2019 Mazda CX-9 Problems

The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine failure while driving, including on the highway. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealer service center, and the manufacturer's technical hotline department reviewed the diagnostic findings directly. Warning symptoms (overheating codes and visible tailpipe smoke) first appeared at the time the vehicle was brought in for diagnosis. The manufacturer has an active technical service bulletin addressing cylinder head coolant leaks on this engine and model, along with a related warranty extension program, but has denied coverage for this repair on the basis that the leak is internal rather than external.

My 2019 Mazda CX-9 (VIN [XXX]) suffered catastrophic cylinder head failure on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine at approximately 124,000 miles. The failure is consistent with Mazda TSB 01-013/21 (and successors 01-007/22, 01-010/24), in which Mazda acknowledged that cylinder heads on this engine can crack at the stud bolt hole and exhaust manifold flange due to manifold deformation and residual production stress. The first warning came in mid-May 2026, when the engine temperature warning illuminated during normal driving. An independent mechanic replaced the thermostat. The warning returned within a week, and the thermostat was replaced a second time with a higher-quality part. Four to five days later, the warning returned alongside more severe symptoms: the vehicle began jerking while in motion, a strong coolant-burning smell developed, and smoke was visible from the exhaust pipe upon shutdown. The vehicle became undriveable, had to be left at the failure location, and was towed. Safety risk: The jerking compromised vehicle control in traffic. Upon shutdown, smoke and burning coolant odor created fire and fume-exposure risks. Had this failure occurred at highway speeds or in heavy traffic, the sudden loss of engine power and erratic behavior could have caused a serious collision. Family members were in the vehicle during several escalating events. Confirmation: The vehicle was towed to an authorized Mazda dealership, where Mazda-certified technicians confirmed in writing that it is exhibiting the exact defect described in TSB 01-013/21 and that complete engine replacement is required. The diagnosis is formally documented and has been communicated to Mazda's warranty team. Mazda Customer Experience has been engaged since mid-May 2026 and acknowledged the issue. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the front windshield wipers had turned off. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. The contact stated that occasionally the windshield wipers failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact purchased and replaced a sensor. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the on and off switch for the front windshield wipers related to the sensor located on the front windshield. The contact stated that the sensor controlled the on and off switch and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the OEM windshield provided protection against the sensor malfunctioning; however, if the front windshield was replaced with a non-OEM windshield, the windshield wipers would fail to operate as designed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,199.

Vehicle infotainment screen is developing a spider crack which its expanding over time; screen won't be usable in the future and/or may crack completely at any moment. Mazda is aware (Service Alert No.: SA-008/18 and Campaign SSPB9) and unwilling to replace/repair the faulty display, car is from 2019 with 45k miles and out of basic warranty . I was told that if regular services (oil change etc.) were done at the local dealer (Mazda of North Miami)they would have probably helped me with this issue.; last service with local dealer was on 06/2022 for another warranty claim. Very disappointed. Mazda Report# 00099443

I was backing out of a parking spot while watching the backup camera when I felt a bump as if I hit something but the camera was showing I have enough space to the cars behind me. It turns out the backup camera image was frozen on the display and I had hit a car parked behind my car. Please investigate and make the manufacturer solve problems with the hardware or the software. Make sure the display shows a warning when the camera fails and the vehicle drives backwards. There may be children behind the car. Shifting into park and then into reverse again caused the camera to work correctly.

On the last week of May, my car started experiencing sputtering and stalling out problems. I made an appointment at Mazda dealership for june 6th.meantime my husband checked all fluids and coolant was low so we topped up. Car was being driven very limited due to safety concerns. Then While driving on the freeway my car displayed a “excessive engine temperature, engine output will be limited” immediately my car reduced speed from about 65mph to under 15 mph while having my whole family including myself and 4 children in the car. We almost got hit by several cars while trying to get over to the shoulder. Once pulled over to the shoulder my husband came and followed me home on the back streets. Once again checked fluids and coolant again was back low this time empty. So In a day it completely had no coolant left. When taken into Mazda dealership for the appointment, customer service was so horrible I ended up leaving and taking my car to a 3rd party service center. Was advised to have a Hydrocarbon test on cooling system that measured at zero, then advised to take it for a diagnostic due to the sputtering, stalling and coolant leak, where they ultimately determined the coolant was leaking into combustion chamber &/or intake system. Pressure test shows drop in pressure, no visible external leaks present. TSB# 01-002/23 pertaining to cylinder head assembly replacement. Now I’m waiting for my appointment at a different Mazda dealership on June 12th! Please help

The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine failure while driving, including on the highway. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealer service center, and the manufacturer's technical hotline department reviewed the diagnostic findings directly. Warning symptoms (overheating codes and visible tailpipe smoke) first appeared at the time the vehicle was brought in for diagnosis. The manufacturer has an active technical service bulletin addressing cylinder head coolant leaks on this engine and model, along with a related warranty extension program, but has denied coverage for this repair on the basis that the leak is internal rather than external.

Vehicle jumps while driving. And sometimes stalls.

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a defective suspension part (lower control arm) manufactured by Dorman and purchased from an online auto parts retailer. On October 7, 2024, I ordered a Dorman lower control arm for my vehicle and had it professionally installed on November 7, 2024 at Johnston and Magwood Wheels & Tires. On November 8, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., while I was driving and made a hard brake, I suddenly lost steering control and my front left wheel collapsed. Fortunately, I was the only one in the car and managed to avoid an accident. My vehicle had to be towed to a nearby shop (Kal Tire) and was later sent back to the original shop for further inspection. On November 12, technicians confirmed that the newly installed lower control arm had failed, which caused serious damage to the suspension. I paid $1,774.10 in repairs in order to make the car safe to drive again. This is extremely dangerous — if I had been driving on a highway or with passengers, it could have resulted in a major accident or injuries. When I contacted the retailer about the warranty, they only offered to refund the part itself and refused to take responsibility for the damages caused by this defective product. I believe this part should be investigated for safety defects. When I searched online, I noticed Dorman has had similar recalls on control arms, which makes me even more concerned. I am reporting this incident to NHTSA in hopes that you will look into this part to protect public safety.

Failed water pump, blown head gasket, major coolant leak, and warped head causing the vehicle to overheat and die when coming to a stop. Vehicle died when stopped in construction on a highway and we were nearly rear-ended. Vehicle never showed check engine light and temperature gauge never showed that vehicle was overheating but significant damage was caused to the engine from “excessive temperatures.” Failure of warning signals allowed us to continue driving the car with a significant engine issue. Now the entire engine needs replaced at only 83,000 miles. Car was diagnosed by licensed independent repair shop. Additionally, front struts went out at approximately 40,000 miles making the car wobble at higher speeds. Was inspected and replaced by dealership.

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side rear wheel well trim molding detached. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the wheel well trim molding would be replaced. The parts were not yet available and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,820.

SOUL RED METALLIC PAINT EXCESSIVE CHIPPING. *TR

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the front windshield wipers had turned off. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. The contact stated that occasionally the windshield wipers failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact purchased and replaced a sensor. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the on and off switch for the front windshield wipers related to the sensor located on the front windshield. The contact stated that the sensor controlled the on and off switch and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the OEM windshield provided protection against the sensor malfunctioning; however, if the front windshield was replaced with a non-OEM windshield, the windshield wipers would fail to operate as designed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,199.

Internal (growing) spider cracks on center displays. The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. Visibility risk when trying to use the backup camera. This problem is known by Mazda and they've issued a service alert (attached) for Models 2016-2018 but for some reason excluded 2019. Currently Mazda seems unwilling to cover the repair.

Have been making repairs back to back since I bought it had to do four oil changes within that year then tires were completely worn electrical problems kept freezing spark plugs completely burnt discs were really rust car automatically turned off even though the battery is still good and still had gas had that happen twice and did more of a history search in it has had more complaints before every time try to take it to Mazda always be something with their system

The contact’s husband owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test, she was informed that the head gasket was cracked, and fluids were leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the message “Excessive Engine Temperature - Engine Output Will be Limited" was displayed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,756.

My 2019 Mazda CX9 when you turn the steering wheel it makes a clicking noise. I brought car to a mechanic and was told there is a loose bolt in steering column. Mazda has a TSB bulletin on this issue TSB# 06-001/24 dated 01/23/2024. When I brought car to Palisades Mazda two other customers on line with me have the same issue. I looked on internet and found alot of people are having the same issue. Mazda is aware of this problem and it is a defect. Mazda is fixing this problem for cars under warranty but charging customers past warranty to replace the complete steering column to fix a loose bolt,

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO PARALLEL PARK THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO BEND INWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARDEN CITY MAZDA (LOCATED AT 209 NORTH FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550, 516-292-7827) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1/239794329. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,600.

Have been making repairs back to back since I bought it had to do four oil changes within that year then tires were completely worn electrical problems kept freezing spark plugs completely burnt discs were really rust car automatically turned off even though the battery is still good and still had gas had that happen twice and did more of a history search in it has had more complaints before every time try to take it to Mazda always be something with their system

I was driving down the street with my foot in the gas going about 35mph. No cars in front or behind me. All of the sudden my car brakes for no reason. It was a hard brake. My foot was on the gas pedal when this happened. Then a bunch of warnings displayed on my screen: forward smart city brake malfunction, front camera sensor system malfunction, brake override system malfunction and smart brake malfunction. My check engine light, traction control light and parking brake light also came on. This was extremely dangerous and could have caused an accident the way the car decided to brake all by itself.

My car has a 60/40 split adjustable-type second-row seat and the driver side of the 60/40 split-bench second row seat has been sliding forward during braking despite being seemingly locked in place. Apparently, a similar issue was the subject of a safety recall for 2020/2021 Mazda CX-9s (5221I). I have spoken with Mazda and they are not offering to replace the seat as part of the recall since my car is a 2019. While I understand their position, the issue appears to be the exact same one described in the recall of the 2020/2021 models.