2009 Mazda MAZDA6 - Ratings, Complaints and Recalls

The 2009 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB has received impressive ratings for driver and passenger side front and side crash ratings, scoring a 5 out of 5 in most categories. However, the overall safety rating is not specified, which can make it challenging to determine the vehicle's overall safety performance. On the positive side, this Mazda6 is equipped with standard electronic stability control, which enhances its ability to maintain control on the road in various driving conditions. Unfortunately, this model does not come with forward collision warning or lane departure warning features, which could potentially help prevent accidents.

Moreover, it is concerning that there have been 363 complaints reported for this vehicle, indicating some potential issues that owners have experienced. Additionally, there have been 10 recalls associated with this model, highlighting the manufacturer's efforts to address safety-related concerns. It is important for potential buyers to consider these factors alongside the impressive crash test ratings when assessing the overall safety of the 2009 Mazda6.

Top stats at a glance

Complaint Count

363

Recall Count

10

Investigation Count

2

Safety Rating

Not Rated

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Safety Features

2009 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Features

Here are the safety features that come as standard on the 2009 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an advanced safety feature in vehicles designed to help drivers maintain control during challenging driving conditions. By continuously monitoring various factors such as steering angle, vehicle speed, and individual wheel speeds, ESC can detect and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control. It achieves this by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent frontal collisions by alerting the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead. Using sensors such as radar or cameras, FCW monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front, and if it detects a potential collision, it provides visual and/or auditory warnings to prompt the driver to take evasive action.

No
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. Utilizing cameras or sensors to monitor lane markings on the road, LDW detects when the vehicle crosses these lines and triggers visual, auditory, or haptic alerts to notify the driver of potential lane departure.

No

2009 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Ratings

Here we have the crash and rollover ratings for the 2009 Mazda6 4-DR. w/SAB Where possible we've included the ratings for the oldest and latest models of this car so you can compare how the safety ratings have changed over time.

Frontal Crash Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Test 2005 Score 2009 Score 2021 Score
Overall Front Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Front Crash Driver Side Rating 5 5 5
Front Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 5 4

Side Crash Ratings

Combines Side Barrier and Side Pole Star Ratings into a single side rating.

Test 2005 Score 2009 Score 2021 Score
Overall Side Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Side Crash Drivers Side Rating 3 5 5
Side Crash Passenger Side Rating 4 5 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Front Not Rated Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Rear Not Rated Not Rated 5
Overall Side Barrier Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Rollover Ratings

The Rollover Resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario.

Test 2005 Score 2009 Score 2021 Score
Rollover Rating Not Rated Not Rated 4
Rollover Possibility % 0% 0% 0%
Dynamic Tip Result No Tip
Side Pole Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Complaints for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6

This chart show the number of complaints for each car component. A Higher number of complaints could indicate that this car might have a common fault. Something to look out for when purchasing one.

Component Complaints

Choose a component to see what complaints people have made about them.

Complaint:
"the right side of the dashboard melts when the sun is out it’s very sticky and black comes off"
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2023-01-06

Complaint:
"rear subframe rust got so bad the control arm snapped off and nearly killed my family."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2025-04-01

Complaint:
"rear subframe rusted completely out"
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2024-05-02

Complaint:
"there was a recall for the front k-frame (sub-frame) due to excessive corrosion. however the rear also has the same issue and loses structural integrity because of it. the rear control arms can snap through the frame where they are mounted, resulting in an increased likelihood of losing control."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2022-01-03

Complaint:
"the dashboard has melted. the car is usually parked outside. it started melting in 2017, but it has gotten worse. when the sun is bright, the reflection will cause driving concerns."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2018-07-01

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2009 mazda mazda6. the contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, he was informed that the subframe was corroded. the contact called south burlington mazda (1795 shelburne rd, south burlington, vt 05403, 802- 660-6900) and made the dealer aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure) however, the vin was not included. the manufacturer had been informed of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 77,000."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2021-11-01

Complaint:
"door latch sticks when opening, causing door to possibly stay open unbeknownst to driver and cause door to open while driving and possibly eject non secured persons or objects in car. found out during operation when the door next to my toddler swung opened in a turn."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2020-11-02

Complaint:
"this vehicle had the front sub-frame replaced based on nhtsa complaint 11100333 and the subsequent recall from mazda with nhtsa id 18v-631. it is now two years later and the rear sub-frame was so rotted that it was falling apart. my vehicle would not pass the state safety inspection without it being fixed. it was repaired by a non-dealer mechanic in feb 2020. the mechanic tried for several months to get a new rear sub-frame but could not because it is on manufacturer back-order. since this is my only vehicle and i needed it to be fixed asap, a used sub-frame had to be installed. because the new part was unavailable this makes me think that this is a widespread problem and the manufacturer can't keep up with the demand. i was told by a mazda dealer that the rear sub-frame is not covered under the same recall as the front. both items were manufactured at the same time using the same inferior steel so i think this should also be covered. i definitely feel that another mazda recall should be issued for the rear sub-frame.*dt *as"
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2019-12-12

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2009 mazda 6. the contact stated that the dashboard was melting, shiny, and sticky to the touch. the reflection from the sunshine and approaching headlights from oncoming traffic at night affected the contact's vision to safely operate the vehicle. hennessy mazda (7261 jonesboro rd, building 2, morrow, ga 30260, (844) 237-2079) stated that the extended warranty was expired by six months and nothing could be done to assist with the repair costs. the manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to call nhtsa. the failure mileage was 125,000."
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2018-01-06

Complaint:
"tl* the contact's daughter owns a 2009 mazda 6. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine oil change, the technician at whaling city ford lincoln mazda (475 broad st, new london, ct 06320, (860) 333-1841) noticed that the rear subframe had severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. the dealer deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. the front end subframe was replaced; however, the rear subframe was not. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 18v631000 (suspension, structure). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. the failure mileage was approximately 150,000. *ln *jb"
Components Involved: STRUCTURE
Date of incident: 2019-03-12

Recalls for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6

Component Recalls

Choose a component to see what recalls people have made about them.

Recall:
"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."
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

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.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2019-10-31

Recall:
"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."
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

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.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2017-06-29

Recall:
"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,..."
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2018-01-09

Recall:
"mazda north america operations (mazda) is recalling certain 2012 cx-7, cx-9 and mazda6 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 included in "zone a" above, mazda is recalling certain 2009 cx-7, cx-9 and mazda6 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 included in "zone a" or "zone b" above, mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 cx-7 and cx-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode..."
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 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 17V-012.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > PASSENGER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2017-07-18

MAZDA Overall Complaint Ranking

This table shows the ranking of car manufacturers when it comes to most complaints and recalls. The manufacturer with the most complaints is at the top. However this doesn't necassarily mean they should be avoided. Some manufacturers might just have more popular or affordable cars which a lot of people have bought. Which means there's more scope for a complaint to be made. Use the ranking table below as a part your wider research into buying a car.

MAZDA ranks 16 out of 44 in the complaints ranking table.

Manufacturer Complaint Count Recall Count Ranking
FORD 208,358 3,259 1
CHEVROLET 111,306 2,082 2
TOYOTA 81,019 1,852 3
HONDA 61,937 1,268 4
NISSAN 56,226 930 5
DODGE 45,756 827 6
HYUNDAI 44,150 649 7
GMC 34,441 1,410 8
KIA 29,832 501 9
CHRYSLER 27,698 254 10
TESLA 26,230 730 11
BMW 24,890 1,877 12
VOLKSWAGEN 23,125 829 13
MERCEDES-BENZ 19,066 2,925 14
SUBARU 18,513 703 15
MAZDA 10,599 364 16
PONTIAC 10,430 138 17
CADILLAC 9,434 444 18
AUDI 7,865 1,093 19
BUICK 7,851 279 20
SATURN 7,672 84 21
MERCURY 7,374 135 22
LEXUS 6,373 408 23
LINCOLN 5,897 423 24
ACURA 5,722 382 25
MINI 5,585 366 26
INFINITI 4,000 187 27
MITSUBISHI 3,912 397 28
VOLVO 3,875 727 29
PORSCHE 2,646 1,231 30
SUZUKI 2,272 123 31
FIAT 2,205 80 32
SAAB 1,536 76 33
JAGUAR 1,195 198 34
SMART 528 17 35
GENESIS 436 42 36
ISUZU 249 37 37
ALFA ROMEO 161 37 38
MASERATI 76 46 39
BENTLEY 46 159 40
POLESTAR 42 2 41
LUCID 14 6 42
CODA 4 2 43
MAYBACH 0 0 44

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