NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
162 reports99,000 miles · Dec 29, 2018
Service Brakes
HAVING BRAKING ISSUES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS CITY STREETS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS GETS HARD TO DEPRESS AND BRAKING DIMINISHES ALMOST COMPLETELY. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH MAZDA HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE RUBBER OF THE DIAPHRAM. INSTEAD OF ISSUING A …
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HAVING BRAKING ISSUES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS CITY STREETS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS GETS HARD TO DEPRESS AND BRAKING DIMINISHES ALMOST COMPLETELY. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH MAZDA HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE RUBBER OF THE DIAPHRAM. INSTEAD OF ISSUING A FULL RECALL MAZDA EXTENDED THE WARRANTY PERIOD. MY CAR OF COURSE WAS JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD SO MAZDA WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY COMPONENT THAT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND KILL SOMEONE. WE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT CAUSED OUR BRAKING TO BE ALMOST NON EXISTENT. THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED ON OUR OWN DIME AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11164034
45,100 miles · Dec 5, 2018
Power Train
THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT. MAZDA HAD ISSUED A VOLUNTARY EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THIS PART BUT ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS WELL UNDER THE MILEAGE (90,000) MAZDA IS TELLING ME THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. MAZDA ISSUED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM…
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THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT. MAZDA HAD ISSUED A VOLUNTARY EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THIS PART BUT ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS WELL UNDER THE MILEAGE (90,000) MAZDA IS TELLING ME THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. MAZDA ISSUED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PART AND THAT IT WAS A POOR OR DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE NOT A WAIT AND SEE WHEN IT FAILS AND HOPEFULLY IT IS OUTSIDE OF OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD.
NHTSA ODI #11156376
83,600 miles · Nov 20, 2018
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING IN HOUSTON HIGHWAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES DUE TO TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD. BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PRESS AND MADE A HISSING NOISE. AFTER ABOUT 20-30 YARDS WAS FINALLY ABLE TO BRING CAR TO A STOP NARROWLY AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT. WHEN TOOK VEHICLE TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD IT IS THE PO…
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WHILE DRIVING IN HOUSTON HIGHWAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES DUE TO TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD. BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PRESS AND MADE A HISSING NOISE. AFTER ABOUT 20-30 YARDS WAS FINALLY ABLE TO BRING CAR TO A STOP NARROWLY AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT. WHEN TOOK VEHICLE TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD IT IS THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SERVICE TECH STATED THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2010 CX-9'S. MAZDA ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT CUSTOMERS WERE NEVER NOTIFIED SO THEY COULD GET THE DEFECTIVE PART REPAIRED. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 83600 MILES, SO IT IS AVERAGE MILEAGE FOR AN 8 YEAR OLD CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11152899
111,000 miles · Oct 4, 2018
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
THE RUBBER SEALANT ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IS COMING LOOSE FROM THE CAR. THE HEATER NOR THE AIR CONDITIONER IS WORKING. UDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD GET VERY HOT THAT I CAN DRIVE THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11133272
139,200 miles · Sep 21, 2018
SteeringSuspension
CONTROL ARM/BALL JOINTS- HAD TO HAVE REPLACED AGAIN ON 9/21/18 AFTER BOTH BEING REPLACED ON 1/12/2016 AS PART OF A RECALL. FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO STEER ITSELF AND NOT VERY SAFE TO DRIVE. AND THEN HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT WHICH I JUST HAD DONE AS WELL. THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF WARRANTY ON A RECALL REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #11130651
99,000 miles · Sep 17, 2018
StructureSuspension
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 UND…
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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 ODI #11129881
10 miles · Jul 18, 2018
Engine
WHILE TRAVELING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY WITH FAMILY THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND WE NEARLY WERE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN PULLING OVER. CX-9 WAS TOWED 75 MILES TO MECHANIC WHO INFORMED US COOLANT ENTERED THE ENGINE FROM FAILED WATER PUMP AND ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT ($4000). MAZDA SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THI…
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WHILE TRAVELING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY WITH FAMILY THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND WE NEARLY WERE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN PULLING OVER. CX-9 WAS TOWED 75 MILES TO MECHANIC WHO INFORMED US COOLANT ENTERED THE ENGINE FROM FAILED WATER PUMP AND ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT ($4000). MAZDA SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON AND CONFIRMED ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN RESEARCHING CX-9 WATER PUMP FAILURE ONLINE I FOUND MANY DISTURBING TESTIMONIALS OF OTHER CX-9 OWNERS WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OF WATER PUMP FAILURE. MAZDA NEEDS TO WARN CX-9 OWNERS WITH TSB OR RECALL THE WATER PUMP. THE WATER PUMP IS NOT BURIED INSIDE THE ENGINE AND CANNOT BE VISUALLY INSPECTED. HAVING A VEHICLE SHUT OFF ABRUPTLY WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS IS A SERIOUS RISK FOR BOTH DRIVER, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND SURROUNDING MOTORISTS. I HOPE NSTSA TAKES THIS COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY AND TAKES ACTION BEFORE A SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY OCCURS.
NHTSA ODI #11112186
76,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
Service Brakes
STARTED GETTING A HISSING SOUND FROM THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND A HARD TO DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11110806
62,000 miles · May 13, 2018
Power Train
THIS MAZDA CX-9 IS A 2010 WITH ABOUT 62000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH 70 MPH. SUDDENLY, I HEARD NOISE AND CRACK. SHORTLY, AFTER, THE CAR LOST POWER AND IT WON'T GO FORWARD. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT BROKEN. REPLACEMENT WAS $3000. WENT BACK TO MY PAPERWORK. FOUND THAT PTU IS …
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THIS MAZDA CX-9 IS A 2010 WITH ABOUT 62000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH 70 MPH. SUDDENLY, I HEARD NOISE AND CRACK. SHORTLY, AFTER, THE CAR LOST POWER AND IT WON'T GO FORWARD. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT BROKEN. REPLACEMENT WAS $3000. WENT BACK TO MY PAPERWORK. FOUND THAT PTU IS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM INCLUDING ONLY 84 MONTHS OR 90000 MILES. I SENT REIMBURSEMENT TO THE MAZDA AND THEY REFUSED CLAIMING THAT THE CAR WARRANTY IS MORE THAN 84 MONTHS (WHICH IS NOT TRUE). IT IS REALLY DISAPPOINTING THAT I HAVE TO HIRE A LAWYER TO GET THIS FLAW IN MAZDA'S DESIGN REIMBURSED. THE WARRANTY DOES NOT START ON JAN 1ST OF THE MANUFACTURING YEAR. I HAD TO PULL THE CARFAX TO PROVE THAT THEY CAR WAS PURCHASED AFTER APRIL OF 2010 TO PROVE THE 84 MONTHS WINDOW IS VALID. THEY HAVE THIS INFORMATION BUT THEY DECIDED TO PLAY IGNORANT. IN ANY CASE, THIS A MAJOR FLOW IN THE CX-9 DESIGN FOR THE PTU. THEY HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH FLOW AND THEY NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUCH SLOPPINESS IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT ENDANGERS LIVES ON THE STREET. ALL THESE CARS SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE STREETS.
NHTSA ODI #11093538
137,000 miles · Feb 20, 2018
Power TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, A SMOKE ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BEARING WAS BURNT DUE TO SLUDGE. THE CONTACT CALLED MAZDA OF MILFORD AT 866-981-2838 AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, A SMOKE ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BEARING WAS BURNT DUE TO SLUDGE. THE CONTACT CALLED MAZDA OF MILFORD AT 866-981-2838 AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11073776
Official recalls
6Oct 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.
Oct 12, 2018
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 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 covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles 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 or "Zone C." 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity 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: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Jan 9, 2018
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 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 covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 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 covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles 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 or "Zone C." 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity 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: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
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.
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.
Feb 19, 2010
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CX-9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRICALLY HEATED FRONT SEATS. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS FOR THE SEAT HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUNDING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE BURN DAMAGE OF THE SEAT CUSHION SURFACE, OR A RISK OF SMOKE/FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE SEAT HEATER CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SEAT HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY AND/OR THE SEAT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2010. 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
3PE19006 · Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment
Opened May 2, 2019 · Closed Jan 15, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window; Air Bags:side/window:curtain
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE19-006) on May 2, 2019 to investigate two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Early Warning Reporting data related to allegations of inadvertent deployment (IAD) of side curtain airbags in Model Year (MY) 2010 through 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Mazda North America Operations, LLC. to gather information about the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In the 20 months since opening the PE, ODI has received three additional VOQs. To date, there have been a total of 11 IAD incidents within the identified population of 104,360 vehicles. Of the 11 incidents, no serious injuries were reported. The last known incident occurred in December 2020.Mazda's response to ODI's IR letter identified the root cause as a manufacturing issue of the Bosch SMG076 Roll Rate Sensor within the Restraint Control Module (RCM). During the manufacturing calibration process, small particles may be generated that could affect roll sensor capacitance, which could lead to a loss of curtain airbag protection or an erroneous deployment command. On November 19, 2012, a revised Roll Rate Sensor calibration process was launched, establishing a clean point for the issue. In its responses to ODI, Mazda has assessed the condition as a low risk to motor vehicle safety, with low incident frequency not warranting action. Any RCM data indicating a malfunctioning Roll Rate Sensor will result in the illumination of the airbag warning light. In the event of an erroneous curtain airbag deployment, there is no contact with properly seated occupants. Additionally, the condition is not affected by deterioration or wear, and known incidents established a random pattern of occurrence.During the investigation, ODI examined the injury risk to vehicle occupants from curtain airbag deployments. It was determined that the subject vehicles do not pose a substantial risk to out of position occupants, as testing data falls within Technical Working Group (TWG) reference values. Modeling simulation based on data provided by Mazda for properly seated occupants during static and dynamic airbag deployments indicated sufficient head clearance and no risk of brain injury. ODI analysis reveals that inadvertent deployment incident rates of curtain airbags in the subject vehicles are low through approximately ten years in service. Incident frequency does not meet values warranting recall action, but rather align closely with baseline frequency of general inadvertent deployments which are known to occur in rare driving conditions. Additionally, warranty analysis of RCM failures resulting in a loss of curtain airbag protection revealed low claim rates.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action, if warranted, or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists, based upon additional information the Agency may receive.The five ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification numbers: 10905492, 11165925, 11270089, 11310044, 11385219.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE19-006) on May 2, 2019 to investigate two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Early Warning Reporting data related to allegations of inadvertent deployment (IAD) of side curtain airbags in Model Year (MY) 2010 through 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Mazda North America Operations, LLC. to gather information about the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In the 20 months since opening the PE, ODI has received three additional VOQs. To date, there have been a total of 11 IAD incidents within the identified population of 104,360 vehicles. Of the 11 incidents, no serious injuries were reported. The last known incident occurred in December 2020.Mazda's response to ODI's IR letter identified the root cause as a manufacturing issue of the Bosch SMG076 Roll Rate Sensor within the Restraint Control Module (RCM). During the manufacturing calibration process, small particles may be generated that could affect roll sensor capacitance, which could lead to a loss of curtain airbag protection or an erroneous deployment command. On November 19, 2012, a revised Roll Rate Sensor calibration process was launched, establishing a clean point for the issue. In its responses to ODI, Mazda has assessed the condition as a low risk to motor vehicle safety, with low incident frequency not warranting action. Any RCM data indicating a malfunctioning Roll Rate Sensor will result in the illumination of the airbag warning light. In the event of an erroneous curtain airbag deployment, there is no contact with properly seated occupants. Additionally, the condition is not affected by deterioration or wear, and known incidents established a random pattern of occurrence.During the investigation, ODI examined the injury risk to vehicle occupants from curtain airbag deployments. It was determined that the subject vehicles do not pose a substantial risk to out of position occupants, as testing data falls within Technical Working Group (TWG) reference values. Modeling simulation based on data provided by Mazda for properly seated occupants during static and dynamic airbag deployments indicated sufficient head clearance and no risk of brain injury. ODI analysis reveals that inadvertent deployment incident rates of curtain airbags in the subject vehicles are low through approximately ten years in service. Incident frequency does not meet values warranting recall action, but rather align closely with baseline frequency of general inadvertent deployments which are known to occur in rare driving conditions. Additionally, warranty analysis of RCM failures resulting in a loss of curtain airbag protection revealed low claim rates.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action, if warranted, or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists, based upon additional information the Agency may receive.The five ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification numbers: 10905492, 11165925, 11270089, 11310044, 11385219.
Air Bags:side/window:curtain
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE19-006) on May 2, 2019 to investigate two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Early Warning Reporting data related to allegations of inadvertent deployment (IAD) of side curtain airbags in Model Year (MY) 2010 through 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Mazda North America Operations, LLC. to gather information about the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In the 20 months since opening the PE, ODI has received three additional VOQs. To date, there have been a total of 11 IAD incidents within the identified population of 104,360 vehicles. Of the 11 incidents, no serious injuries were reported. The last known incident occurred in December 2020.Mazda's response to ODI's IR letter identified the root cause as a manufacturing issue of the Bosch SMG076 Roll Rate Sensor within the Restraint Control Module (RCM). During the manufacturing calibration process, small particles may be generated that could affect roll sensor capacitance, which could lead to a loss of curtain airbag protection or an erroneous deployment command. On November 19, 2012, a revised Roll Rate Sensor calibration process was launched, establishing a clean point for the issue. In its responses to ODI, Mazda has assessed the condition as a low risk to motor vehicle safety, with low incident frequency not warranting action. Any RCM data indicating a malfunctioning Roll Rate Sensor will result in the illumination of the airbag warning light. In the event of an erroneous curtain airbag deployment, there is no contact with properly seated occupants. Additionally, the condition is not affected by deterioration or wear, and known incidents established a random pattern of occurrence.During the investigation, ODI examined the injury risk to vehicle occupants from curtain airbag deployments. It was determined that the subject vehicles do not pose a substantial risk to out of position occupants, as testing data falls within Technical Working Group (TWG) reference values. Modeling simulation based on data provided by Mazda for properly seated occupants during static and dynamic airbag deployments indicated sufficient head clearance and no risk of brain injury. ODI analysis reveals that inadvertent deployment incident rates of curtain airbags in the subject vehicles are low through approximately ten years in service. Incident frequency does not meet values warranting recall action, but rather align closely with baseline frequency of general inadvertent deployments which are known to occur in rare driving conditions. Additionally, warranty analysis of RCM failures resulting in a loss of curtain airbag protection revealed low claim rates.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action, if warranted, or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists, based upon additional information the Agency may receive.The five ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification numbers: 10905492, 11165925, 11270089, 11310044, 11385219.
Air Bags:side/window
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE19-006) on May 2, 2019 to investigate two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and Early Warning Reporting data related to allegations of inadvertent deployment (IAD) of side curtain airbags in Model Year (MY) 2010 through 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Mazda North America Operations, LLC. to gather information about the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In the 20 months since opening the PE, ODI has received three additional VOQs. To date, there have been a total of 11 IAD incidents within the identified population of 104,360 vehicles. Of the 11 incidents, no serious injuries were reported. The last known incident occurred in December 2020.Mazda's response to ODI's IR letter identified the root cause as a manufacturing issue of the Bosch SMG076 Roll Rate Sensor within the Restraint Control Module (RCM). During the manufacturing calibration process, small particles may be generated that could affect roll sensor capacitance, which could lead to a loss of curtain airbag protection or an erroneous deployment command. On November 19, 2012, a revised Roll Rate Sensor calibration process was launched, establishing a clean point for the issue. In its responses to ODI, Mazda has assessed the condition as a low risk to motor vehicle safety, with low incident frequency not warranting action. Any RCM data indicating a malfunctioning Roll Rate Sensor will result in the illumination of the airbag warning light. In the event of an erroneous curtain airbag deployment, there is no contact with properly seated occupants. Additionally, the condition is not affected by deterioration or wear, and known incidents established a random pattern of occurrence.During the investigation, ODI examined the injury risk to vehicle occupants from curtain airbag deployments. It was determined that the subject vehicles do not pose a substantial risk to out of position occupants, as testing data falls within Technical Working Group (TWG) reference values. Modeling simulation based on data provided by Mazda for properly seated occupants during static and dynamic airbag deployments indicated sufficient head clearance and no risk of brain injury. ODI analysis reveals that inadvertent deployment incident rates of curtain airbags in the subject vehicles are low through approximately ten years in service. Incident frequency does not meet values warranting recall action, but rather align closely with baseline frequency of general inadvertent deployments which are known to occur in rare driving conditions. Additionally, warranty analysis of RCM failures resulting in a loss of curtain airbag protection revealed low claim rates.Based on the analysis conducted, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action, if warranted, or the potential for a future finding that a safety-related defect exists, based upon additional information the Agency may receive.The five ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following identification numbers: 10905492, 11165925, 11270089, 11310044, 11385219.
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
PE14005 · Brake Booster Failure
Opened Feb 10, 2014 · Closed Jun 26, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
In March 2014, Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) initiated Special Service Program SSP93 to extend the warranty coverage for a specific brake booster fault condition on model year (MY) 2007-2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles.According to Mazda's dealer communication for SSP93, the subject vehicles may exhibit a condition were the brake pedal is harder than usual to depress. Complainants report hearing air leakage (hissing) from the driver-side foot area during braking.The Mazda program extends the warranty coverage for repairing this condition to unlimited time and mileage for repairs performed between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 and to 7 years or 90,000 miles for repairs performed after March 31, 2015.In its response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) information request letter for PE14-005, Mazda identified a problem with booster diaphragms developing tears near the outer seal/circumference that can result in noise and degraded booster performance as the tears grow in length (Figures 1-3).The tears allow leakage from the ambient to the vacuum sides of the diaphragm that reduces the differential pressure across the diaphragm and produces a hissing noise after the tears have reached 10-12 mm in length.The problem was caused by wear of the mold used for the diaphragm forming process, which resulted in increased thickness and stress in the bending area of the diaphragm.Continuous operation in environments with high ambient temperatures accelerates the hardening of the diaphragm material, further increasing the stress in the bending area and contributing to tear initiation and propagation rate.Analysis of failure data indicates that the tool wear condition affected vehicles produced after June 2010 and operated in hot states (Figures 4-6).In February 2013 the supplier introduced a new mold and changes to the diaphragm thickness monitoring process to correct the condition in production vehicles.Analysis of complaint and supplier test data indicates that the diaphragm tear condition is a progressive failure that develops slowly over time.Smaller tears have little effect on system performance.As the tear continues to grow, the effects become more evident.The hard pedal and increased effort are experienced during initial pedal application, but are diminished as the pedal is pressed further by the driver and the tear is partially sealed by the outer wall of the booster.This change from a hard to a soft pedal feel is described by some drivers as a spongy pedal.For tear lengths that were observed in warranty return parts, testing demonstrated that most booster performance can be recovered with increasing pedal apply speed and apply force.None of the tears measured in return parts grew large enough to cause a complete loss of brake booster function. The booster diaphragm tear condition results in partial reduction in booster function that progresses gradually over time with audible and pedal feel symptoms available to the driver.The condition does not result in a sudden loss of power braking assist.The effects are evident during initial pedal apply and are reduced by increased pedal apply force and rate.ODI has not identified any accidents associated with the booster diaphragm tear condition in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect and take further action in the future if warranted.VOQs (24) associated with this investigation:10482005, 10486941, 1048793
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