32 of the
1,827 complaints filed about the Mazda CX-9
are about the body and structure —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
I am reporting a safety concern involving multiple loose windshield header bolts and cowl panel fasteners on my 2022 Mazda CX-9. The issue was discovered on 1/28/26 at approximately 44,000 miles. Several bolts securing the windshield header and cowl panel area were found loose. These components support parts located at the base of the windshield. Loose fasteners in this area raise concern about potential windshield instability, movement of the cowl panel, and possible detachment or structural compromise over time. This condition could create a safety risk, particularly at highway speeds, including driver distraction from vibration or noise, potential windshield instability, and possible failure of components mounted near the base of the windshield. The Mazda dealer is aware of this issue. I was informed that they have repaired at least 15 similar vehicles, including those associated with a Roman Service member, indicating a possible pattern. Despite this, Mazda did not cover the repair cost. Given that multiple bolts were improperly secured and that the dealer has seen numerous similar cases, this appears to be a potential manufacturing or assembly defect affecting multiple vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for possible investigation and recall consideration.
NHTSA complaint #11717618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a potential safety issue with my 2022 Mazda CX-9, which is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle under limited warranty until March 2026 and powertrain warranty until March 2029. It has 36,000 miles on it. Recently, I noticed a crack forming near the front combination light on the front bumper. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident, collision, or external impact. Upon researching, I found TSB Bulletin No.: 09-022/20, titled FRONT BUMPER CRACKED NEAR THE FRONT FENDER/FRONT COMBINATION LIGHT, which addresses similar cracks in 2016–2019 CX-9 models (VINs lower than JM3TC******306028). Although my vehicle falls outside the bulletin’s specified range, the crack appears identical in location and nature—suggesting a possible design or material stress issue that may extend beyond the listed VINs. When I brought this to the dealership’s attention, they declined coverage under warranty, citing the TSB’s limited applicability. Mazda corporate echoed the same response. I find this deeply concerning. Why is this issue being dismissed based solely on VIN range, without a proper inspection or consideration of safety implications? The crack is adjacent to lighting components and could compromise structural integrity. This is not a cosmetic flaw—it’s a potential safety hazard. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and help facilitate a resolution, including repair or replacement of the bumper. It is disappointing that safety concerns are being overlooked in favor of technical exclusions and cost considerations. I urge NHTSA to consider expanding the scope of investigation to include newer CX-9 models not currently covered by the TSB. Importantly, I’ve seen many other CX-9 owners reporting similar bumper cracks in vehicles outside the TSB VIN range, particularly in Facebook owner groups. This suggests the issue may be more widespread than currently acknowledged and deserves broader attention.
NHTSA complaint #11683485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the contact lost control of the vehicle, and the front driver's side suspension lowered to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the subframe was severely rusted, causing the control arm to detach. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Automated liftgate failure with risk of crushing. When pressing the automatic liftgate button, if there is an obstruction, the liftgate has unreliable/ineffective sensors ("jam-safe equipment") to prevent items and body parts from being crushed. In my instance, items in the trunk were crushed until the fuse blew for the liftgate. I believe this could have caused serious harm if a body part was accidentally wedged between the liftgate and preventing it from closing. **The fuse has been replaced and liftgate is now operational. It is available for inspection upon request. **Upon inquiring with Mazda, the dealer stated that "Mazda does not publish any data pertaining to your question “what strength of resistance is the specification for the Jam-safe equipment”. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Liftgate automatic closure fails to sense items/body parts in pathway or stop upon contact/resistance, crushing them until fuse blows. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Fuse was replaced and dealer indicated it was operating normally, however Mazda allegedly has NO TEST / SPECIFICATION for Jam-Safe equipment! Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Mazda dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? **No.
NHTSA complaint #11562994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side rear wheel well trim molding detached. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the wheel well trim molding would be replaced. The parts were not yet available and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,820.
NHTSA complaint #11485742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine Coolant Leaking from rear of engine near Exhaust / turbocharger at Cylinder Head. No Warning Lights indicating problem until coolant level low causing overheating and fire risk. Rear Brakes not releasing completely from "City Mode" where brakes are kept close to rotor "to increase braking response in City driving" - causes premature brake wear, warped brake rotors (reoccurs within 10K miles from new / replaced rotors) Front Bumper Fascia keeps coming loose at clips near headlights on both Driver and passenger side. Had replaced at dealership 3 times, but continues. Bumper coming loose and can obstruct headlights while moving around at highway speeds
NHTSA complaint #11480443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the rear wheel trim piece went flying off and struck the car behind. Noting was loose, showed signs or issues beforehand and nothing was struck on the road. Online searching has shown this is an issue others have experienced.
NHTSA complaint #11469829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have noticed cracks on both sides of the front bumper on my 2016 Mazda CX-9. Mazda has issued a TSB 09-022-20-3720, however, the cracks recently appeared and my car is no longer under the manufacturer's warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11468688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BODY PAINT IS VERY THIN AND IS CHIPPING. WHEELS COATING IS PEELING OFF AND CHIPPING. AND THE SEAT HEATERS ARE VERY HOT, ALMOST BURNING EVEN ON THE LOWEST SETTING.
NHTSA complaint #11299462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH MINIMAL SLOPE, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND EXITED. DRIVER PROCEEDED TO REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO RETRIEVE 1 YEAR OLD FROM CAR SEAT. AFTER RETRIEVING CHILD FROM CAR SEAT, DRIVER FELT REAR PASSENGER DOOR PUSHING INTO HER LEG, BACK AND HEAD. VEHICLE PROCEEDS TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY BACKWARD WHILE IN PARK. DRIVER AND CHILD ESCAPE VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, WHICH IS PUSHING THEM ALONG IN THE VEHICLE'S PATH TOWARD RESIDENTIAL STREET. VEHICLE CONTINUES ROLLING IN PARK BACKWARD DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET, THROUGH A 3-WAY STOP INTERSECTION, UP A CURB, THROUGH A YARD AND INTO A BUSH ON A PRIVATE PROPERTY. A WITNESS WHO HELPED RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER NOTED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK WHEN HE TRIED TO REMOVE IT FROM THE BUSH. NO ONE WAS SEVERELY INJURED BUT DRIVER HAS SUSTAINED BRUISING ON LEG AND SEVERE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.
NHTSA complaint #11268666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ALL OF THE HINDGES ON THE DOORS MAKES A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU OPEN EACH DOOR TO ENTER THE VEHICLE I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OFF WHAT I MEAN IS THE DOORS THE SOUND IS VERY ANNOYING AND EMBARRASSING PLEASE HELP .
NHTSA complaint #11191694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS T-BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MAZDA CX9 AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK ON MY MAZDA.OTHER VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID GO OFF.I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN OTHER CAR PLOWED INTO MINE.
NHTSA complaint #11149815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE TOOK OUR 2010 CX-9 WITH 99,000 MILES THE MAZDA DEALER IN UNION NJ BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE CAR AND WERE TOLD THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS ROTTED OUT AND IS DESTROYING THE REAR DIFF MOUNTING BOLTS. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS ALSO ROTTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IF WE GO OVER A POT HOLE, THE WHOLE UNDERCARRIAGE OF CAR CAN FALL OUT. THIS CAR WAS NOT KEPT AT THE BEACH AND WELL MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #11129881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN I USE MY REMOTE TO OPEN MY LIFTGATE IT GOES UP 3/4 WAY AND JUST DROPS. I WAS GETTING GROCERIES OUT OF MY TRUNK AREA AND HAD TO MOVE QUICKLY AS IT SUDDENLY CAME DOWN. AFTER CALLING MAZDA I WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL BUT MY CAR VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT SEEMS THE SAME INCIDENT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON OTHER MAZDA VEHICLES. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF AND PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #10940185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE OWN MY 2010 CX-9 SINCE NEW, AT 96K MILES THE BOLT MOUNT FOR THE HATCH BACK POWER LIFT RIPPED OUT OF THE SHEET METAL OF THE HATCH WITH A PIECE OF METAL AND BOLT FLYING. I USE THE CAR ONLY FOR PRIVATE USE AND NO HEAVY DUTY USAGE. BOLT LOOKED RUSTED (SORRY I THROUGH IT AWAY). THE MAZDA DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT IS A VERY UNCOMMON OCCURRENCE, AND THAT IS NOT COVERED BY MAZDA. I SEE IN BLOGS THAT IT IS NOT THAT UNCOMMON. THE BOLT AND METAL BREAKING MAY CAUSE GLASS BREAKAGE OR DAMAGE TO SOMEONE WHILE THE DOOR IS BEING OPENED. SEE: HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/12710/MAZDA/CX-9/MAZDA-CX-9-POWER-LIFT-GATE-PROBLEM HTTP://WWW.MAZDAS247.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?123815687-CX9-POWER-TAILGATE-ISSUES
NHTSA complaint #10897775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.