FaultScore

Mazda CX-9 steering problems

60 of the 1,827 complaints filed about the Mazda CX-9 are about the steering — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

60

Complaints

3%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

0

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

2007 CX-9 8 13.3%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

2008 CX-9 19 31.7%

Median failure at 104,000 miles

2009 CX-9 2 3.3%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2010 CX-9 4 6.7%

Median failure at 101,500 miles

2011 CX-9 4 6.7%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2012 CX-9 7 11.7%

Median failure at 17,804 miles

2014 CX-9 3 5.0%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2015 CX-9 1 1.7%

Median failure at 7,800 miles

2016 CX-9 2 3.3%
2017 CX-9 2 3.3%
2018 CX-9 3 5.0%

Median failure at 3,600 miles

2019 CX-9 2 3.3%

Median failure at 10,600 miles

2021 CX-9 1 1.7%

Median failure at 4,000 miles

2023 CX-9 2 3.3%

Median failure at 12,100 miles

What owners said

2017 Mazda CX-9 Revere, MA

STEERING

The car was jump start due to a bad battery it cold and the light was left on. Right after the jump start a check engine light can on. When I put the vehicle in drive to turn the steering wheel it violently snapped bad and broken one of my finger nail. I tried aging in disbelief it happened aging this shouldn't be happening it could've broke my fingers.

NHTSA complaint #11704433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Mazda CX-9 Spokane, WA

STEERING

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.

2017 Mazda CX-9 Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

I was driving the vehicle on the highway when the vehicle started to overheat, lights started blinking, the car was smoking, losing power and acceleration. This car has a recall on the cyclindwr head which when cracks causing the car to loose coolant and oil. If it cracks while you’re driving especially on the highway the car will immediately loose coolant and oil thus causing a very dangerous driving condition. There was no indicator prior to the failure that there was anything wrong with the car. No check engine lights, no coolant lights nothing. Prior to this happening I smelled coolant in the car cabin , took it to my mechanic who tested the coolant system and found no leak. At the time he was unaware of the known issue these cars have with the cylinder head. The problem has been confirmed by Mazda and they notified me within the month of March of the problem and the extended warranty to replace the known manufacturer defect cylinder head. The Mazda dealer now has my car and acknowledges the cracked cylinder head caused the problem but said because I didn’t immediately stop on the highway and kept driving until I got to a safe location I was negligent and are refusing to fix the car which now has a blown engine, etc. it is available for inspection now at the Mazda dealer. My safety was put at risk because I could have died on the highway if the car completely stopped working, it was dangerous driving it when it first started happening because it started out of nowhere the car was fine I was driving 50+ mph and it started smoking, overheating etc. I could have also killed someone else. It is a disgrace that not only they won’t fix my car they want to say they won’t because I’m negligent? I drive my kids to and from school everyday do you think I’m going to risk their safety in an unsafe car? They should not only fix the car but compensate me for putting mine and my children’s lives at risk. A complete disgrace.

NHTSA complaint #11650724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Mazda CX-9 Garnet Valley, PA

STEERING

Steering makes knocking noises when turning. It happened suddenly with no damage to car to cause it. It was fine prior to parking, when the car was restarted and the wheel was turned knocking noise started. Mechanic found there is a tsb for this problem but no recall.

NHTSA complaint #11630249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Mazda CX-9 Pearl River, NY

STEERING

My 2019 Mazda CX9 when you turn the steering wheel it makes a clicking noise. I brought car to a mechanic and was told there is a loose bolt in steering column. Mazda has a TSB bulletin on this issue TSB# 06-001/24 dated 01/23/2024. When I brought car to Palisades Mazda two other customers on line with me have the same issue. I looked on internet and found alot of people are having the same issue. Mazda is aware of this problem and it is a defect. Mazda is fixing this problem for cars under warranty but charging customers past warranty to replace the complete steering column to fix a loose bolt,

NHTSA complaint #11616793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mazda CX-9 Reading, PA

STEERING

Ball joints replaced due to tear in both rubber covers and driver side ball joint very loose. Was previously repaired in July 2015 under recall Number: 15V451000.

NHTSA complaint #11614843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Mazda CX-9 Charlotte, NC

STEERING

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.

NHTSA complaint #11613534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Mazda CX-9 at 12,100 miles Sioux Falls, SD Crash

STEERING

The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel was seized and the brake pedal stiffened. The contact stated as a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into a ditch and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that his wife was a passenger in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger seat. There were no injuries sustained. The front driver's side of the vehicle was damaged during the crash. No police or fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's vacation home in Wisconsin. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer on four occasions due to a failed software update. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,100.

NHTSA complaint #11559034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda CX-9 SAN Antonio, TX

STEERING

Once you get to 70mph it starts shaking like if a the wheels will fall off.

NHTSA complaint #11549308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mazda CX-9 Bloomington, MN

STEERING

After hearing low rumbling sound and smelling burnt oil, car was taken to dealer for check up. They informed me of known issue, front PTU leaking oil due to design flaw that put the PTU so close to the exhaust. I am seeing that other owners of this model are also reporting fires due this same exact problem, apparently unbeknownst to me Mazda has provided extended warranty up to 90k miles but not actually informed the owners of this as a potential catastrophic problem. my personal review has informed me that fire seem to be most common between 110,000 and 130,000 mile ranges.

NHTSA complaint #11491291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Mazda CX-9 Murrieta, CA

STEERING

the cars engine makes loud rattling noise and slips gear. the vecicle jerks hard and feels as if transmission is slipping. car hesitates when i shift into gear, followed by a jerking and jolting into gear. my brakes are replaced frequently. mazda at 65643 miles on car found excess operating noise coming from engine coolant/water pump due to internal bearing failing. they replaced the water pump. software (pyd8-18881-f) replaced. the vehicle has 74000 miles and has same problem. when stopped at a traffic signal it lunges forward at times. and shifts slow to fast gears. this problem is not resolved. the first time it was allegidely fixed was 22Dec2021 it is now 05Oct 2022

NHTSA complaint #11488281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Mazda CX-9 at 89,000 miles Gordo, AL

STEERING

WATER PUMP LEAKING IN ENGINE MIXING WITH OIL

NHTSA complaint #11405170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Lacrescent, MN Crash

STEERING

LOST CONTROL BRAKES FAILING AND STEERING AND WHEEL LC ABOUT TO FALL OFF DEALERSHIPS SAYING RECALL WAS COMPLETED BUT IT'S DEFINITELY NOT

NHTSA complaint #11400297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Lacrescent, MN

STEERING

MY CONTROL ARMS BEARINGS AND JOINTS ARE RUSTED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY AREN'T COVERED THEY WERE FIXED 5 YEARS AGO AND THEY ARE DEFINITELY SEPARATED AND HAZARDOUS

NHTSA complaint #11400299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Mazda CX-9 at 4,000 miles Port Angeles, WA Crash

STEERING

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL WITH MINIMAL SNOW ON THE GROUND, I TAPPED MY BRAKES ABOUT 7 TIMES BEFORE THEY LOCKED UP. I WENT TO TURN TO STAY ON THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD, INTO AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10MPH WHEN THIS OCCURED ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #11397703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mazda CX-9 at 86,000 miles Sudbury, MA

STEERING

HEARD LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND NEEDED R REAR WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY COSTING $1000.00. NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11343006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mazda CX-9 at 40,000 miles Tustin, CA

STEERING

1) WHEN LEFT PARKED FOR 2-3 DAYS, MAZDA CX-9 (MINE IS 2013) CONSISTENTLY DRAINS THE BATTERY 2) ON MY GRAND TOURING THE STEERING HAS A SHAKE AT ABOVE 60 MPH THE ABOVE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON ON ALL MAZDA CX-9 AND CONSUMERS ARE SPENDING $$$ ON THESE MANUFACTURER ISSUES

NHTSA complaint #11320686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda CX-9 at 132,000 miles Seattle, WA

STEERING

MAZDA CX-9 PROBLEM 130,000 MILES-ON NOVEMBER 25TH, AS I WAS DROPPING MY CHILDREN TO THEIR SCHOOLS, THE DEFROST SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING. I TRY TO TURN THE FAN/HEATER ALL THE WAY, BUT TO NO AVAIL. I HAD TO USE A TOWEL TO WIPE THE WINDSHIELD. AS I PULLED INTO A CURVED SIDE, THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF, THEN STARTS THE ENGINE AGAIN, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I PULLED OUT AND DROVE ABOUT SIX HUNDRED FEET AND PARKED. I CALL A MECHANIC AND I DROVE IT AGAIN FOR A MILE TO THE SHOP. HE OPENS UP THE HOOD AND POUR IN SOME COOLANT AND ALL THE COOLANT WERE ON THE FLOOR. HE IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THAT COOLANT LEAKS AND OIL IS PROBABLY MIXED AND CAUSES THE ENGINE FAILURE. HE TOLD ME I HAD TO CHANGE THE ENGINE, BECAUSE FIXING IT WILL COST ME OVER TEN GRAND. I DROVE IT HOME, THEN THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I TOOK TO A DIFFERENT SHOP, THEY DID THE DIAGNOSIS AND RELATE THE SAME STORY THAT CHECK CODES SHOWED THREE CODES: P0016, CRANK POSITION SENSOR CORRELATION BANK ONE SENSOR A. 1285 CYLINDER HEAD OVER TEMPERATURE, 1299 CYLINDER HEAD TEMP PROTECTION. THE CODES INDICATE AN OVERHEAT SCENARIO THAT RESULTED IN ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THEY CHECK OIL AND FOUND MILKY SUBSTANCE INSTEAD OF OIL. PRESSURE CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAK PUSHED MILKY OIL OUT OF DIPSTICK TUBE. HEAD GASKET HAS FAILED DUE TO OVERHEATING AND THE COOLANT HAS CONTAMINATED THE ENGINE OIL. THEIR RECOMMENDATION IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, ASSEMBLY AND FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM. THEIR TOTAL ESTIMATE IS $10,900. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS SERVICE REPAIR. I CANNOT EVEN SPEND THAT MUCH OF MONEY ON ANOTHER CAR. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR THINKING THAT IT WILL TAKE US FOR SOME TIME BEFORE WE'LL NEED ANOTHER CAR. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS, "WISH THERE WERE NEVER PART FAILURES", NOW, I'M STUCK. SO THIS IS MY STORY!!! SAFETY ISSUES: SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT OFF, DEFROST MALFUNCTION AND STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #11289195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Mazda CX-9 at 10,600 miles Springfield, NY

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO PARALLEL PARK THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO BEND INWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARDEN CITY MAZDA (LOCATED AT 209 NORTH FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550, 516-292-7827) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1/239794329. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,600.

NHTSA complaint #11277372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mazda CX-9 at 72,000 miles Quincy, MA

STEERING

DRIVING ON RTE 3 N IN BRAINTREE. CAR WAS DECELERATING WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON GAS. LOST STEERING AND BARELY MADE IT TO BRAKE DOWN LANE. THIS CAR HAS 72K MILES ON IT. NEEDS NEW ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #11267063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Mazda CX-9 problems