2010 Mazda MAZDA6: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 225 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (23% of complaints); the 2008 and 2012 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Oct 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2025
“The airbag light is still flashing on the dashboard after the airbag recall on this vehicle was fixed. It may be related to a different recall, which is safety campaign #16V594000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2025
“The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the rear main sub frame was completely rusted. There was a crack detected in the middle of the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that it was normal wear and tear, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2024
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“Rear sub frame on car rusting out. Never protected from corrosion or rust. Car is currently in shop. Car has rusted out in the joint just behind drivers rear tire. Received notice of recall on the front of car due to salt and weather conditions front sub frame area replaced . Currently multiple cars have same issues Mazda hasnt fixed or issued any repairs for this”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2024
“My gf went for a basic oil change and the automotive person was shocked to find the rear right cross bar to be suffering from incredible corrosion. He said at this point it is unsafe to drive. We looked into recalls for this make and model and there is one for the front cross bar due to insufficient or improper application of a corrosion spray on the frame. How can they say the front needs to be recalled and not the back? If the dealership didn't do a good job of covering the appropriate metal frame in corrosion resistant spray any car that has that level should be recalled. This is immensely dangerous”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2023
“The rear frame completely corroded. I was on my way to work this morning and the frame broke due to corrosion. I almost lost my life this morning. According to the recall only the front end was considered faulty. I took the vehicle in for the recall and only the front was looked at and replaced.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2023
“The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear frame detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) and the contact related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2023
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2023
“The contact called on behalf of a client who owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as designed and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. The vehicle was diagnosed that the rear passenger's side cross member was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the rear cross member was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the mechanic was informed that the customer was liable for the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2023
“The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the dashboard on the passenger's side of the vehicle was melted, causing a glare on the windshield which obstructed the view of the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
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 this recall is 1317F.
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.
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 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.
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.
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, 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.
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, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
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 March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact MAZDA6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 reliable?
NHTSA has 225 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6. The most complained-about area is air bags (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.