NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
17 reportsClear category filter97,000 miles · Dec 17, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
THE RADIATOR FAILED INTERNALLY WITH NO WARNING, NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING, MIXING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE OIL AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. MY MACHINE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY OF ME KNOWING THIS WAS HAPPENING AND ITS FAULTY THE WAY THEY MAKE THE RADIATOR IT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. NOW MY RADIATOR IS BAD AND MY ENGINE. I…
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THE RADIATOR FAILED INTERNALLY WITH NO WARNING, NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING, MIXING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE OIL AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. MY MACHINE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY OF ME KNOWING THIS WAS HAPPENING AND ITS FAULTY THE WAY THEY MAKE THE RADIATOR IT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN. NOW MY RADIATOR IS BAD AND MY ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY A NOISE STARTED THEN POWER WENT AND PULLED OVER AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. NO WARNING NOTHING. NO LEAKS NO ENGINE LIGHT PRIOR.
NHTSA ODI #11383969
57,022 miles · Jun 18, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SANDY SANSING MAZDA LOCATED AT 6105…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SANDY SANSING MAZDA LOCATED AT 6105 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,022. *BF THE CONSUEMNR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*AS
NHTSA ODI #11329606
74,500 miles · May 26, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO HOLIDAY MAZDA LOCATED AT 416 N ROLLING MEADOWS DR, FOND DU LAC, …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO HOLIDAY MAZDA LOCATED AT 416 N ROLLING MEADOWS DR, FOND DU LAC, WI 54937, (920) 322-2550, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,500.
NHTSA ODI #11325986
124,195 miles · Mar 18, 2020
Engine
IN 2011 WE LEASED A CX9 AND WE ENJOYED IT SO MUCH THAT WE DECIDED TO PURCHASE A CX9 IN 2013. JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I HAD AN EXPERIENCE THAT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. I WAS DRIVING AND REALIZED THE HEAT WAS NOT COMING ON AND THAT WAS UNUSUAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SOON AFTER THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING. I AM FORTUNA…
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IN 2011 WE LEASED A CX9 AND WE ENJOYED IT SO MUCH THAT WE DECIDED TO PURCHASE A CX9 IN 2013. JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I HAD AN EXPERIENCE THAT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. I WAS DRIVING AND REALIZED THE HEAT WAS NOT COMING ON AND THAT WAS UNUSUAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SOON AFTER THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING. I AM FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. I NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND WE HAD IT BROUGHT TO MAZDA IN DANBURY, CT. WE FOUND OUT THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WERE SHOCKED AND THEN VERY UPSET TO FIND OUT THAT IT WOULD COST 10,000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. WE HAVE HAD OUR CAR SERVICED REGULARLY BY COLONIAL MAZDA IN DANBURY, CT. NOW WE HAVE A CAR THAT IS WORTH NOTHING. NOW WE ARE PUT IN A POSITION TO REPLACE OUR CAR AND HAVE NOTHING TO TURN IN TO DEFER THE COST. WITH RESEARCH WE HAVE FOUND THAT DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE MANY MAZDA CX9 HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE WATER PUMP LEAKING, THE TRANSFER CASE LEAKING, AND ANTIFREEZE GOING INTO THE ENGINE. IN OUR OPINION, AND APPARENTLY TO MANY CASES WE HAVE READ ONLINE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED IN TO FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON A SIDE ROAD, SOMEONE ELSE MAY NOT BE AS FORTUNATE. THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE IF FLAWED AND IS MORE THAN LIKELY WHY MAZDA IS NOT HAVING A RECALL, BECAUSE IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #11318576
88,950 miles · Nov 19, 2019
Engine
WATER PUMP CAUSED ANTIFREEZE TO MIX WITH MOTOR OIL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HAVE TO BE REPLACE ON THREE OCCASIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS
NHTSA ODI #11280993
130,000 miles · Jun 27, 2019
Engine
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME ON A BUSY FREEWAY. WHEN STARTED OVERHEATING WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE THEN CUT OFF ON FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AT A FAST SPEED. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO SHOULDER. TOWED CAR TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT MAZDA HAS FAULTY WATER PUMPS AND THAT MY ENGINE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO COOLA…
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THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME ON A BUSY FREEWAY. WHEN STARTED OVERHEATING WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE THEN CUT OFF ON FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AT A FAST SPEED. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO SHOULDER. TOWED CAR TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT MAZDA HAS FAULTY WATER PUMPS AND THAT MY ENGINE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO COOLANT LEAKING INTO MY OIL WITH TURNED IT TO A THICK MUD. NEW ENGINE NEEDED. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE ARE COUNTLESS CONSUMERS COMPLAINING OF SAME ISSUE WITH MAZDA. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR YOUR CAR TO JUST STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS OR TRAVELING ON ANY HIGHWAY THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS FAULTY WATER PUMP INSIDE OF THE MAZDA ENGINE. I BELIEVE SOME ONE SOON WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS ISSUE! THANKFULLY IT WASN'T MY CHILD AND I.
NHTSA ODI #11222956
79,900 miles · Nov 14, 2018
Engine
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME ON A BUSY CITY STREET. WE NOTICED SOME NOISES WHICH WAS SOUNDING LIKE METAL CLANKING. THIS BECAME LOUDER IMMEDIATELY IN THE SPAN OF 5MINS AND THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR WENT OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE TO BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF COMMUTE TRAFFIC. LUCKILY WE GOT …
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THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME ON A BUSY CITY STREET. WE NOTICED SOME NOISES WHICH WAS SOUNDING LIKE METAL CLANKING. THIS BECAME LOUDER IMMEDIATELY IN THE SPAN OF 5MINS AND THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR WENT OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE TO BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF COMMUTE TRAFFIC. LUCKILY WE GOT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE SHOULDER WITHOUT ANY INJURIES TO ANYONE. UPON GETTING THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERNAL WATER PUMP (SUGGESTED AS A BAD DESIGN BY THEM AND MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR STALLING SITUATIONS ON THE INTERNET) SOMEHOW MIXED UP THE COOLANT AND THE OIL FORMING A SLUDGE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE AND LACK OF LUBRICATION CAUSED THE METAL CLANKING. THIS HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE ONLY AFTER 5YEARS. SEEMS LIKE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS RAISES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT IF THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY OR IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS LOSS OF LIFE OR INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS. UPON CHECKING WITH MAZDA, IT WAS RULED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS YET. THIS STANCE FROM MAZDA IS BEING UTTERLY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DESIGN FLAWS AND PUTTING A PRODUCT OUT IN THE MARKET.
NHTSA ODI #11151624
Official recalls
4Oct 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.
Apr 11, 2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
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
2PE19006 · 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
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