2011 Mazda MAZDA6 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 37%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6, 37% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway at about 55 MPH I heard a loud noice and the car suddenly started to swerve, the steering became difficult. I was able to slow down and pull off the highway and to a parking lot. During the ride at a much slower speed around 20-25 very loud noises came from the right front of the car especially,when the the wheel was turned. The vehicle is not drivable and had to be towed. The sub frame rusted out and the lower control arm pushed the right front tire into the back of the wheel well.”
NHTSA complaint #11115790, filed 2018-08, 188,805 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 straight. There was noise coming from under the car when turning and going in reverse. Upon inspection for the body shop the subframe is prematurely rotting and that is why I lost proper steering along why the other issues occurred too. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115277, filed 2018-08, 100,700 miles“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 without having proper control steering as the car would only steer to the right. Upon inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the bang was the passenger side subframe cracking due to heavy deterioration from rust. The car is underivable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162979, filed 2018-12, 93,112 miles“The rear subframe is badly rotting out. There is a large hole in the subframe next to the spring where it us about to break through. The garage said it us not safe to drive. Same issue with the front frame and it was replaced under recall. Now the car been sitting in the garage for a couple of months and no parts available. The manufacturer offers no help.”
NHTSA complaint #11325769, filed 2020-05, 98,000 miles“The rear subframe has excessive rust and mechanic reported it would not pass yearly inspection unless replaced. Front subframe had the same problem in 2019 and was replaced through Mazda recall. Mechanic reports the rear subframe has the same exact nature of rust.”
NHTSA complaint #11398057, filed 2021-02, 121,549 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10226814Nov 18, 2022Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10170656Jan 9, 2020Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10153315Jan 2, 2019Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10134930Mar 26, 2018Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft…
- 10213387Feb 15, 2016Shock absorber replacement guidelines
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 7% |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% |
| 2013 | 5 | 22% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 50 | 37% |
| 2010 | 43 | 19% |
| 2009 | 76 | 20% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6
30 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Mazda MAZDA6
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology