2011 MAZDA MAZDA6 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
179
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
11
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
The 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6 has received a total of 179 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM. 11 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (46 complaints), Air Bags (28 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (21 complaints).
Recalls for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6, potentially affecting up to 736,328 vehicles.
Recall 19V782000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 69,879 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3,...
View full details →Recall 19V323000 — STRUCTURE
| 51,118 vehicles affected
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Consequence: 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.
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...
View full details →Recall 19V323000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
| 51,118 vehicles affected
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Consequence: 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.
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...
View full details →Recall 18V717000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 155,436 vehicles affected
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda 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 2011-2013 Mazda6,...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for...
View full details →Recall 17V429000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 205,377 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30,...
View full details →Recall 14V114000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 42,000 vehicles affected
Defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, through May 2, 2011, and equipped with 2.5L engine. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.
Consequence: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line. If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be...
View full details →Recall 13V425000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
| 161,400 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will apply a thread locking adhesive to the door screws and retorque them, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2013. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number is 7013I.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
179 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 46 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 28 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 19 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspensionsubframemounting Bracket | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingheadlights | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.
2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.
2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the recall (breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of a crash). My safety and the safety of others were put at risk. Although my VIN is not currently associated with the recall, all conditions of the recall apply to my vehicle: -2011 Mazda6 within the affected production range -Defect is a manufacturing issue (insufficient paint coating) -Vehicle was registered in Missouri from 2023-2025, which is a listed state The only reason this recall was not associated with my VIN is because the vehicle was not registered in Missouri at the exact time of the 2019 recall campaign. This is an administrative gap, not a safety distinction. It should not be allowed to limit a manufacturer safety defect to specific states. Vehicles move across state lines constantly. A defect that causes loss of steering control does not stop being dangerous when a car crosses a border. Registration records alone did not reflect actual vehicle use or risk. If recalls are state-limited, manufacturers and NHTSA must continue tracking registration changes and associate the recall with the VIN as soon as a vehicle becomes registered in an affected state. Rust is progressive and age-related. Since this recall began in 2019 and it is now 2026, affected vehicles are more likely to experience failure, and many are now registered in different states than they were in 2019. I am requesting that NHTSA associate Recall 19V-323 with my VIN, investigate the adequacy of state-limited recall tracking, and take action to prevent this known safety defect from causing additional crashes.
When I took the car into my ASE mechanic shop for a normal oil change and tire rotation, they performed a general overall car inspection. They noticed that the Driver Side Rear Subframe had rusted through completely, where the coil spring is located. The passenger side was rusted, but has not yet broke through. They stated that the subframe parts should not rust through like this. They also stated that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition. I have not notified the manufacturer as of yet, but plan to do so. There were no warning lights, but the ride did seem to be rougher than normal. The attach photos contain 2 photos of the failed driver side rear subframe and 1 photo of the good, passenger side rear subframe.
When I took the car into my ASE mechanic shop for a normal oil change and tire rotation, they performed a general overall car inspection. They noticed that the Driver Side Rear Subframe had rusted through completely, where the coil spring is located. The passenger side was rusted, but has not yet broke through. They stated that the subframe parts should not rust through like this. They also stated that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition. I have not notified the manufacturer as of yet, but plan to do so. There were no warning lights, but the ride did seem to be rougher than normal. The attach photos contain 2 photos of the failed driver side rear subframe and 1 photo of the good, passenger side rear subframe.
Safety Rating for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 11 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SA-029-19a — EQUIPMENT
The database error discovered with IDS 114.00-114.02 release has been fixed with IDS 114.04 release and is now available for download.
1102M — ENGINE
WORKSHOP MANUAL EVAP SYSTEM LEAK INSPECTION USING THE M-MDS HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED FOR SOME MODELS. INSTEAD, THE WORKSHOP MANUAL EVAP SYSTEM LEAK INSPECTION USING EVAP LEAK TESTER WILL BE USED TO TROUBLESHOOT EVAP SYSTEM LEAKS.
SA279 — ENGINE
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE WORKSHOP MANUAL PROCEDURE FOR THE 2009 THROUGH 2012 MAZDA6 (WITH 3.7L ENGINE) TIMING CHAIN IS INCORRECT. THE PROCEDURE WILL BE CORRECTED ON MS3 BY THE END OF APRIL. IN THE MEANTIME, REFER TO THE 2013 MAZDA6 WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR THE CORRECT TIMING CHAIN PROCEDURE.TIMING CHAIN...
09-015/16 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
INCOMING CALL ALWAYS DISPLAY FIRST NAME OF PHONEBOOK/CONTACT LIST. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT INCOMING CALLS ALWAYS DISPLAY FIRST NAME OF PHONEBOOK/CONTACT LIST. THIS CONCERN MAY BE CAUSED BY BLUETOOTH MODULE SOFTWARE. CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS CONCERN SHOULD HAE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED USING THE FOLLOWING REPAIR PROCEDURE.
09-015/16 — EQUIPMENT
INCOMING CALL ALWAYS DISPLAY FIRST NAME OF PHONEBOOK/CONTACT LIST. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT INCOMING CALLS ALWAYS DISPLAY FIRST NAME OF PHONEBOOK/CONTACT LIST. THIS CONCERN MAY BE CAUSED BY BLUETOOTH MODULE SOFTWARE. CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS CONCERN SHOULD HAE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED USING THE FOLLOWING REPAIR PROCEDURE.
09-015-16-3163 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT INCOMING CALLS ALWAYS DISPLAY THE FIRST NAME OF THE PHONEBOOK / CONTACT LIST. THIS CONCERN MAY BE CAUSED BY THE BLUETOOTH MODULE SOFTWARE.
SSPA0 — STRUCTURE
Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for dashboard crash pads on certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles produced from February 4, 2008 through August 24, 2012. For certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles, the warranty coverage for sticky dashboard upper panel (crash pad) replacement only is extended to 10 years (120 months)...
1500115 — LANE DEPARTURE
LDWS or ALH warning light on with DTC C1001:92
09-029-14-2855 — SEATS
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE FRONT AND/OR REAR SEAT CUSHION TRIM IS COMING APART AT THE SEAMS. SEAT CUSHION TRIM(S) WITH INCREASED STRENGTH ARE AVAILABLE TO ELIMINATE THIS CONCERN.
08-001-13-2859 — AIR BAGS
This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination con-cerns during vehicle service.
Showing 10 of 11 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MAZDA MAZDA6
- 2006 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 207 complaints
- 2007 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 183 complaints
- 2008 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 121 complaints
- 2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 526 complaints
- 2010 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 317 complaints
- 2011 MAZDA MAZDA6 (current)
- 2012 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 128 complaints
- 2013 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 34 complaints
- 2014 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 196 complaints
- 2015 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 78 complaints
- 2016 MAZDA MAZDA6 — 107 complaints
Other MAZDA Models
- MAZDA MAZDA3 — 3,974 total complaints
- MAZDA 626 — 3,877 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-5 — 3,005 total complaints
- MAZDA TRIBUTE — 2,830 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-9 — 1,786 total complaints
- MAZDA CX-7 — 1,539 total complaints
- MAZDA PROTEGE — 1,377 total complaints
- MAZDA MPV — 1,156 total complaints