Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Mazda MAZDA6
The 2009 Mazda Mazda6 has significant recall issues related to airbag inflators and front suspension control arms, particularly in areas with high humidity or cold climates. It also has multiple complaints regarding structural integrity and airbags, potentially impacting safety and reliability. Verify these areas during inspection to ensure a sound purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 386 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V782000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V631000 Road Salt Causing Corrosion of Cross Member NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V018000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V457000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V429000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V594000 Air Bag Control Unit may Fail due to Moisture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V425000 Door Latch Mounting Screws may Loosen NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V134000 FUEL TANK PRESSURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E011000 AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V043000 DOOR HANDLE STUCK NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 123 complaints
- Suspension 76 complaints
- Air Bags 75 complaints
- Unknown or Other 57 complaints
- Steering 36 complaints
- Electrical System 32 complaints
Of the 386 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 386 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Exploding airbag inflators
How to check: Check recall status and airbag warning lights on dashboard.
Control arm rust or failure
How to check: Inspect control arms for rust, especially if from cold states.
Outer door handles may stick
How to check: Test all doors for smooth latch and release.
Loose door latch screws
How to check: Open and close doors; ensure secure latching.
Fuel line block by spider webs
How to check: Smell for fuel odors and check tank area for leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine or suspension.
Red flag: Loud ticking or knocking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights or messages.
Red flag: Airbag or engine warning lights on.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Assess brake responsiveness and pedal feel.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or delayed response.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor steering stability and vibrations.
Red flag: Steering pull or heavy vibrations.
- 05
Sharp turns
What to check: Listen for clunking sounds from suspension.
Red flag: Noticeable clunking or grinding.
- 06
Final idle
What to check: Check for overheating signs or strange smells.
Red flag: Engine smells or fluid leaks.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag inflator recall been addressed?
- Any issues with door latches recently?
- Has the suspension been inspected for rust?
- Do you have records of all recalls being serviced?
- Has the car been in any accidents?
- How often was the car serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recalls repair receipts
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Emissions test certification
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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