Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Mazda Mazda5 suspension problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
When does it fail?
Of the 18 suspension complaints filed for the 2006 Mazda Mazda5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Mazda Mazda5 we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 18.
Suspension accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Mazda5 shows a clear pattern of premature inner-edge tire wear affecting multiple vehicles. Owners report tires wearing to bare wire on the inside while the outside tread looks new, forcing tire replacement every year or less—some as frequently as every 5,000–7,000 miles. Despite regular rotation, balance, and dealer alignment checks that come back "in spec," the wear continues. At least two owners experienced highway blowouts caused by the inner wear.
Owners observe the rear tires visibly leaning inward at the top, suggesting a negative camber issue, yet dealers refuse warranty repair. One owner reports needing an aftermarket camber kit to fix it.
Suspension noises—creaking, knocking, and rubbing—plague these vehicles. One owner had sway bar bushings lubricated and replaced multiple times, only to have the noise return. Another owner had lower control arms replaced five times without permanent fix, raising safety concerns.
Shock absorbers fail repeatedly. One owner reports this was the third set by 62,000 miles; a dealer noted Mazda redesigned the shocks because the issue is common. Front struts leak and fail early. Wheel bearings also wear out prematurely, causing additional tire damage.
Mazda has not recalled the 2006 Mazda5 for these defects despite multiple owner complaints spanning 2006–2011 models. The company declined to release complaint data or offer assistance beyond recommending dealer service.
Same Mazda Mazda5 suspension reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Premature tire wear - inner edge/inside wall
Tires wear excessively on the inside edge or inner shoulder, often progressing to bare wire and blowout risk. Wear occurs despite regular rotation, balance, and alignment service. The inside tread wears down while outer tread appears serviceable. Multiple owners report replacing tires every 1-2 years.
When: Observed between 5,000 and 26,000 miles per set; first sets failing as early as 18,000-26,000 miles on original vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Inner edge tire wear; Cupping and uneven wear pattern; Inside tread worn to bare wire while outside tread appears good; Tire blowouts on highway; Noise from tires after reaching 17,000+ miles
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement; multiple owners cite costs of $618+ per set and having replaced 4-5 sets within 2-3 years of ownership. Some owners told aftermarket camber kits needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda Customer Service denied any suspension defect reports or recalls. Dealer alignment checks reported 'in spec.' Mazda attributed issue to driving habits.
Negative camber / suspension alignment issue
Rear tires visibly tilt inward at the top when viewed from behind the vehicle. Alignment checks show readings within spec yet excessive inner tire wear persists. Root cause appears to be factory camber setting that causes abnormal tire loading.
When: Observed on vehicles with 23,000-26,000 miles; present early in vehicle life.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tires lean in at the top; Visible negative camber angle; Poor handling characteristics; Severe inside shoulder wear on rear tires
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report needing aftermarket camber kits to correct the issue. Dealer declined warranty repair on at least one vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealer refused to repair or align vehicle under warranty despite owner presentation of the problem.
Front strut/shock absorber failure and leaking
Front struts leak fluid and fail prematurely. One owner had to replace front struts at low mileage; another reported strut leaks at 18,000 miles.
When: Front struts leaking reported at 18,000 miles; replacement at low mileage in 2008.
Symptoms owners cite: Strut fluid leaks; Premature strut failure
Repairs/costs cited: Front strut replacement performed by dealer.
Shock absorber failure and noise (rear)
Rear shocks fail and produce noise. One owner reported this was the third set of shocks to break at 62,000 miles. Dealer stated Mazda redesigned the shocks and sees the issue frequently. Parts were on back order due to high replacement demand.
When: At 62,000 miles; parts on back order at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Noise in rear of vehicle; Repeated shock failures
Repairs/costs cited: Shock replacement; Mazda covered most of the cost via dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda redesigned the shocks; dealer confirmed seeing this issue frequently.
Sway bar and stabilizer bushing noise and failure
Sway bar and stabilizer bushings generate rubbing, creaking, and knocking noises. Issue recurs after dealer repairs.
When: Early in ownership; creaking returned in 2007 after initial lubrication; knocking returned repeatedly into 2008.
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing noise in suspension; Creaking from suspension; Knocking from front and rear suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Lubrication attempted; stabilizer bushings replaced on multiple occasions (front and rear). Problem recurred within months despite repairs.
Lower control arm failure and repeated replacement
Lower control arms require replacement, and failures recur. One owner had control arms replaced five times without permanent repair, creating crash risk concern.
When: Starting at 24,528 miles; continuing through at least 50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Control arm failure
Repairs/costs cited: Lower control arms replaced multiple times (five replacements on one vehicle). Dealer unable to permanently resolve the issue.
Wheel bearing failure and excessive tire wear
Front wheel bearings fail prematurely and cause excessive inside tire wear. Bearings failed approximately one year after dealer installation and caused tire damage.
When: Approximately 1 year / 12,000 miles after dealer service.
Symptoms owners cite: Bearing failure; Excessive inside tire wear; Noise possibly interpreted as bad bearings
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearing replacement by dealer; excessive tire wear required tire replacement to pass inspection.
Rear suspension damper/shock stud failure
Right rear stud holding the damper cracked and failed, requiring removal and welding of a new stud. Problem occurred in January 2008 during a series of suspension repairs.
When: January 2008, after multiple prior suspension repairs in 2007.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear damper stud failure
Repairs/costs cited: Failed stud burned out and new stud welded on.
Underbody underguard hardware failure
Underguard mounting screws fell out and underguard came loose, requiring replacement. Issue recurred even after initial repair.
When: July 2008 and October 2008 (recurring).
Symptoms owners cite: Underguard screws falling out; Underguard coming off or loose
Repairs/costs cited: $180 for new underguard; issue recurred requiring further attention.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The 2006 mazda5 causes excessive wear on tires quite frequently. I purchased my mazda5 new in august 2006, and since then, I've had to purchase 2 sets of tires for this car due to the tires wearing on the inside edge. The 2nd set of tires that were replaced were so bad, that the service person at the dealership recommend that I do not drive the car off the lot because the tires hard worn so…
I have a 2006 Mazda 5. I have gone through 4 sets of tires because they wear on the inside. I am about to replace my 5th set. This is a very costly issue and needs to be addressed. Mazda says its driving habits that is causing this, I drive mostly highway miles. *tr
Tires-premature wear. Tires become cupped. I have driven the vehicle for 26,000 miles and had to replace all tires at 21,000 due to noise. Problem was first reported at 17,000 miles. I have 5,000 on the new tires and the noise is back. Noise sounds just like bad bearings. Dealer said there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and can not explain the reason for the abnormal tire wear. *jb
I bought a 2006 Mazda 5 in july 2007, in november had to buy all new tires($618). In may, had a flat. In july 2008 , the under guard screws fell out and had to pay $180 for a new guard, and the front struts were leaking. September2008 rotated the tires because of the noise,which made the noises worse. The tires had uneven wear and cupping. Also, in september 2008, compressor and clutch failed…
Just took ownership of a 2006 mazda5 touring from my brother-in-law. He just replaced the tires recently due to excessive tire wear on the inside wall. If you look from the back of the car, the tires are tilted in at the top. Tire store says according to Mazda, the alignment are in spec. I checked the forums and found multiple owners with the same problem and to fix it, they have to install…
I recently noticed severe wear on the inside shoulders of both rear tires on my 2006 Mazda 5. Looking from the rear of the vehicle, the rear tires appear to lean in at the top. I believe the failure of the tires to correctly contact the road contributes to poor handling, and the severe tire wear will lead to unexpected blow-outs. The vehicle was purchased in nov. 2005 and currently has 23,000…
Car has barely 18,000 miles and needs new shocks already. Dealer is covering under warranty but worried about safety of the car and what next? *tr
Had suspension trouble with your 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2006 Mazda Mazda5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 18,000 and 56,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 56,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Mazda/Mazda5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.