120 of the 1,827 complaints filed about the Mazda CX-9 are about the other systems — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.
120
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .
NHTSA complaint #11758684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On February 9, 2026, our 2023 Mazda CX‑9 experienced a sudden and complete system malfunction while being driven. Multiple system failures began approximately six minutes before the crash. During this time, the driver reported: • Total loss of steering • Complete brake failure • No response to acceleration or driver input • No ability to slow, stop, or maneuver the vehicle • No meaningful warnings that allowed corrective action The vehicle became completely uncontrollable. At the crash site, there were no skid marks, no braking evidence, and no signs of evasive action, consistent with a full loss of vehicle control. The vehicle only stopped after entering approximately two feet of water and striking a tree. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident represents a severe safety defect involving critical electronic and mechanical systems. A modern vehicle should not lose all steering, braking, and control functions under any circumstances. We are requesting a full investigation into the cause of this failure and whether similar incidents have occurred in other Mazda vehicles. We can provide photos, crash documentation, diagnostic information, and driver statements upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11717365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The information screen is getting 'spider cracks" spreading across the face and turning opaque making the information unreadable. Mazda is apparently aware of this defect and issued a TSB for earlier models. Dealers were unhelpful and quoted $1000 - $3000 to repair depending on the VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11714995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mazda has a current service alert ("SA", SA-001/23) for issues with their Gen 6 Infotainment Center Display, which covers issues (e.g. ghost touch, surface peeling, spider cracks, and white dots) and defects the occur on the primary display of the car. This display provides the driver with essential car operational information. This service alert applies to may of their vehicles in the 2014-2021 range, dependent on model. This VIN provided [XXX] ) is associated with a 2019 CX-9 that within the last month started displaying spider cracks at 2 of the 4 corners of the display. Even though this is a known (manufacturer) issue with other cars that utilize this display, the local Mazda dealership will not cover the replacement for this vehicle as the VIN range has not been included in this SA. The SA does not include CX-9s, but does include Mazda3 (Japan built) with applicable model years 2017-2018 (produced from June 27, 2016 to October 31, 2018). --> This 2019 CX-9 vehicle is Japan built, with a manufacture date of "10/18" (October 2018). Many other people are having this same issue [XXX] ). Please encourage Mazda to expand their Service Alert range for this repair, which should be free (product cost and labor should be both provided at no cost to the consumer) to replace since it's a material issue with the product, not an operator error.... as documented in their SA-001/23. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11710439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment screen (LCD) of Mazda CX-9 2018 has developed what looks like discoloration/scratching/frost in corner of screen about 2 years ago and it is continuing to spread over last 6 months. This screen is used for hands-free bluetooth/calling (which is now the law in Iowa) and the back-up camera which allows for safe backing. If screen is unreadable, these safety functions cannot be performed properly. I take my car into Mazda dealership for maintenance/oil changes and it has never been addressed as an issue, but I'm concerned.
NHTSA complaint #11673548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Well I was backing up from a parking spot when put out of the blue my vehicle wouldn't move . The drive side wheel is not working and these little around thing where on the ground . Before that happen the driver side tire would become lose to where it would fall off.
NHTSA complaint #11668405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle will hesitate/stall while driving down the road. The vehicle has done this multiple times and has actually shut off on 2 different occasions while at a stop. on 2 occasions now the vehicle has not wanted to start. I have taken vehicle to Mazda dealership and they can never duplicate it. When they check for any codes, the vehicle computer does not give accurate times when happened. This last date I took it to them 6/9/25, the computer said it happened 4000 miles ago. The time before, I took it in the morning it happened, 5 min after it happened and the computer said it happened 10 starts ago. The last time, 6/9/25 they said they suspect fuel pump going bad, but until the vehicle gives a "check engine" light or dies all together they are not 100% sure. The vehicle is unsafe if it dies in the middle of the freeway/road with no warning to myself or the other vehicles around me. This has been going on for at least 1 year now, maybe longer Dealership has all records. Seeing how the 2018 & 2019 Mazda CX-9 had fuel pump recalls makes me wonder if the 2020 should have been included in this recall. This has been an on going problem.6/7/25 was most recent incident.
NHTSA complaint #11665964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Starting [XXX], through [XXX], we began receiving multiple "Critical Vehicle Malfunction" alerts (46 alert messages)via the Mazda app, including "Parking Brake Malfunction" and "Electric Parking Brake Malfunction." During this time, the vehicle experienced delayed starts and eventually required a jump-start. We brought it to the dealership multiple times to show the messages, before our 3-year/36,000-mile B2B warranty expired, but the issues were dismissed until the battery was finally replaced. At just over 36,000 miles (currently 39,646), a new issue emerged a “thud” sound from the steering wheel. The dealer diagnosed it as a failed u-joint shaft, which was deemed non-serviceable and not covered under warranty. I inquired about potential causes or prevention—no clear answer was known. I found relevant NHTSA TSBs (06-001/20 & 06-001/24) related to steering issues and escalated to Mazda USA. Mazda agreed to cover 50% as a goodwill gesture, leaving me to pay about $500. Two weeks later, the part arrived and was installed—but it did not fix the issue. The dealership now says it’s a failed bearing within the Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit, which requires complete replacement at a cost of over $2,000. Only one part is available in the U.S., with another two-week wait. The original (misdiagnosed) part was already sent back to Mazda. My out-of-pocket cost is now $1,151 and rising. Given the early warning alerts, misdiagnoses, and the fact that EPS controls several safety-critical functions (steering, cruise, lane assist, etc.), I believe this is a fundamental system failure that should be fully covered under warranty or as a safety-related goodwill repair. I respectfully request that Mazda assume full financial responsibility for the replacement and any related work. Thank you for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11661072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. The navigation has a frosted crackle appearance framing the screen. It is difficult to read the navigation when needed. I know this has happened to other models of this vehicle and those were recalled and covered. 2. The brake senor keeps going off stating "SMART BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". This goes off repeatedly while driving. 3. Then a second message pops up and reads "FRONT RADAR SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNTION".
NHTSA complaint #11654693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle experienced coolant leak also oil leak from rear of engine. Broken cylinder head due to turbo too close to head
NHTSA complaint #11636395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My MazdaCx9 engine consumes (burns) an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs between oil changes.This issue started after the first oil change and continued since then.
NHTSA complaint #11632117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Please add the 2021 CX9 model to the following bulletin. [XXX] This is exactly what is happening with my car and is extremely frustrating that a recall has not been issued to fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11619249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Approximately three weeks ago, a message on my dashboard said to pull over immediately. Your car is overheating. I pulled over to a nearby auto shop, which indicated that I was just low on coolant. They topped off the coolant, and everything appeared fine. Two weeks later, I got the same message on the dashboard, saying my car was overheating to pull over immediately. I pulled into a nearby auto parts store and purchased coolant for the vehicle. When I checked the reservoir, it was bone dry. I added coolant and drove the car home. The following day, I checked the reservoir to see if there was still coolant, but it was all gone. I scheduled an appointment with the Mazda dealer to have the car inspected. I also checked the Mazda Forum website to see if other vehicles of my make and model had similar issues since I had never experienced this before. I found that the overheating in vehicles of my make and model was a "known issue" with Mazda. When I took it to the dealer the next day, the service agent informed me that the "known issue" was only with the Turbo model. I explained that my vehicle is a turbo model. He said that Mazda did not have to cover any costs because no recall was issued, even though it is a known issue. Mazda is now refusing to cover the repair and has indicated that the repair and replacement of the engine will cost approximately $9800. If I had been alerted earlier, I would have been able to have the car repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11611415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Mazda 2017 CX 9 apparently had a coolant leak. When we had our oil changed, we were told it looked like it was leaking from behind the turbo booster. As I was driving it yesterday, the car slowed to an almost complete stop on the interstate and a warning sign on the screen showed that it was overheating to a dangerous level. I immediately pulled over and allowed the car to cool down. I checked the coolant level and it was not very low at all, although I did add some coolant at that time. It continued to overheat and even blew tons of smoke out through the exhaust, so I had AAA tow to my home. After researching this, I have found that there was a bulletin posted in 2021 from Mazda about this very thing happening. My husband thinks that we may have a cracked block or a blown head gasket due to this overheating. This obviously could have caused me to have a wreck on the interstate by my car overheating and shutting down so quickly. We are scheduling to have it towed to our local Mazda dealer to let him do the $99 diagnostic. Based on what he finds, which we think will be confirming what we think it is, we will have to have a new engine put in my car due to a defect in manufacturing from Mazda. Even though my car has 130,000 miles on it and is technically “out of warranty“, we feel this is simply unacceptable and that Mazda should help us with this most definitely. I have so enjoyed my Mazda, and I feel that this is not something of my doing, but rather a defect on Mazda part and it should be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11601259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a coolant leak that I have not been able to locate. Despite replacing the radiator, the leak persists. When I contacted the dealer to inquire about estimates for changing the water pump and timing chain, they advised that it would be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine, which would require removing the existing engine at a starting cost of $5,000, with a new engine costing approximately $6,000. They suggested that if I'm already experiencing issues, it might be better to either replace the engine or consider selling the vehicle and purchasing a new one. This response implies that the dealer might be aware of a larger underlying issue and prefers not to address it directly. Experiencing a coolant leak while on the freeway can lead to serious consequences. It can cause the engine to overheat, potentially resulting in significant engine damage and a complete breakdown. This not only poses a safety risk to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists due to the possibility of losing control of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11597741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF EXPLODED. NOTHING HIT THE CAR JUST SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION WHILE DRIVING. SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT IT WAS SO LOUD.
NHTSA complaint #11594619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment screen has spider like frost inside the screen. I've checked and other models have had this same issue and have been recalled and repaired. My model year 2018 is suffering the same issue and MAZDA has lagged on this problem. Please put out a recall on this as it is a hazard when you rely on your navigation system and other components the screen assists with.
NHTSA complaint #11592673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2015 transmission problem Mazda dealership unable to affect because transmissions are no longer made for my model
NHTSA complaint #11591627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was leaving for work when I put my personal items in the front passenger side first and then continued to walk around the car to get to the drivers side. Once I closed the passenger side door the car auto locked with all of my items in it including the key. Thankfully I had my cell phone in my pocket which has access to open the car via the Mazda app but it would not work. The spare key was not at the current location the car was at. We had to call someone out to unlock the car. This poses a safety problem because if I put my child in the back seat and close the door to get to the drivers side and it auto locks with them inside as well as my key I would have to resort to breaking the window to get them out. I reported this to Mazda and they deny that it’s a problem, and I have had the vehicle inspected by Mazda and they claim nothing is wrong with it and reset the computer. No warning prior to this happening and my key has never been locked inside before. The battery in the key is not old or dead.
NHTSA complaint #11571147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I entered my vehicle one day to find what looked to be cracks in the top left hand corner of my center display infotainment screen. However, they appeared to be internal and could not be felt. After doing some research, I came across Service Alert SA-008/18 from Mazda which covered this issue on 2016-2018 CX-9s, among other models. I also found a memo dated May 6, 2020, which detailed an extension of warranty service for these internal display cracks. I took my vehicle to my Mazda dealership who inspected the vehicle and told me they would be filing a claim with Mazda for the repair of the screen since there wasn't a current recall for this issue on my vehicle. Mazda agreed to partially cover the replacement with me being responsible for a $543 copay. I have spoken to Mazda Corporate about this resolution being unacceptable. This issue is a known manufacturing defect on earlier models of the CX-9, and it is obviously still an issue on the 2019 models. I explained to them that this was in no way a fault of my own and I feel that the screen should be replaced at no charge to me, which was the procedure for those affected by this issue with 2016-2018 models. As of right now, the cracks only affect the top left corner of my screen but I have read of many instances where vehicle owners had the cracks continue to spread, which I feel is very distracting to the driver. I strongly feel that Mazda should be performing a goodwill replacement in full for this issue at no cost to me as the consumer, and I am very disappointed that so far they are unwilling to do so.
NHTSA complaint #11569260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.