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2011 Mazda CX-9

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-9 years

Owner complaints for the 2011 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

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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

137 reports with mileage · 33 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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

170 reports
11,265 miles · Jun 4, 2014
Air BagsSeats

MY SON AGE 13, WEIGHS 105 POUNDS. WHEN HE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG HAS BEEN DISABLED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE AND WEIGHT FOR THE FRONT SEAT IS 12 YEARS AND 80LBS RESPECTIVELY. THE MAZDA DEALER, (JOHN KENNEDY FORD, 1403 RI…

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MY SON AGE 13, WEIGHS 105 POUNDS. WHEN HE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG HAS BEEN DISABLED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE AND WEIGHT FOR THE FRONT SEAT IS 12 YEARS AND 80LBS RESPECTIVELY. THE MAZDA DEALER, (JOHN KENNEDY FORD, 1403 RIDGE PIKE, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428) RAN A CHECK OF THE CALIBRATION OF AIRBAG SENSORS." ALL OK, NO UPDATE NEEDED" - THEY GAVE ME A COPY OF SERVICE BULLETIN NO 08-001/13. THIS MENTIONS THAT THE ISSUE IS CAUSED BY MY SON SITTING INCORRECTLY IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THIS ISSUE IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10596163

42,000 miles · Apr 30, 2014
Service Brakes

I WAS DRIVING IN MY MAZDA 2011 CX9 SUV WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I HAD TO PRESS REPEATEDLY, EXTREMELY HARD IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO MY MAZDA DEALER WHO IS SAYING THAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING FLUID INTO THE BOOSTER. MAZDA HAS NOT SENT…

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I WAS DRIVING IN MY MAZDA 2011 CX9 SUV WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I HAD TO PRESS REPEATEDLY, EXTREMELY HARD IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO MY MAZDA DEALER WHO IS SAYING THAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING FLUID INTO THE BOOSTER. MAZDA HAS NOT SENT A RECALL FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER ONLY FOR THE BOOSTER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR IS 2.5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 42000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. MAZDA NEEDS TO HONOR THE REPAIR AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585787

16,300 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Service BrakesCrash

BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE 3 TIMES THIS MORNING, THE FIRST TIME FAILED TO STOP THE SUV SO HAD TO SWERVE TO THE CENTER MEDIAN AND SLIGHTLY HIT THE METAL BARRIER. THEN GOING BACK HOME MAKING A TURN, BRAKES FAILED AGAIN TO ENGAGE. SEEMS THIS HAPPENED WHEN MAKING TURNS. BROUGHT TO THE MAZDA DEALER, TOLD THEM ABOUT ONGOING INVESTIGATION…

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BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE 3 TIMES THIS MORNING, THE FIRST TIME FAILED TO STOP THE SUV SO HAD TO SWERVE TO THE CENTER MEDIAN AND SLIGHTLY HIT THE METAL BARRIER. THEN GOING BACK HOME MAKING A TURN, BRAKES FAILED AGAIN TO ENGAGE. SEEMS THIS HAPPENED WHEN MAKING TURNS. BROUGHT TO THE MAZDA DEALER, TOLD THEM ABOUT ONGOING INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA ABOUT MAZDA CX9 2010-2011 BRAKE PROBLEMS. THEY DID A THOROUGH CHECK BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NOTHING WAS FIXED. IT MIGHT BE THE BRAKE BOOSTER. I'M AFRAID THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL REGARDING BRAKES FOR 2011 MAZDA CX9. HOPE THAT NHTSA FORCES MAZDA TO MAKE A RECALL. MAZDA HAS TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576014

40,000 miles · Mar 30, 2014
Service Brakes

OUR 2011 CX 9 BRAKES ARE FAILING. THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER WILL AT TIMES NOT WORK MAKING THE BRAKES VERY HARD TO DEPRESS AND WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO QUICKLY AND SAFELY STOP THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575714

55,000 miles · Feb 15, 2014
Service Brakes

MY WIFE COMPLAINED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO BE STOPPING THE VEHICLE VERY WELL. I DROVE THE CAR AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. AT SLOW SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD TO DEPRESS AND MADE A HISSING SOUND, BUT CONTINUED TO TRAVEL SLOWLY TOWARD THE FLOOR. I LIMPED IT TO THE MAZDA DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE BOOSTER AND …

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MY WIFE COMPLAINED THAT THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO BE STOPPING THE VEHICLE VERY WELL. I DROVE THE CAR AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. AT SLOW SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD TO DEPRESS AND MADE A HISSING SOUND, BUT CONTINUED TO TRAVEL SLOWLY TOWARD THE FLOOR. I LIMPED IT TO THE MAZDA DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT MAZDA'S PROBLEMS WITH CX-9 BRAKES, HE SAID MINE WAS THE FIRST ONE HE HAD HEARD OF. I DROVE AWAY AS FAST, CAREFULLY AND SAFELY AS I COULD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564520

27,140 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

I HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT YET, HOWEVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT WHEEL. THE DEALER SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES AT REGULAR SERVICE. I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG, THE PEDAL FADES AND THERE IS A GRINDING AND SOMETIM…

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I HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT YET, HOWEVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT WHEEL. THE DEALER SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES AT REGULAR SERVICE. I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG, THE PEDAL FADES AND THERE IS A GRINDING AND SOMETIMES HISSING NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT. IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY THE DEALER BEFORE SOMETHING REALLY BAD HAPPENS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564380

36,000 miles · Jan 20, 2014
Service Brakes

I WAS DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD AND MY SEVEN YEAR OLD. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT A STOPLIGHT MY CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND PUSH WITH ALL MY MIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT FOR A BRAKE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS MAKING A HIGH PITCH SCREAMING NOISE WHEN I APPLIED THE B…

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I WAS DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD AND MY SEVEN YEAR OLD. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES AT A STOPLIGHT MY CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND PUSH WITH ALL MY MIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT FOR A BRAKE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS MAKING A HIGH PITCH SCREAMING NOISE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE. MY FATHER WHO IS AN ENGINEER CHECK THE CAR AND FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID LOW AND IT HAD LEAKED INTO THE BOOSTER AND RUINED IT. I LOOKED ON LINE AND FOUND SEVERAL MAZDA OWNERS HAD REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. MY FAMILY, I AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD LIVES ARE IN DANGER IF THIS IS NOT RECALLED AND CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560699

50,000 miles · Oct 14, 2013
Service Brakes

BRAKE PEDAL BECAME INCREASING HARD TO DEPRESS REQUIRING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO ENGAGE BRAKES. STOPPING POWER DECREASED AND DISTANCE TO A FULL STOP INCREASED LEADING TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC SAYS THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547859

42,600 miles · Oct 4, 2013
Service Brakes

I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE WHEN I REALIZED THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. I TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT I FELT A LOT OF RESISTANCE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. SO WHEN I GOT HOME I HAD MY HUSBAND DRIVE THE CAR AND HE SAID HE DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING UNTIL LATER THAT NIGHT WHEN HE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE FREAKED OUT CAUSE H…

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I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE WHEN I REALIZED THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. I TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT I FELT A LOT OF RESISTANCE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. SO WHEN I GOT HOME I HAD MY HUSBAND DRIVE THE CAR AND HE SAID HE DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING UNTIL LATER THAT NIGHT WHEN HE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE FREAKED OUT CAUSE HE SAID HE FELT AS IF THE CAR WASN'T GOING TO STOP AFTER PUSHING ON THE BRAKES. HE HAD TO PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND TAKE THE BACK ROADS HOME AT A LOW SPEED AND GIVE HIMSELF PLENTY OF DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM IN ORDER TO BRAKE SO HE WOULD NOT SLAM INTO THEIR CAR. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING ALL THE PRESSURE YOU COULD TO THE BRAKES, A LOUD HISSING SOUND COULD BE HEARD AS WELL. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO OUR MAZDA DEALER WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND AFTER THEY LOOKED AT IT, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BAD BRAKE BOOSTERS AND THAT WE WERE LUCKY WE WEREN'T IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER HEARING THIS AND RESEARCHING IT, IT REALLY UPSET US THAT MAZDA HAS HAD THIS ISSUE WITH THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE OF OTHER YEARS.... WHY HASN'T A RECALL BEEN DONE? ARE THEY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE?! I THANK GOD WE WERE ABLE TO STOP OUR CAR BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING OR LEAD UP TO THIS INCIDENT. IT LITERALLY JUST HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10546804

45,917 miles · Aug 18, 2013
Service Brakes

AUGUST 6TH 2013 MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES ON HER 2011 MAZDA CX9 MAKING A HISSING TYPE SOUND AND BRAKES FEELING MUSHY AND NOT RESPONDING AS NORMAL. THE NEXT DAY SHE ADVISED THE BRAKES WERE WORSE SO WE PARKED THE CAR UNTIL THE 9TH. THE CX9 HAS 46000. MILES. THE CAR RECEIVES REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND WAS TAKEN TO TOM BU…

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AUGUST 6TH 2013 MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES ON HER 2011 MAZDA CX9 MAKING A HISSING TYPE SOUND AND BRAKES FEELING MUSHY AND NOT RESPONDING AS NORMAL. THE NEXT DAY SHE ADVISED THE BRAKES WERE WORSE SO WE PARKED THE CAR UNTIL THE 9TH. THE CX9 HAS 46000. MILES. THE CAR RECEIVES REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND WAS TAKEN TO TOM BUSH MAZDA (JACKSONVILLE FL.) FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM. WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A VACUUM LEAK FROM THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND IT HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $695.88. (PART = $130. W/ LABOR $503.) WE LEARNED THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT A RECALL MIGHT HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR CX9S. THERE WAS NO CONSIDERATION ON REPAIR COSTS. OUR ISSUE IS THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER FAILURE SEEMS TO BE AN ABNORMALLY COMMON COMPLAINT ON MAZDA'S CX9 VEHICLES AND THE FACT THAT THIS INVOLVES BRAKE FAILURES, IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MAY LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC CRASH AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I BELIEVE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS NOTED ABOUT MAZDA CX9 BRAKE ISSUES IN THE NHTSA WARRANT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION AND POSSIBLE RECALL. WE WILL RETAIN THE DEFECTIVE PART. FURTHER NOTE, THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO MY FATHER W/O PROPERLY INSPECTING THEIR WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED TO US W/O THE BRAKE LINES BEING BLED PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT TOOK ANOTHER DAY TO FIX THAT ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10535955

Official recalls

4

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.

18V717000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

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.

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

3

PE19006 · 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