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2008 Mazda CX-9

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-9 years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda CX-9 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 61.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

127 reports with mileage · 45 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports

Power Train complaints

27 reports
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101,000 miles · Jul 3, 2015
Power Train

GEAR OIL LEAKING OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL FUNCTION. ONLY WAY TO CHECK LEVEL IS TO REMOVE FILL PLUG AND STICK FINGER IN. THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO GET TO THIS IS PUTTING VEHICLE UP ON A LIFT. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. IF NOT CAUGHT RIGHT AWAY TRANSFER CASE CAN FAIL ALO…

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GEAR OIL LEAKING OUT OF THE TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL FUNCTION. ONLY WAY TO CHECK LEVEL IS TO REMOVE FILL PLUG AND STICK FINGER IN. THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO GET TO THIS IS PUTTING VEHICLE UP ON A LIFT. RESEARCHED ONLINE AND MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. IF NOT CAUGHT RIGHT AWAY TRANSFER CASE CAN FAIL ALONG WITH TRANSMISSION. THERE IS NO INFO ON CHANGING THIS OIL AT CERTAIN INTERVALS. FAILURE OF THESE TWO COMPONENTS CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO.

NHTSA ODI #10731908

104,000 miles · May 20, 2015
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A PARKING LOT ONTO A ROAD WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN A LOUD CRUNCH HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE JERKED LEFT WHILE STILL MOVING FORWARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR BREAK. THE CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP AND I COULDN'T GET THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN. I WALKED AROUND TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHILE IN …

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I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A PARKING LOT ONTO A ROAD WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN A LOUD CRUNCH HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE JERKED LEFT WHILE STILL MOVING FORWARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR BREAK. THE CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP AND I COULDN'T GET THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN. I WALKED AROUND TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND NOTICED LOOSE PARTS THAT HAD BEEN EJECTED FROM THE WHEEL, LEAKING BREAK FLUID, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED AND HAD WEDGED UNDER THE CAR. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE ROAD THUS CREATING A TRAFFIC JAM. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID THE CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN AND THAT MY GIRLS AND I ARE LUCKY THAT WE WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MAZDA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT 4 DAYS AGO AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT IS COVERED UNDER TREAD LIABILITY LAWS? I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE CAR/WHEEL THAT WERE TAKEN AT THE SCENE IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ODI #10717510

163,000 miles · May 4, 2015
Power TrainSuspensionWheels

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE, THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE AND CV JOINT BECAME DISCONNECTED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE CAR AND PUSHING THE WHEEL WELL BACK UNDER THE PASSENGER DOOR, MAKING IT INOPERABLE. THE TOW DRIVER SAID I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING REALLY HARD, BUT IN THE TWO AND A …

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WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE, THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE AND CV JOINT BECAME DISCONNECTED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE CAR AND PUSHING THE WHEEL WELL BACK UNDER THE PASSENGER DOOR, MAKING IT INOPERABLE. THE TOW DRIVER SAID I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING REALLY HARD, BUT IN THE TWO AND A HALF YEARS I'VE HAD THIS CAR, I'VE NEVER HIT ANYTHING! I DRIVE A LOT FOR MY JOB AND AM GRATEFUL THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND HAS SHAKEN MY CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS, BUT THE MECHANIC TOLD ME WHILE THE OTHER BALL JOINT WAS SAFE ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE THE TRIP HOME (350 MILES), I SHOULD DEFINITELY GET IT CHECKED OUT AS WELL, AS IT LOOKED SUSPECT FOR THE LONG TERM. THE CAR IS AT THE MECHANIC NOW, AND I WAS A NERVOUS WRECK DRIVING IT HOME EARLIER TODAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714469

142,000 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653804

50,000 miles · Apr 8, 2012
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

THERE HAVE BEEN A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS ON THE VEHICLE (TWO SETS OF BRAKES, TIEROD, ELECTRICAL OVERHAUL VACUUM HOSES...) THE MAJOR ISSUE HAS BEEN OIL LEAKING. THIS PAST SUMMER (2011) THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE DIAGNOSING THAT IT WAS THE REAR MAIN SEAL. THE SEAL WAS REPLACED (CAR WAS …

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THERE HAVE BEEN A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS ON THE VEHICLE (TWO SETS OF BRAKES, TIEROD, ELECTRICAL OVERHAUL VACUUM HOSES...) THE MAJOR ISSUE HAS BEEN OIL LEAKING. THIS PAST SUMMER (2011) THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE DIAGNOSING THAT IT WAS THE REAR MAIN SEAL. THE SEAL WAS REPLACED (CAR WAS AT DEALER FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS.) THIS FALL (2011) OIL WAS STILL LEAKING. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS THE DEALER CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATE AND THEY SUGGESTED REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION, CLAIMING IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. WINTER/SPRING 2012 OIL STILL LEAKING, CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER - CLAIMING IT IS THE REAR MAIN SEAL. AGAIN? WOULDN'T THAT HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10454468

150 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Power Train

MY NEW 2008 MAZDA CX-9 AWD HAS GAS PEDAL RESONANT VIBRATING ISSUE WHEN ENGINE IS RIGHT AROUND 2000 RPM WHEN I PUSH GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UPHILL OR TURNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265359

1,750 miles · Jul 24, 2008
Power Train

DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE ON 2008 MAZDA CX9 1,750 MILES, DRIVE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED, ACCORDING TO DEALER NOT THE FIRST ONE THEY HAVE SEEN (RAMSEY MAZDA NJ) DRIVE SHAFTS SHOULD NOT FAIL ON NEW CARS, CAN BE DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235617

Official recalls

5

19V782000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 31, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

17V457000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jul 18, 2017

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-012.

17V429000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 29, 2017

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

15V451000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Jul 20, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 8515G.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 8515G.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 8515G.

09V066000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Feb 23, 2009

MAZDA IS RECALLING 30,600 MY 2007-2009 CX9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT WITH POSITION MEMORY FUNCTION. THE SEAT HARNESS ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT CUSHION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT COVER BRACKET WHICH IS ATTACHED ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. DUE TO THIS THE COVERING OF THE SEAT HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED, THE CORE WIRE OF THE HARNESS MAY TOUCH WITH THE BRACKET AND RESULT IN SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVERS WILL EXPERIENCE CERTAIN FUNCTIONS THAT ARE UNCONTROLLABLE WHICH WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES IN DRIVING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT HARNESS AND FASTEN THE SEAT FRAME WITH A CABLE TIE. THE HARNESS COVERING WILL BE REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE15022 · Lower Ball Joint Separation

Opened Jun 9, 2015 · Closed Aug 20, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

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 involved changing the shape of the top surface of the ball joint boot cover and adding a suspension plate to the undersurface of the knuckle.Mazda's recall will replace the defect lower control arms with the redesigned parts.ODI's analysis of information collected during PE15-022 identified a total of 62 ball joint separation incidents, including 34 identified in ODI complaints and 31 identified in Mazda complaints and field reports (3 of the Mazda records involve vehicles/incidents that were also reported to ODI).When Mazda's design change was implemented, most of the field experience related to lower ball joints involved complaints of noise and premature wear-out.Only 1 of the ODI and 6 of the additional Mazda separation complaints identified in ODI's analysis were reported prior to January 2014.Significant increases in the number and trend in separation complaints were observed in 2015, when 30 of the ODI complaints and 16 of the additional Mazda complaints were reported.The report trend appears to be accelerating, with 29 of the reports received after ODI opened PE15-022 on June 9, 2015.There has been one crash reported to ODI related to the alleged defect (VOQ 10746510). This investigation is closed based on Mazda's recall.The 34 VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10747358, 10746510, 10744897, 10743509, 10736229, 10735938, 10734763, 10734302, 10734290, 10733813, 10732578, 10732217, 10732154, 10731850, 10730736, 10730280, 10730143, 10730114, 10726622, 10726480 10726448, 10726168, 10725839, 10725567, 10725488, 10725427, 10725390, 10717510, 10714469, 10695142, 10668978, 10648429, 10640541, 10546535

PE11026 · Brake Master Cylinder Leak

Opened Aug 9, 2011 · Closed Apr 9, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE11-026 to investigate possible brake performance loss due to brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster in model year (MY) 2008 Mazda CX-9 vehicles.In response to ODI's information request letter, Mazda identified a problem with the manufacturing process for the master cylinder primary plunger that could result in inappropriate surface finish.ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports determined that the problem was isolated to several months late in the production of the MY 2008 CX-9 vehicles.Mazda indicated that changes to the plunger machining and inspection processes were incorporated late in MY 2008 vehicle production (June 25, 2008).There are no confirmed failures related to the condition in subsequent production.The subject master cylinder was used by Mazda in MY 2007 through MY 2011 CX-9 vehicles (approximately 132,000 vehicles) with no other significant problems related to master cylinder leakage.ODI's analysis identified a total of 248 complaints and field reports potentially related to the subject condition in MY 2008 CX-9 vehicles.The majority of the records reported that brake malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination was the only symptom of a problem, with only 4% (9 reports) alleging any symptoms related to brake pedal feel or effectiveness.ODI identified no crash claims related to the alleged defect.In addition, analysis of this data showed a declining trend with 90 percent of the incidents reported before January 2011.Based on the extremely slow leak rate associated with the alleged defect, the declining failure trend and the low probability that the condition would affect brake performance, this investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.): 10442322, 10419837, 10449109