The 2009 Mazda6 is a solid mid-size sedan with two distinct personalities: the 2.5L I4 is generally reliable, while the 3.7L V6 suffers from catastrophic engine failure due to a factory defect. Transmission issues affect both variants.
V6 Engine Self-Destruction (Oil Control Ring Failure)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 500-1000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup, Eventual loss of compression and complete engine failure, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Ford-sourced 3.7L V6 has defective piston oil control rings that wear prematurely, causing oil burning that leads to carbon buildup and eventually seized pistons. Only real fix is engine rebuild or replacement. 25-35 hours labor for removal, rebuild, and reinstall. Many owners discover this too late after engine seizes.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak at radiator connection, Sudden loss of transmission fluid, Transmission slipping or no movement, Pink fluid puddle under vehicle
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to radiator or at chassis mounting points, especially in salt states. Can dump all ATF quickly. Replace both lines preventatively. 2-3 hours labor if caught early. If driven empty, transmission replacement needed (18-22 hours).
Estimated cost: $350-600 for lines only, $3,200-4,800 if transmission damaged
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement during acceleration, Visible torn rubber on mount
Fix: Upper transmission mount (torque mount) tears and collapses, allowing excessive powertrain movement. OEM mounts fail prematurely. Upgrade to afterthought polyurethane recommended. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Failing alignment checks repeatedly
Fix: Rear bushings in front lower control arms separate and tear, causing alignment instability. NHTSA recall 14V-301 addressed some, but many fall outside VIN range. Replace entire control arms as bushings aren't serviced separately on most aftermarket parts. 2-3 hours per side plus alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-800 both sides
Power Steering Pump Whine and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining noise during turns, especially when cold, Groaning at full lock, Intermittent heavy steering, Power steering fluid leak at pump
Fix: Pump develops internal wear and begins cavitating. Noise often present for 20,000+ miles before failure. Flush system when replacing pump to remove metal debris. 2-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-700
Door Latch Mechanism Freezing/Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Door won't open from inside or outside, Door ajar light stays on, Double-pull needed to open door, Latch doesn't catch requiring door slam
Fix: Water intrusion into door latch assemblies causes internal corrosion and binding, especially in cold climates. Recall 15V-593 covered 2009-2013 but many still experience issues. Replace latch assembly, not just lubricate. 1.5-2 hours per door.
Estimated cost: $300-500 per door
Fuel Tank Evaporative Emissions Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0442 or P0456 codes, Fuel smell after filling tank, Failed emissions testing, Difficulty fueling (pump clicking off repeatedly)
Fix: Fuel tank pressure sensor and vent valve seal deterioration common. Also check filler neck o-ring and fuel cap first (cheap fixes). Tank drop required for sensor/valve replacement. 3-4 hours labor if tank work needed.
Estimated cost: $150-250 for cap/neck, $600-900 for tank sensor
Owner tips
If considering a V6 model, verify complete service history showing no oil consumption issues and walk away at first sign of oil burning—rebuild costs exceed vehicle value
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in rust-belt states and replace proactively around 80k miles
Use only Mazda ATF or equivalent FZ spec fluid—universal ATF causes shift issues in the 6-speed automatic
Check control arm bushings during every alignment—worn bushings make alignment impossible to hold
The 2.5L I4 models are dependable workhorses worth buying used; avoid the 3.7L V6 entirely due to widespread catastrophic engine failures.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V782000
2019-10-31 · EA15001
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: 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM · 18V631000
2018-09-14 · PE18006
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.
Consequence: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V018000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V457000
2017-07-18 · EA15001
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 Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V429000
2017-06-29 · EA15001
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: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 16V594000
2016-08-11 · PE15029
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.
Consequence: Failure of the ACU would illuminate the air bag warning light and prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 13V425000
2013-09-24 · PE13015
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.
Consequence: 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 motion increasing the risk of accident or injury.
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 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.
Consequence: AS THE CANISTER IS PURGED REPEATEDLY DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE STRESS ON THE FUEL TANK MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A CRACK, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LEAKAGE AD AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE.
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.
EQUIPMENT · 09E011000
2009-04-02
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · 09V043000
2009-02-04
MAZDA IS RECALLING 29,000 MY 2009 MAZDA6. THE OUTER DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK WHICH MAY PREVENT THE DOOR FROM LATCHING. THIS SITUATION MAY ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Consequence: DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE DOOR UNLATCHED COULD LEAD TO AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DOOR HANDLES AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
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