Owners have filed 80 complaints
about the 2013 Mazda CX-9 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-9. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 77
15% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 67
39% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
59.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
713.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1019.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1427.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
713.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
47.8%
150,000+ miles
35.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2013peak 4Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Mazda CX-9
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19006Opened 2 May 2019Closed 15 Jan 2021AIR BAGS
Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE19-006) on May 2, 2019 to investigate two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Early Warning Reporting data related to allegations of inadvertent deployment (IAD) of side curtain airbags in Model Year (MY) 2010 through 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Mazda North America Operations, LLC. to gather information about the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In the 20 months since opening the PE, ODI has received three additional VOQs. To date, there have been a total of 11 IAD i...
PE15022Opened 9 Jun 2015Closed 20 Aug 2015SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Lower ball joint separation
In an July 7,2015 letter to NHTSA, Mazda identified a safety defect that could result in lower ball joint separation in approximately 193,484 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 15V-451,Mazda 8515G).Mazda indicated that damage to the ball joint boot may allow water to enter the front suspension ball joint fitting during use which may result in premature ball joint wear and a progressively looser joint.In January 2014, Mazda implemented redesigned lower control arms in production vehicles to improve the durability of the lower ball joints.The redesign involve...
Recalls on the 2013 Mazda CX-9
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V717000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda 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 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 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 cer
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
18V018000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 th
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
16V203000
STEERING
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
15V451000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
Risk: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201858523,966 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This is an expansion of recall 2018-030.
Recall 201532310,600 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension ball joint could separate from the lower control arm due to corrosion caused by saltwater intrusion. This could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace lower control arm with an updated version.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesNewcomerstown, OHFire
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND MY MAZDA CX9 CAUGHT FIRE! I DIDN'T REALIZE IT SINCE IT WAS UNDER THE CAR AND THE CAR BESIDE INFORMED ME OF IT. THIS WAS DUE TO THE TRANSFER CASE ISSUES THAT MAZDA HAD TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THEM BECAUSE OF SO MANY ISSUES WITH THEM. THEY ARE COVERED FOR 90 THOUSAND MILES OR 7 YEARS. MY TRANSFER CASE WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE AND DO TO ISSUES AND NOW SINCE MY CAR IS PAST THE 7 YEARS BUT ONLY HAS 60 THOUSAND MILES THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR IT. EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSFER CASE THEY REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO SHOULD STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SITUATION COULD OF BEEN A LOT WORSE AND THANK GOODNESS MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME.
NHTSA complaint #11316715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesPhoenix, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
A TRUCK SWERVED INTO MY LANE AND I TRIED TO BRAKE. THE PEDAL DIDN'T IMMEDIATELY DEPRESS SO I HAD TO SERVE. JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A SIGN. MORE THAN $11,000 OF DAMAGE. THE BRAKE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS QUICKLY.
NHTSA complaint #10885005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHarahan, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE COMING DOWN A RAMP IN A PARKING GARAGE, CAUSING ME TO STRIKE POLE IN GARAGE, OR WOULD HAVE CAREENED OVER 6TH FL RAILING DOWN 6 STORIES TO STREET. VEHICLE IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #10781545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
North Charleston, SC
ENGINE
Engine throwing a code after dying at intersection. Found that it isa known issue for this vehicle and repair costs are astronomical. Diagnostic Summary: 2013 Mazda CX-9 (3.7L V6)Issue: Faulty Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Code P0016)Current Mileage: ~160,000 miles Reported Symptoms: Extended cranking (long start), rattle upon startup, and rattle under light acceleration. The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is KNOWN for a serious issue where the internal water pump fails, allowing coolant to leak into the oil, which causes timing chain failure and potential engine destruction. I wish I knew this years ago...
NHTSA complaint #11731017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesAtlanta, GA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact had not received documentation of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesAtlanta, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact had not received documentation of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FLCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rowlett, TX
AIR BAGS
Niece was driving home from college on July 24, 2024 around 7:30 PM. She heard a pop when she was 1 mile away from the house. Side airbags exploded on passenger and driver side for no reason. She called me. We drove the car home since it was less than 1 mile away. No injuries. A couple of days later took to body shop to assess damage.
NHTSA complaint #11611055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
The engine in my Mazda blew with no warning. I got in my car after warming it up and noticed my check engine light on, which wasn’t unusual because it has came on before with a loose gas gap warning, so I put it in gear and drove less than 50 ft before it started making noises. I immediately turned around and came straight home and turned the car off. It started up and all but wouldn’t hold power. I got multiple opinions and no one could tell me why it my engine gave out with no warning. It was current with oil changes and all. I did purchase it used from Beardmore and didn’t have it for a full 2years.
NHTSA complaint #11511035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, NM
ENGINE
Water pump is cracked and leaking through weep hole, to no fault of the driver. The vehicle has over 214k miles on it and the mechanic informed us that this is common in this vehicle of this age with that many miles on it. Luckily we caught it before the leaky coolant mixed in with the engine oil and caused the engine to seize up, which after doing my research I'm realizing is a common issue with this make and model of vehicle. No mechanic in our town will fix it since the entire engine has to be taken out in order to get to the water pump. It's just too risky apparently. The only reason I'm reporting is because after doing my research I've found that water pumps breaking is a common issue with 2013 Mazda CX-9s.
NHTSA complaint #11502039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NC
ENGINE
Car began shuddering/shaking and check engine light went on. Booked appointment at Mazda dealer. Upon inspection they found a significant amount of coolant had leaked into engine and timing was jumping. Was advised it should not be driven as the engine could freeze at any moment without warning. The technician provided a video inspection of car showing large amount of coolant inside car's engine. An oil change had been performed less then 2 months earlier (5/19/2022) and no issues were noted.
NHTSA complaint #11473807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beech Mountain, NC
ENGINE
I was sitting in the car rider line and my engine started making this loud noise. I looked down at the temperature gage and it started over heating. I went to go pull it over and I noticed that the check engine light came on that's when I was turning in the parking place the engine stalled and i turned the car off. I took it to a local shop and he told me that I need a new engine, because apparently whoever made the car decided it was a grand idea to put the water pump in with the engine. A engine cost about $4,000. Because the water pump is in with the engine it costs about the same as replacing the engine. Thank god I was driving down the main road whenever it happened because me and my daughter could have gotten hurt. Insurance won't pay for it. I don't know how I am going to pay for it.
NHTSA complaint #11466604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PA
ENGINE
Headed out to the store and engine was running rough and CEL was on. Thought it was bad gas because I just put a few dollars in. Added gas treatment and topped off tank and continued to store. Stopped at Advanced Auto near the grocery store so they could pull the code. It was a P0016 - cam position sensor. If that was bad it would explain rough idle. Leaving to come home engine was a bit rougher and realized there was no heat blowing. Only 4 miles from home so kept driving figuring thermostat was broke but was concerned 2 things bad at once. About a mile up the street complete loss of engine power, power everything was on. Had no power steering or brakes. Managed to coast into a parking lot. Shut off engine, and waited. Restarted engine, notice temp gauge starting to go higher - pulled back onto street but again lost power steering and brakes. Managed to pull into parking log of auto repair shop and left vehicle there. Contacted Mazda next day - they agreed it was mostly the water pump failure and could possible fix it. Arranged for tow later in the week. Mazda inspected and said they could not repair. Needs new engine $5000-6000.
NHTSA complaint #11451430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Narragansett, RI
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes failed while driving. Mazda dealer did not fix this known defect under recall SSP93
NHTSA complaint #11437888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coatesville, PA
POWER TRAIN
Trans seems to slip going in and out of 4th gear. Just bought this car 3 days ago and it has been a consistent problem that didn't start until an hour after the purchase once it warmed up. Looks like it's the transfer case, this suv only has 106k on it ! This is absolutely ridiculous, Mazda needs to offer a recall for this issue so those who have the issue don't have to fork out MORE money for an issue that Mazda is well aware of with their vehicles
NHTSA complaint #11432651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
I turned in to a parking lot, as I went over a speed bump, the side curtain air bags randomly deployed. Luckily, I was going very slow and was not injured. Had I been on the road I woudl not have been able to see and it could have been very dangerous. The car is at the Mazda service center and they have yet to let us know what is going to happen, if it can be repaired or what they plan to do.
NHTSA complaint #11423422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sapulpa, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The water pump went out with no notice or warning, flushed all the coolant/water into the engine and failed. Over a $2K repair for a known engine defect with active lawsuits out. A Mazda water pump lawsuit alleges 2007-2016 Mazda CX-9 and 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles are equipped with pumps that suddenly fail and cause catastrophic engine failures. The proposed class action lawsuit alleges the vehicles lose engine power and fail to accelerate and maintain speed. The vehicles also allegedly can't readily control steering and cannot fully engage the brakes. The plaintiffs claim the vehicles are at risk of serious crashes because Mazda has failed to disclose the alleged water pump defects. Please investigate for a recall asap!
NHTSA complaint #11423136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sapulpa, OK
ENGINE
The water pump went out with no notice or warning, flushed all the coolant/water into the engine and failed. Over a $2K repair for a known engine defect with active lawsuits out. A Mazda water pump lawsuit alleges 2007-2016 Mazda CX-9 and 2009-2013 Mazda6 vehicles are equipped with pumps that suddenly fail and cause catastrophic engine failures. The proposed class action lawsuit alleges the vehicles lose engine power and fail to accelerate and maintain speed. The vehicles also allegedly can't readily control steering and cannot fully engage the brakes. The plaintiffs claim the vehicles are at risk of serious crashes because Mazda has failed to disclose the alleged water pump defects. Please investigate for a recall asap!
NHTSA complaint #11423136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Rafael, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WATER PUMP FAILED AND IMPACTED MY ENGINE AS WELL. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR IN AS WELL 10/20/2020 NO MENTION OF THIS ISSUE. BEGINNING IN 2007 AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE 2016 MODEL YEAR, MAZDA HAS INCORPORATED ITS MZI CYCLONE ENGINE (THE 'CYCLONE ENGINE') INTO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES, WHICH INCLUDE THE CX-9 FOR MODEL YEARS 2007 THROUGH 2016 AND THE MAZDA 6 FOR MODEL YEARS 2009 THROUGH 2013. THE CYCLONE ENGINE CONTAINS AN INTERNAL CHAIN-DRIVEN WATER PUMP, WHICH MEANS THE TIMING CHAIN IS CONNECTED TO THE WATER PUMP AND PROVIDES THE POWER THE WATER PUMP NEEDS TO CIRCULATE COOLANT THROUGH THE ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE CHAIN-DRIVEN WATER PUMP IS LOCATED INTERNAL TO THE CYCLONE ENGINE, BEHIND NUMEROUS ENGINE COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE TIMING CHAIN COVER. UNBEKNOWNST TO PURCHASERS AND LESSEES OF THESE VEHICLES, THE CYCLONE ENGINE CONTAINS A DEFECT IN DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, MATERIALS AND/OR WORKMANSHIP THAT CAUSES THE WATER PUMP TO SUDDENLY AND PREMATURELY FAIL WELL-BEFORE THE END OF THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE ENGINE, WHICH LEADS TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OR A COSTLY REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE WATER PUMP'S INACCESSIBLE PLACEMENT IN THE ENGINE. WHEN THE WATER PUMP PREMATURELY FAILS WITHOUT WARNING, COOLANT IS ABLE TO LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP INTO THE OIL PAN AND/OR OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS, ALLOWING IT TO MIX WITH THE ENGINE'S OIL. THE MIXTURE OF ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT CIRCULATES THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE, LEADING TO DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. DESPITE HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT, MAZDA CONTINUED SELLING DEFECTIVE VEHICLES, FAILED TO DISCLOSE THE DEFECT TO OWNERS AND LESSEES, HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, AND HAS NOT REMEDIED THE ISSUE AND/OR COMPENSATED OWNERS AND LESSEES OF THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11413454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Rafael, CA
ENGINE
WATER PUMP FAILED AND IMPACTED MY ENGINE AS WELL. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR IN AS WELL 10/20/2020 NO MENTION OF THIS ISSUE. BEGINNING IN 2007 AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE 2016 MODEL YEAR, MAZDA HAS INCORPORATED ITS MZI CYCLONE ENGINE (THE 'CYCLONE ENGINE') INTO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES, WHICH INCLUDE THE CX-9 FOR MODEL YEARS 2007 THROUGH 2016 AND THE MAZDA 6 FOR MODEL YEARS 2009 THROUGH 2013. THE CYCLONE ENGINE CONTAINS AN INTERNAL CHAIN-DRIVEN WATER PUMP, WHICH MEANS THE TIMING CHAIN IS CONNECTED TO THE WATER PUMP AND PROVIDES THE POWER THE WATER PUMP NEEDS TO CIRCULATE COOLANT THROUGH THE ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE CHAIN-DRIVEN WATER PUMP IS LOCATED INTERNAL TO THE CYCLONE ENGINE, BEHIND NUMEROUS ENGINE COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE TIMING CHAIN COVER. UNBEKNOWNST TO PURCHASERS AND LESSEES OF THESE VEHICLES, THE CYCLONE ENGINE CONTAINS A DEFECT IN DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, MATERIALS AND/OR WORKMANSHIP THAT CAUSES THE WATER PUMP TO SUDDENLY AND PREMATURELY FAIL WELL-BEFORE THE END OF THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE ENGINE, WHICH LEADS TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OR A COSTLY REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE WATER PUMP'S INACCESSIBLE PLACEMENT IN THE ENGINE. WHEN THE WATER PUMP PREMATURELY FAILS WITHOUT WARNING, COOLANT IS ABLE TO LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP INTO THE OIL PAN AND/OR OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS, ALLOWING IT TO MIX WITH THE ENGINE'S OIL. THE MIXTURE OF ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT CIRCULATES THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE, LEADING TO DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. DESPITE HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT, MAZDA CONTINUED SELLING DEFECTIVE VEHICLES, FAILED TO DISCLOSE THE DEFECT TO OWNERS AND LESSEES, HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, AND HAS NOT REMEDIED THE ISSUE AND/OR COMPENSATED OWNERS AND LESSEES OF THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11413454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWaban, MA
ENGINE
THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BREAKING SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD GONE ON A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR HAD THIS INCIDENT. WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE ON THE BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY TOLD ME A 'WATER LINE HAD BROKE RESULTING IN THE ENGINE BECOMING SUDDENLY FILLED WITH COOLANT'.
NHTSA complaint #11403483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING TO GET A CUP OF COFFEE, I WAS PULLING OUT AND DRIVING THROUGH THE COMPLEX WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FROM NOWHERE, THE AIRBAGS WERE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. AT THE TIME OF THE DEPLOYMENT T MY CAR WAS STATIONARY, I WAS SITTING WITH MY LEFT BLINKER ON READY TO TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11390465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE RADIATOR FAILED INTERNALLY WITH NO WARNING, NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING, MIXING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE OIL AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. MY MACHINE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY OF ME KNOWING THIS WAS HAPPENING AND ITS FAULTY THE WAY THEY MAKE THE RADIATOR IT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. NOW MY RADIATOR IS BAD AND MY ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY A NOISE STARTED THEN POWER WENT AND PULLED OVER AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. NO WARNING NOTHING. NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT PRIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11383969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
ENGINE
THE RADIATOR FAILED INTERNALLY WITH NO WARNING, NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING, MIXING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE OIL AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. MY MACHINE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY OF ME KNOWING THIS WAS HAPPENING AND ITS FAULTY THE WAY THEY MAKE THE RADIATOR IT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. NOW MY RADIATOR IS BAD AND MY ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY A NOISE STARTED THEN POWER WENT AND PULLED OVER AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. NO WARNING NOTHING. NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT PRIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11383969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesNorthbrook, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE BECAME VERY STIFF AND MADE A HISSING SOUND WHEN APPLIED WHILE DRIVING. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I BROUGHT THE CAR AND THEY BOTH CONFIRMED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THAT THE HISSING SOUND WAS LEAKAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11349740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesBeaver, PA
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT MY CX-9 NEW IN 2013, CAR NOW HAS 102,000 MILES. CAR STARTED TO SHUTTER WHEN GETTING OFF THE EXIT FROM A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED WITH THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT. PICTURE INDICATES HEAVY SPLINE WEAR AND CORROSION. TRANSMISSION SPLINE ALSO HAS CORROSION AND WEAR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE'S NO MAINTENANCE REQUIRED BY MAZDA FOR THE PTU OR THE TRANSMISSION. MAZDA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON BOTH THE PTU AND THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MAZDA AND DISCUSSED ON MANY INTERNET FORUMS.
NHTSA complaint #11338892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.