KnownCarProblems2010 Mazda Mazda6 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 225 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Mazda Mazda6, most often about the body and structure (27% of complaints, typically around 88,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Mazda6 model year since 2000 and has 9 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory4 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2010 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Body and structure
60 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 88,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members, interior panels.
The passenger lower control arm broke while driving, and I lost control of the vehicle. I almost hit a car coming towards, but thankfully I was able to stop since I was only doing 35 MPH. I don't know what would have happened if I was on the highway. The mechanic said the sub-frame was completely rotted out and it was…
Passenger side dash started melting about a year ago and has gotten so bad the dash is almost liquid. Sunlight reflects off the shiny melted dash and blinds the driver. I was in an accident because I couldn't see due to light reflecting off melted dash. Dash is so sticky that you cannot touch or it will stick to…
Air bags
54 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Takata recall there have been 3 recalls with this vehicle I bought new; takata is 1 of the 3: 1. Takata airbags: metal shrapnel in airbags when deployed, reportedly 2. Door lock screws are unsafe; need to be checked/replaced; 3. Dashboard has been recalled due to turning into a sticky nasty looking mess. The whole…
Headlight on both sides go out often. After having this issue far too many times, I looked online hoping to find a solution and discovered multiple Mazda owners are having same problem. Its a malfunction in the Mazda that needs to be fixed by Mazda. This is extremely dangerous at night to have happening way to often.…
Suspension
43 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda 6. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the vehicle. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure). The vehicle was taken to mcdonald Mazda (10345 w colfax ave, lakewood, co 80215, ([phone]) where the cross member was…
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…
Other or unspecified
33 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles.
The passenger side dashboard is melting. The melted are is very shiny and sticky and leaves residue on windshield if touched by window shade. There doesn't seem to be any improvement since window shade has been used. Dashbaoard also seems to be cracking in the area surrounding airbag.
Takata recall there have been 3 recalls with this vehicle I bought new; takata is 1 of the 3: 1. Takata airbags: metal shrapnel in airbags when deployed, reportedly 2. Door lock screws are unsafe; need to be checked/replaced; 3. Dashboard has been recalled due to turning into a sticky nasty looking mess. The whole…
Steering
29 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 112,000 miles.
My son was driving the car approximately 40mph on a state route in a rural area and experienced a sudden loss of steering control and sharp pull to the right when he was trying to brake. This nearly caused him to hit a truck. When he regained control he noticed the steering wheel was not aligned while going straight…
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…
Lights
21 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles. Parts named most often: tail lights.
Right front headlamp repeatedly goes out and it's neither the bulb nor the fuse! Subsequently stuck driving home with high beams (to see well enough to navigate safely) but fearful the glare creates a safety issue for opposing traffic - a twofer! Note; banging on the side of headlamp assembly with closed fist…
Headlight on both sides go out often. After having this issue far too many times, I looked online hoping to find a solution and discovered multiple Mazda owners are having same problem. Its a malfunction in the Mazda that needs to be fixed by Mazda. This is extremely dangerous at night to have happening way to often.…
Brakes
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
The rotors are warped after less then 30k miles. This causes the car to shimmy when braking at any appreciable speed (any speed over 40mph). Took car to dealer and they claim it is not covered under the warranty as it is "normal wear and tear". Called Mazda and they too refused to fix the problem under the warranty.
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the rotors were prematurely warped, causing the vehicle to jerk violently. Also, the contact mentioned that the TPMS and passenger air bag warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The…
Electrical
14 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition.
Both rear tire pressure sensors failed due to either over-tightening or corrosion. Both sensors snapped off right below the sensor stem cap causing both rear tires to deflate. On a newer car still under warranty, Mazda claims sensors are only covered until 36000 miles. And they're not cheap either ($80 each, not…
My car was parked, went inside store for a minute, came out and it wouldn't start. No lights prior, and I take meticulous care of my car. After a failed jump, tow was issued. The mechanic says it's a starter failure- at 42,000 miles on a brand new factory line car. Now Mazda will not respond to complaints, and…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2010 Mazda Mazda6 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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, 2019. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317f. Note: this recall supersedes recalls 16v356 and 17v012.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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 this recall is 1317f.
Full defect summary
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, 2011-2012 cx-7, and 2011-2015 cx-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, west virginia and the district of columbia, or "zone b." additionally, unless covered in zone a or zone b, mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 mazda6, 2010-2012 cx-7, and 2010-2015 cx-9 vehicles eve
Suspension: control arm
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 charge. The recall began march 18, 2019. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818i.
Full defect summary
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, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. The front cross member may corrode after exposure to road salt.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began march 2, 2018. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317f.
Full defect summary
Mazda north american operations (mazda) is recalling certain 2013 mazda6 and 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 2010 mazda6, cx-7 and cx-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone b." additionally, unless covered in zone a or zone b, mazda is recalling certain 2009 mazda6, cx-7, and cx-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of alaska, colorado
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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, 2017. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317f. Note: this recall supersedes recall 16v356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.
Full defect summary
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 due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk: Failure of the acu would illuminate the air bag warning light and prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the acu, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began june 2017. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9816h.
Full defect summary
Mazda north american operations (mazda) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mazda6 vehicles manufactured february 4, 2008, to december 3, 2009. The protective coating may not have been properly applied to the air bag control unit (acu) and, as a result, moisture may damage the unit causing it to malfunction.
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
Risk: Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on april 30, 2014. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's recall number associated with this campaign is 7214c.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: As the canister is purged repeatedly during normal operation, the stress on the fuel tank may eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage ad an increased risk of fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and clean up the canister vent line, and install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before march 25, 2011. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
Full defect summary
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mazda6 vehicles manufactured from april 8, 2008, through february 8, 2010. A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction in the line. If this occurs, the fuel tank pressure may become excessively negative when the emission control system works to purge the vapors from the canister.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Front subframe corrosion
Summary
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). The recall covers approximately 48,814 vehicles that were sold or ever registered in the following states and district of columbia:connecticut, delaware, 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. Mazda i
Questions about the 2010 Mazda Mazda6
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda Mazda6?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (60 complaints, typically around 88,500 miles); air bags (54 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); suspension (43 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda Mazda6 have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 31, 2019 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2010 a bad year for the Mazda Mazda6?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Mazda6 model year since 2000, with 225 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.