2014 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Mazda CX-9, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2031.3%
- Brakes914.1%
- Powertrain (other)710.9%
- Suspension57.8%
- Fuel system57.8%
- Visibility46.3%
- Interior & seats34.7%
- Airbags34.7%
- Steering34.7%
- Body & structure23.1%
- Electrical23.1%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2014 Mazda CX-9 back in May of 2020 w/ roughly 60k on the dash. Literally 7 months later w/ about 72k on the dash, the day after Christmas I was driving to work (I worked in the next state over) on the highway my car just shut down. No warnings, no check engine lights NOTHING! It just completely shut off and would not turn on. Thankfully because of the holiday the highway was pretty empty and I was able to swing my car across the interstate so I wouldn’t get hit by oncoming traffic. After getting out and deciding to check my oil I noticed it looked milky. I had no idea what that meant so I had it towed to a Mazda dealership in the state I live in. It was going to cost me almost $8,000 to put in a new engine because the water pump that was placed inside of the engine failed, which in turn caused my engine to seize. The extended warranty I had on my vehicle was worthless so I ended up paying out of pocket. Thankfully Mazda worked with me and had me prove that I kept up maintenance on the truck so the price was chopped in half. This happened right at the beginning of Covid when the entire world was suffering financially. I still had to make my car payments on top of shelling out 4k on a truck I hadn’t even had for a year. This is a huge issue with a lot of people that own the same vehicle and is extremely dangerous! I could’ve killed someone or worse myself when my vehicle stalled out on the highway.
The water pump failed causing water to mix with the oil and damage the head gasket. Estimates recommend replacing engine. The service engine light came on and we took it to our trusted mechanic right away. Got the estimates from two mechanics for this repair and then towed the car to Mazda dealer who confirmed the problem. We wrote to Mazda's corporate office and was told they would not fix it. My car has 68,000 miles and was regularly serviced. It is currently sitting dead in my garage. We bought this car in 2015 brand new from the Mazda dealer in Monroeville, PA. This is outrageous! I spoke with someone else who also owns a Mazda and the same thing happened to his car. From articles I have read and attached, this problem is occurring in many Mazdas. What needs to be in place for Mazda to take responsibility and fix this problem by recalling the affected vehicles?
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brakes stopped working while we were on vacation. Made the drive down fine, but the next day went to drive the car, pressed the brakes and the car did not come to a complete stop. Also made a funny noise when we tried to press on the brakes. My husband practically had to stand up and push all the way down to get car to stop. Luckily we were not in a congested or confined place. Ended up replacing the brake booster. Three weeks later my acceleration stopped working intermittently. I go to press the gas and the car doesn’t go. The dealership is saying it’s the brake signal.
Breaks became very hard to press and I was having trouble stopping the car. I could not drive it to the Mazda dealer who was too far. I took a chance and drove a few miles to local break shop. They replaced the master cylinder and the break booster. Parts and labor were $1083.87
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2014 Mazda CX-9 back in May of 2020 w/ roughly 60k on the dash. Literally 7 months later w/ about 72k on the dash, the day after Christmas I was driving to work (I worked in the next state over) on the highway my car just shut down. No warnings, no check engine lights NOTHING! It just completely shut off and would not turn on. Thankfully because of the holiday the highway was pretty empty and I was able to swing my car across the interstate so I wouldn’t get hit by oncoming traffic. After getting out and deciding to check my oil I noticed it looked milky. I had no idea what that meant so I had it towed to a Mazda dealership in the state I live in. It was going to cost me almost $8,000 to put in a new engine because the water pump that was placed inside of the engine failed, which in turn caused my engine to seize. The extended warranty I had on my vehicle was worthless so I ended up paying out of pocket. Thankfully Mazda worked with me and had me prove that I kept up maintenance on the truck so the price was chopped in half. This happened right at the beginning of Covid when the entire world was suffering financially. I still had to make my car payments on top of shelling out 4k on a truck I hadn’t even had for a year. This is a huge issue with a lot of people that own the same vehicle and is extremely dangerous! I could’ve killed someone or worse myself when my vehicle stalled out on the highway.
- Water pump failed causing coolant to mix with oil. This repair cost was around $3,900. - Luckily this failure happened on our community road and was able to pull into our driveway. Mechanic stated that if this happened on the highway or regular road, this could have caused a major incident and possibly a blown motor. - No, but complaints of similar issues have been reported via my online research. - Just by the mechanic I had my vehicle towed to. - There was no indication of an issue until the water pump failed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was drifting to either side. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to forcefully grip the steering wheel to avoid losing control of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that there was severe corrosion around the front suspension ball joints. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
HEARD LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND NEEDED R REAR WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY COSTING $1000.00. NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2014 Mazda CX-9 back in May of 2020 w/ roughly 60k on the dash. Literally 7 months later w/ about 72k on the dash, the day after Christmas I was driving to work (I worked in the next state over) on the highway my car just shut down. No warnings, no check engine lights NOTHING! It just completely shut off and would not turn on. Thankfully because of the holiday the highway was pretty empty and I was able to swing my car across the interstate so I wouldn’t get hit by oncoming traffic. After getting out and deciding to check my oil I noticed it looked milky. I had no idea what that meant so I had it towed to a Mazda dealership in the state I live in. It was going to cost me almost $8,000 to put in a new engine because the water pump that was placed inside of the engine failed, which in turn caused my engine to seize. The extended warranty I had on my vehicle was worthless so I ended up paying out of pocket. Thankfully Mazda worked with me and had me prove that I kept up maintenance on the truck so the price was chopped in half. This happened right at the beginning of Covid when the entire world was suffering financially. I still had to make my car payments on top of shelling out 4k on a truck I hadn’t even had for a year. This is a huge issue with a lot of people that own the same vehicle and is extremely dangerous! I could’ve killed someone or worse myself when my vehicle stalled out on the highway.
The water pump failed causing water to mix with the oil and damage the head gasket. Estimates recommend replacing engine. The service engine light came on and we took it to our trusted mechanic right away. Got the estimates from two mechanics for this repair and then towed the car to Mazda dealer who confirmed the problem. We wrote to Mazda's corporate office and was told they would not fix it. My car has 68,000 miles and was regularly serviced. It is currently sitting dead in my garage. We bought this car in 2015 brand new from the Mazda dealer in Monroeville, PA. This is outrageous! I spoke with someone else who also owns a Mazda and the same thing happened to his car. From articles I have read and attached, this problem is occurring in many Mazdas. What needs to be in place for Mazda to take responsibility and fix this problem by recalling the affected vehicles?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER WON'T MOVE. ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IN THE FRONT. WONT ROLL UP AND KEEPS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE.
WAS DRIVING TO DULUTH, MN AND AS I WAS CHECKING OBJECTS ON DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR I NOTICED IT VIBRATING. THAT MONDAY I CALLED MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHEN I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR FROM TO INFORM THEM. THEY TOOK IT IN AND CALLED ME BACK WITH NO SOLUTION SAYING THEIR ENGINEERS HAVE NO ANSWERS TO THE DEFECT. I WENT TO MAZDA FACEBOOK PAGE AND LOUNGED MY CONCERNS I WAS CALLED BY SOMEONE WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF I POSTING MY CONCERNS PROMISING TO GET BACK TO ME WITH 24 HRS. UPTOWN TODAY NO RESPONSE. I CAN'T US DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR AS IT MAKES ME DIZZY BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT DRIVE IT AND BE CREATIVE ON HOW I CHECK FOR CARS IN MY LEFT BLIND SPOTS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drivers seat will not recline backwards
I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 7,000 MILES AND SINCE THE BEGINNING THERE HAS BEEN A HUMMING NOISE EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER SIDE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A PIECE OF PLASTIC STUCK TO THE CONTROL ARM. THE CAR CONTINUED MAKING THE NOISE ONLY AUDIBLE ON A QUIET NIGHT AND NOW THE CAR HAS 30,000 AND HUMMING IS MORE PRONOUNCED DAY AND NIGHT WITH ONLY SLIGHT TURN ANGLE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS A LITTLE PLAY, FELT DURING TURNS. AND THE LAST ISSUE IS THE USB JUST STOPPED WORKING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V717000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THE DEALER (NAPLETON'S ARLINGTON MAZDA, 1555 E RAND RD, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004) STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONSUMER STATED REPAIR COMPLETED.*JB
TAKATA RECALL MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL NOTICES REFERENCING THE TAKATA AIRBAG PROBLEM. MAZDA HAS STILL NOT INITIATED A RECALL. I HAVE SUPPLIED MY EMAIL ADDRESS TO THE TKRESTUCTURING.COM/PPIC IN REFERENCE TO THE CHAPTER 11 CASE NO. 17-11375 (BLS). MY COMPLAINT SPECIFICALLY IS AGAINST MAZDA AND WHY THEY ARE DRAGGING THEIR FEET IN INITIATING RECALLS FOR THE AFFECTED AIRBAGS. WE HAVE NOT HAD AN ISSUE YET, BUT DO FEAR WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF A VEHICLE CRASH WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. INJURIES AND EVEN DEATH COULD HAPPEN. MAZDA NEEDS TO BEGIN ISSUANCE OF THE RECALL NOTICES ASAP. I AM USING TODAY'S DATE BELOW SINCE A DATE IS REQUIRED TO CONTINUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEARD LOUD GRINDING SOUND FROM RIGHT REAR SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND NEEDED R REAR WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY COSTING $1000.00. NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
1) WHEN LEFT PARKED FOR 2-3 DAYS, MAZDA CX-9 (MINE IS 2013) CONSISTENTLY DRAINS THE BATTERY 2) ON MY GRAND TOURING THE STEERING HAS A SHAKE AT ABOVE 60 MPH THE ABOVE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON ON ALL MAZDA CX-9 AND CONSUMERS ARE SPENDING $$$ ON THESE MANUFACTURER ISSUES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAINT FINISH. CHIPS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS FROM JUST TOUCHING ANYTHING WITH THEM. ALSO PART OF HOOD IS DISCOLORING AND IT HAS A ROUGH FINISH ON IT.
REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE? NEVER EVEN TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) WHEN LEFT PARKED FOR 2-3 DAYS, MAZDA CX-9 (MINE IS 2013) CONSISTENTLY DRAINS THE BATTERY 2) ON MY GRAND TOURING THE STEERING HAS A SHAKE AT ABOVE 60 MPH THE ABOVE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON ON ALL MAZDA CX-9 AND CONSUMERS ARE SPENDING $$$ ON THESE MANUFACTURER ISSUES
I STARTED MY CAR AT HOME TO ALLOW IT TO WARM UP WHILE I GOT THE KIDS READY FOR SCHOOL. MY CARS STARTS WITH KEYFOB (NO KEY) ONCE WE WAS ALL READY WE LEFT HOME TO GO TO SCHOOL. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE MY CAR TO THE SCHOOL (WITHOUT THE KEYS, APPARENTLY I LEFT THEM ON THE TABLE AND FORGOT TO GRAB THEM) WE ARRIVED AT THE SCHOOL. I PARKED, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ENTERED THE BUILDING. WHEN I RETURNED TO LEAVE, I WAS UNABLE TO SINCE I DID NOT HAVE MY CAR KEYS. MY MAZDA CX9 WILL SHIFT INTO GEAR AND DRIVE WITHOUT THE FOB WITHIN PROXIMITY TO THE VEHICLE THIS CLEARLY VIOLATES FMVSS 114 S5.2.2- EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN S5.2.4, THE VEHICLE MUST BE DESIGNED SUCH THAT THE TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTION CONTROL CANNOT MOVE FROM THE 'PARK' POSITION, UNLESS THE KEY IS IN THE STARTING SYSTEM THEREFORE, I WAS STRANDED, I CONTACTED MAZDA SERVICE (BECAUSE IN THE PAST IT SEEMED AS WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR TO LEAVE WITHOUT THE KEYS, I COULD NOT SHIFT OUR OF PARK) TO ASK THEY SAID THAT IS HOW IT WAS MEANT TO OPERATE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. 1) MY CAR CAN BE MOVED WITHOUT THE KEY FOB 2) NO NOTICE THAT KEY FOB IS MISSING 3) BE STRANDED DUE TO NOT HAVING KEYS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HAD A LOUD GRINDING/GROWING SOUND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER 2018 REPLACED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING, SAME ISSUE TOOK TO DEALER REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING IN MAY 2019, SAME ISSUE REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AGAIN DECEMBER OF 2019, SAME ISSUE REPLACED RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING MARCH 2020
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .