del caucho derecho y mucho dano en la suspension ahora despues de 3 anos me doi cuenta por medio de la Mazda que alguna parte del sistema de frenos en algunos modelos a sido defectuosa esto a podido ocasionar la muerte de mi familia
Turning left at an intersection after coming to a stop, the driver mis-judged the right edge of the right-most lane and struck the curb. The ball joint separated from its housing in the right, lower control arm, causing the bottom of the wheel to collapse inward and the driver to lose control and impact the car in the left lane. The ball and stud were still attached to the upright clamp, but the ball joint housing was missing and not recovered. The tie rod, tie rod end and the strut did not appear to be damaged. In previous model years (2009-2013), the lower control arm appears to be a single, solid, forged steel piece with an integrated ball joint, a design for which a side force is unlikely to separate the ball from the control arm without shearing the ball stud. The lower control arm in the 2014 model year is a new design made from a stamped steel plate with a separate ball joint. …
NHTSA investigations
Front Subframe Corrosion
In a letter dated September 14, 2018, Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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).
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Mazda6 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (76), 2011 (50), 2010 (43), 2003 (9) and 2012 (8) model years. Suspension complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Mazda Mazda6 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Mazda Mazda6 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Mazda6 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles; 13% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (7 mentions), followed by the subframe/mounting bracket (2).
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.