KnownCarProblems2011 Mazda Mazda6 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 135 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mazda Mazda6, most often about the suspension (37% of complaints, typically around 108,000 miles). It is 9th of 20 Mazda6 model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory3 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2011 Mazda Mazda6 problems
Suspension
50 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 108,000 miles. Parts named most often: subframe/mounting bracket.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear cross member of the subframe broke from rust and corrosion while reversing. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v323000 (structure…
Subframe on passenger side has rusted completely through, exposing a lower control arm bolt. This has occurred on the passenger side. There is a recall for 09/10 Mazda 6. Don't know why this isn't expanded to cover this Mazda 6 model as I'm sure the subframe is the same throughout.
Body and structure
30 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 100,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Recently while driving down a straight road about 35 MPH my steering started to fail in order to keep the car going straight the wheel has to be turned to the left and held in place. The indicator lights came on that my brake assist system is off/failing. The car slightly jerks to the right when trying to stay going…
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine service, the vehicle was diagnosed with rust and corrosion of the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA…
Air bags
28 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 109,000 miles.
I am having various issues with my Mazda 6. First, I have had the car 4 years and have replaced the headlights 4 times. I was told by the dealer it was normal. My major issue is the air bag light. Had a problem back in july with the light flashing. Dealer determined it was the pad sensor and I had it replaced. Now the…
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda 6. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the air bag replaced. A crack was discovered on the dashboard after the air bag was replaced. The dealer stated that the contact would have to pay out of pocket to replace the crack in the dashboard. The manufacturer…
Other or unspecified
22 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles.
The AC compressor clutch locked up and caused the belt to make loud screeching noises. Also, something burning could be smelled inside the engine and burnt rubber was flung around the engine compartment. Another issue: read about this a lot because I am experiencing it, the passenger-side dash is melting. Seems they…
My Mazda 6 interior dash is melting in 74 degree weather in va. The dash is melting and making a sticky mess that may cause a glare on windshield while driving. Car is stationary.
Steering
16 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 97,000 miles.
Recently while driving down a straight road about 35 MPH my steering started to fail in order to keep the car going straight the wheel has to be turned to the left and held in place. The indicator lights came on that my brake assist system is off/failing. The car slightly jerks to the right when trying to stay going…
Was driving on interstate at 70mph and applied breaks, heard a bang from area of passenger front side and lost control of the steering of the vehicle causing it swerve into the adjacent lane on my right. I narrowly avoided being hitting and being hit by other vehicles and was able get the car to the shoulder event…
Lights
11 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda 6. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the headlights became inoperable. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000......updated 02/10/16 vehicle sold…
The passenger headlight will go out on my 2011 Mazda 6 even though the bulb and fuses are still intact and working properly. It worked when I parked my car and turned them off manually and then did not come back on the next time I started my car and turned the lights on. It is definitely a flaw from Mazda as numerous…
Electrical
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda 6. The contact stated the main wire harness on the driver's side burned out and the vehicle shook when being driven. The contact was concerned that the burnt wire harness could cause a fire or cause the air bags to deploy on their own. The dealer (bakersfield Mazda, 3201 cattle dr…
The passenger headlight will go out on my 2011 Mazda 6 even though the bulb and fuses are still intact and working properly. It worked when I parked my car and turned them off manually and then did not come back on the next time I started my car and turned the lights on. It is definitely a flaw from Mazda as numerous…
Visibility and wipers
5 complaints · 4%The low beam headlight bulbs go out after less than a year. Sometimes they will start working after hitting the headlight assembly on the outside of the car.
Passenger side dashboard is getting a sticky surface on top. The top layer almost seems like it is melting. It is just starting to get sticky and it is just on top. The stickiness has just started in the last 2 weeks. The sticky surface is causing a glare and is affecting the visibility when driving. Further, the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 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.
Body and structure: structure
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 june 13, 2019. Owners may contact mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2818i. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 18v-631.
Full defect summary
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Questions about the 2011 Mazda Mazda6
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mazda Mazda6?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (50 complaints, typically around 108,000 miles); body and structure (30 complaints, typically around 100,500 miles); air bags (28 complaints, typically around 109,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda Mazda6 have?
- 6 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 2011 a bad year for the Mazda Mazda6?
- It is 9th of 20 Mazda6 model years by number of complaints, with 135 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.