IllustrationFROM DAY 1 THE CAR HAS BEEN ROAD-CRAZY...YOU HAVE TO CONTINUALLY CORRECT TO LEFT AND RIGHT...DEALERSHIP SAYS FROM "CROWN IN THE ROAD"....HAVE HAD IT RE-ALIGNED NUMEROUS TIMES..HAS 25K NOW AND FRONT TIRES ARE NEARLY WORN OUT...HAS 20" WHEELS (WHICH THEY NO LONGER OFFER AS OPTION). *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all CX-9 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
190–25K
925–50K
1450–75K
2175–100K
50100–150K
14150K+
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
What owners actually said
172 reportsCURRENT RECALL WHERE HEATED SEAT TENDS TO OVERHEAT, BUT MY MODEL YEAR ISN'T INCLUDED. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALER BEFORE I WAS EVEN AWARE OF THE CURRENT RECALL. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX9. AFTER DRIVING 200 MILES THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CONTACT STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED TO THE LEFT 80% OF THE TIME WITHOUT HIM TOUCHING IT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND AFTER INSPECTING IN, THE DEALER …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX9. AFTER DRIVING 200 MILES THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CONTACT STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED TO THE LEFT 80% OF THE TIME WITHOUT HIM TOUCHING IT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND AFTER INSPECTING IN, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR IT. THE CONTACT DROVE A 2009 MODEL AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE IDENTICAL STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THIS FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
2007, 2008 & 2009 MAZDA CX9 HAS STEERING PROBLEMS. WHEN YOU DON'T HOLD IT TIGHTLY, THE CAR WILL VEER TO THE LEFT 80% OF THE TIME AND 20% TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT AT ANY SPEEDS AND ON EVEN PAVEMENTS SUCH AS A CAR PARK. *TR
THE ELECTRONIC SEAT POSITIONING CONTROL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT KEEPS ADJUSTING ON IT'S OWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT JUST STARTED TODAY AND SEEMED TO DO IT AT ANY SPEED, TOO INCLUDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ACTION AFTER I HAD PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND …
Read full complaint
THE ELECTRONIC SEAT POSITIONING CONTROL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT KEEPS ADJUSTING ON IT'S OWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT JUST STARTED TODAY AND SEEMED TO DO IT AT ANY SPEED, TOO INCLUDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ACTION AFTER I HAD PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX-9. WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD THE FRONT PASSENGER RIGHT TIRE LOST PRESSURE AND INCREASED FROM 32 PSI TO 25 PSI. HE REPLACED THE TIRE ON ONE OCCASION AND THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. AIR WAS ADDED TO THE TIRE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND ON TWO OCCASIONS BY THE DEALER.…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX-9. WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD THE FRONT PASSENGER RIGHT TIRE LOST PRESSURE AND INCREASED FROM 32 PSI TO 25 PSI. HE REPLACED THE TIRE ON ONE OCCASION AND THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. AIR WAS ADDED TO THE TIRE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND ON TWO OCCASIONS BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR VALVE MONITOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAS CAUSED THE TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPLACE THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR VALVE MONITOR WAS $300.00. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED REPORT NUMBER 127407340. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE COST TO REPLACE THE TIRE SENSOR MONITOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 36,000.
MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH THAT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. MY SUSTAINED ENOUGH FRONT END DAMAGE TO KNOCK THE ENGINE OFF ONE OF ITS MOTOR MOUNTS AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. 08 MAZDA CX-9. *TR
MY 2008 MAZDA CX-9 HAS LEAKING STRUTS AND SHOCKS. THE CAR IS ONE YEAR OLD AND HAS A LITTLE OVER 14,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS SEEPAGE DUE TO BEING OVER FILLED AT THE FACTORY, BUT IF YOU WIPE OFF THE EXCESS FILM THE FLUID CONTINUES TO FORM. SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE, DOESN'T MATTER IT SHOULDN'T DO EITHER ESPECIALLY O…
Read full complaint
MY 2008 MAZDA CX-9 HAS LEAKING STRUTS AND SHOCKS. THE CAR IS ONE YEAR OLD AND HAS A LITTLE OVER 14,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS SEEPAGE DUE TO BEING OVER FILLED AT THE FACTORY, BUT IF YOU WIPE OFF THE EXCESS FILM THE FLUID CONTINUES TO FORM. SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE, DOESN'T MATTER IT SHOULDN'T DO EITHER ESPECIALLY ON THE FRONT OF A VEHICLE. THE BUSINESS WHERE I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AND TIRES ROTATED HAVE CHECKED THE STRUTS AND SHOCKS STATING THE PROBLEM IS LEAKING NOT SEEPING. THE DEALER SAYS THEY CALLED THE MAZDA FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FOR THIS AREA AND THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND STILL MAINTAIN IT'S SEEPING BECAUSE OF BEING OVERFILLED AT FACTORY. HOW LONG SHOULD SEEPING OCCUR? I'M CONCERNED ABOUT STRUT FAILURE OR SHOCK FAILURE WHILE I'M DRIVING. *TR
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
THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT HEAD RESTS BEND TOO MUCH FORWARD CAUSING NECK PAIN. THIS BEND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. MAZDA SAYS THAT THE HEADREST SPECIFICATIONS WERE DICTATED TO THEM BY GOVERNMENT STANDARDS. HOWEVER, NONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE SEEN HAS THIS MUCH BEND. IF THE VEHICLE HEAD REST SPECIFICATIONS WERE DICTA…
Read full complaint
THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT HEAD RESTS BEND TOO MUCH FORWARD CAUSING NECK PAIN. THIS BEND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. MAZDA SAYS THAT THE HEADREST SPECIFICATIONS WERE DICTATED TO THEM BY GOVERNMENT STANDARDS. HOWEVER, NONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE SEEN HAS THIS MUCH BEND. IF THE VEHICLE HEAD REST SPECIFICATIONS WERE DICTATED TO THEM BY THE GOVERNMENT THEN THERE IS SOME SERIOUS ERRORS IN GOVERNMENT SPECS SINCE THIS UNUSUAL BEND (HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MUCH BEND ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE) IS CAUSING NECK PAIN. NOTE THAT I AM 6' TALL AND WEIGH 180 LBS AND WILL FALL IN TO AVERAGE CONSUMER PHYSICAL CATEGORY AND THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT ME. I DID NOT HAVE ANY NECK PAIN PRIOR TO PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Official recalls
519V782000 · 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
2PE15022 · 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