Recall 18V631 affects 50,176 2009-2010 Mazda MAZDA6 vehicles for front cross member corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 50,176 2009-2010 MAZDA6 vehicles sold or registered in road-salt states because the front cross member can corrode. Corrosion can weaken the passenger-side lower control arm mount, unexpectedly change steering alignment, and increase crash risk; the Mazda dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The front cross member on the 2009-2010 Mazda MAZDA6 is a structural support under the front of the car. It gives the front suspension and control arms a solid mounting point, so the front wheels stay in the correct position while the car steers, brakes, and travels over bumps.
On affected MAZDA6 vehicles, the front cross member is exposed to road salt in the listed salt states. Salt and moisture attack the metal over time, and the cross member can corrode. Mazda identified the recalled parts as cross members manufactured by Cosma International, and said the root cause was still under investigation in the filing.
There is no warning sign before failure. Corrosion under the vehicle is not always obvious from the driver's seat, so an owner can feel normal steering or ride quality until the weakened part is found during inspection or repair.
Who's affected?
The same recall lists two component areas for each model year: the body or structural component and the front control arm.
| 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 | control arm |
| 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 | body or structural component |
| 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 | control arm |
| Units affected | 50,176 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
Corrosion can weaken the passenger side lower control arm mounting point. If the steering alignment changes unexpectedly, the vehicle can respond differently and crash risk increases. Schedule the recall inspection soon and drive cautiously until the work is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Mazda MAZDA6 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Mazda's owner notice if you have not received one, and keep your current address on file with Mazda.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask whether the free front cross member inspection and rust-protection repair is ready for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 18V631 when you call, and ask the dealer to inspect for corrosion that can weaken the passenger-side lower control arm mounting point.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda sent one, and describe any steering alignment change or front suspension concern before the inspection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician inspects the front cross member for corrosion. Depending on what the inspection finds, the technician installs a side member and drain hose and applies protective wax, or installs a drain hose and an improved front cross member. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and Mazda identifies this repair as recall 2818I.
Timeline
| September 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 18, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V631?
Recall 18V631 covers 50,176 2009-2010 Mazda MAZDA6 vehicles sold or ever registered in specified road-salt states and the District of Columbia. The front cross member can corrode, weaken the passenger-side lower control arm mounting point, change steering alignment, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Mazda MAZDA6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific MAZDA6 is included in recall 18V631. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer and reference recall number 18V631. The dealer will inspect the front cross member and complete the required rust-protection or replacement repair for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Mazda dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge. The remedy includes inspecting the front cross member, then installing the required drain hose, side member, rust-protection wax, or improved front cross member based on the inspection result.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a steering alignment change from corrosion at the front cross member. If corrosion weakens the passenger-side lower control arm mounting point, the vehicle's steering alignment can change unexpectedly and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Mazda MAZDA6 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your MAZDA6 is included, especially if it was ever registered in one of the affected road-salt states or the District of Columbia.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V631000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V631 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V631000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →