repaired · 2021 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 Mazda MAZDA6Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 136 owner complaints about the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-429 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6 has problems
136 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
51Suspension2 crash/fire/injury
30Structure3 crash/fire/injury
28Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
17Steering2 crash/fire/injury
11Exterior lighting
8Electrical system
5Visibility/wiper
4Service brakes
3Power train
127 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 51 | 2 |
| Structure | 30 | 3 |
| Air bags | 28 | 4 |
| Steering | 17 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 12 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2011 Mazda MAZDA6 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
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…
repaired · 2020 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q3
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Doors: 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other MAZDA6 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MAZDA6 median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Mazda MAZDA6 safety ratings
2011 Mazda Mazda6 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MAZDA6 owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The frame rusted through and broke where the lower control arm attaches on the passenger side. This caused an immediate pull to the right and nearly caused a wreck. The car was towed to a local mechanic shop who reported the problem. Mazda is currently not taking responsibility for this even though…
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the contact attempted to swerve out the way of another vehicle as she suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact force to steer the vehicle to the left as the contact attempted to…
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,…
Own a 2011 MAZDA6?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.