NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls and 224 owner complaints for the 2010 Mazda Mazda6.
For the 2010 Mazda6, the dominant complaint theme centers on structural corrosion, particularly in the rear subframe and suspension components. Owners frequently describe severe rust causing the rear subframe to separate from the body, with multiple reports of mechanics declaring the vehicle unsafe or undriveable after inspection. Suspension complaints overlap closely with this pattern, owners report the rear end feeling loose or shaky before a shop visit confirms significant corrosion-related damage to control arms and mounting points. The airbag category leads by complaint volume, though the structural and suspension reports carry a consistent, specific symptom: unexpected handling changes, difficulty steering, and vehicles pulling to one side. Complaints concentrate on underbody corrosion progressing to component separation, a pattern owners consistently describe discovering only after noticeable handling degradation prompts a professional inspection.
224
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Mazda6 has 12 recalls, the most serious being a defective passenger frontal airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
This inflator issue has been the subject of multiple repair campaigns, and prior replacement attempts used inflators of the same flawed design, meaning earlier repairs did not fully resolve the problem. On the fuel system side, spiders can weave webs inside the evaporative canister vent line, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to build excessive negative pressure. Over time, that pressure can crack the tank and lead to a fuel leak, raising the risk of fire. This spider-related defect affects vehicles with the 2.5L engine.
Structurally, corrosion can weaken the mounting point for the passenger-side lower control arm on certain vehicles, which can shift the steering alignment without warning. There is also a concern with door latches: mounting screws can work loose over time, and if they loosen enough, the latch may not engage and the door can swing open while driving. Finally, a separate airbag concern involves the airbag control unit, where a missing or insufficient protective coating lets moisture damage the module, preventing the airbags from deploying in a crash.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a different design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain vehicles, heat and humidity can break down the airbag's propellant over time, causing the passenger airbag to deploy with excessive force during a collision. This may scatter fragments toward occupants and damage the airbag assembly, reducing its effectiveness.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This happens because the inflator's propellant degrades after years of exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode and weaken when exposed to road salt in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the cross member and either reinforce it with a side member and drain hose with rust protection, or replace it with an improved cross member and install a drain hose.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may lack proper protective coating, allowing moisture to seep in and damage it, which could cause the air bag system to malfunction.
What the fix does
Mazda will replace the air bag control unit at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A spider may weave a web in the fuel vapor vent line, blocking airflow. This causes the fuel tank to develop excessive negative pressure during normal emission system operation, potentially cracking the tank and causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
The vent line will be inspected. If a web is found, the fuel tank and vent check valve will be replaced, and the engine control computer will be reprogrammed to prevent excessive tank pressure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Spider webs can block the fuel tank's evaporative canister vent hose, causing excessive negative pressure to build up in the fuel tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module, inspect and clean the vent line, and replace the fuel tank and check valve if webs are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screws that secure the door latch may loosen over time, potentially causing the door to become unstable.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply thread-locking adhesive to the door latch screws and retighten them to the proper torque specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A spider species can build a web inside the evaporative canister vent line, blocking airflow. When the emission system purges fuel tank vapors, excessive negative pressure builds in the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and clean the vent line, then install a spring to block spiders from entering it. Service is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
