2013 Mazda CX-9

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.

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

Engine throwing a code after dying at intersection. Found that it isa known issue for this vehicle and repair costs are astronomical. Diagnostic Summary: 2013 Mazda CX-9 (3.7L V6)Issue: Faulty Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Code P0016)Current Mileage: ~160,000 miles Reported Symptoms: Extended cranking (long start), rattle upon startup, and rattle under light acceleration. The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is KNOWN for a serious issue where the internal water pump fails, allowing coolant to leak into the oil, which causes timing chain failure and potential engine destruction. I wish I knew this years ago...

NHTSA ID

11731017

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact had not received documentation of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

NHTSA ID

11722285

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

188,000 mi

I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As I pulled in, I went to hit my brake so that I could back up and the car did not stop. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it kept going, and I hit the car parked in front of me. At that point, a warning came up on my odometer stating “Brake Malfunction “. . Thank goodness no one was hurt. I called the police. When the officer arrived, I explained what happened. He did see the odometer warning. He advised me to take a picture of it which I did. My car was towed to Crash Champions in Wesley Chapel. I explained to them what happened. They repaired my car and told me that They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes and everything was calibrated properly. I then asked Mazda to please check the brake system as I was not comfortable driving in this car anymore. I had just gotten off the Suncoast Parkway and thank goodness it didn’t happen on the parkway or I and my sister may have been killed. Mazda checked out the car and told me the same thing “ everything calibrates properly”. They were unable to help me exchange cars without a large sum of money so I had to take it back. I will not drive anywhere except locally and keep a good distance between me and the person in front of me. Again, last week, I was driving on a residential street in Lutz FL there was no cars in front of me and no cars behind me and my odometer lit up “BRAKE” which is what happens when I am too close to the car in front of me. But there was no car in front of me. I called Mazda to speak to the service manager and explained to the receptionist what had happened and he has not responded. It’s been almost a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11689655

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Niece was driving home from college on July 24, 2024 around 7:30 PM. She heard a pop when she was 1 mile away from the house. Side airbags exploded on passenger and driver side for no reason. She called me. We drove the car home since it was less than 1 mile away. No injuries. A couple of days later took to body shop to assess damage.

NHTSA ID

11611055

Incident

Jul 24, 2024

The engine in my Mazda blew with no warning. I got in my car after warming it up and noticed my check engine light on, which wasn’t unusual because it has came on before with a loose gas gap warning, so I put it in gear and drove less than 50 ft before it started making noises. I immediately turned around and came straight home and turned the car off. It started up and all but wouldn’t hold power. I got multiple opinions and no one could tell me why it my engine gave out with no warning. It was current with oil changes and all. I did purchase it used from Beardmore and didn’t have it for a full 2years.

NHTSA ID

11511035

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

Water pump is cracked and leaking through weep hole, to no fault of the driver. The vehicle has over 214k miles on it and the mechanic informed us that this is common in this vehicle of this age with that many miles on it. Luckily we caught it before the leaky coolant mixed in with the engine oil and caused the engine to seize up, which after doing my research I'm realizing is a common issue with this make and model of vehicle. No mechanic in our town will fix it since the entire engine has to be taken out in order to get to the water pump. It's just too risky apparently. The only reason I'm reporting is because after doing my research I've found that water pumps breaking is a common issue with 2013 Mazda CX-9s.

NHTSA ID

11502039

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

Car began shuddering/shaking and check engine light went on. Booked appointment at Mazda dealer. Upon inspection they found a significant amount of coolant had leaked into engine and timing was jumping. Was advised it should not be driven as the engine could freeze at any moment without warning. The technician provided a video inspection of car showing large amount of coolant inside car's engine. An oil change had been performed less then 2 months earlier (5/19/2022) and no issues were noted.

NHTSA ID

11473807

Incident

Jul 13, 2022

I was sitting in the car rider line and my engine started making this loud noise. I looked down at the temperature gage and it started over heating. I went to go pull it over and I noticed that the check engine light came on that's when I was turning in the parking place the engine stalled and i turned the car off. I took it to a local shop and he told me that I need a new engine, because apparently whoever made the car decided it was a grand idea to put the water pump in with the engine. A engine cost about $4,000. Because the water pump is in with the engine it costs about the same as replacing the engine. Thank god I was driving down the main road whenever it happened because me and my daughter could have gotten hurt. Insurance won't pay for it. I don't know how I am going to pay for it.

NHTSA ID

11466604

Incident

May 16, 2022

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.

When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.