Mazda North American Operations filed a Part 573 with NHTSA regarding a safety concern with certain Model Year 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 vehicles. In some of the affected vehicles, due to suspected insufficient paint coating on the front cross member, continuous use in “salt states” may cause corrosion of the cross member. When the corrosion progresses over time, the rigidity of the mounting point at the passenger side of the lower control arm may deteriorate, and the steering alignment may change.
Passing over a pothole during high speed driving with the subject condition may result in breakage of the cross member and reduced steering control, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
No crashes or injuries related to the subject condition have been reported to date.
Salt states include: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Approximately 48,814 vehicles are affected:
- 2009MY Mazda Mazda6: 22,544 vehicles
- 2010MY Mazda Mazda6: 26,270 vehicles
