2022 Mazda CX-9

The front passenger seat heating element in my 2022 Mazda Model, CX-9 malfunctioned, failing to regulate temperature and creating an immediate thermal safety and fire hazard. While operating the vehicle normally with the passenger side seat heater turned on, the system rapidly reached temperatures far exceeding normal comfort parameters. The heat became intense enough to cause smoke to fill the car, a flame to appear on the seat, and a giant burned hole in the seat. To prevent an active vehicle fire, I had to immediately turn off the control switch, unplug the seat and put out the fire that caused a pillow to ignite in flames. A localized failure of this nature presents an active electrical and fire risk while driving, which could lead to a crash or severe personal injury. No prior warning lights or error codes were triggered on the dashboard before the thermal event. The seat heater is currently disconnected, unusable and the seat cannot be used, and the vehicle interior has sustained permanent thermal damage. I am filing this complaint to request that NHTSA formally investigate this recurring thermal safety defect in modern Mazda vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11771434

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

The issue is the steering colomn. There is a bolt that comes loose when driving on "irregular roads". my safety was at risk because if this bolt decided to come out i would not have control of the vehicle. I was told that the steering wheel would disconnect from the steering colomn or the steering wheel would completly detatch. The problem was confirmed and inspected by the Mazda dealership. No warning messages appeared on the dash, only notable symptom was an intense clunking sound coming from behind the steering wheel.

NHTSA ID

11763258

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that the vehicle was being operated with the front driver's side seat warmer activated to the highest heat level. After driving for several hours, the vehicle was parked. While exiting the vehicle, the contact experienced pain in the rear thigh area of each leg. Upon inspect the contact discovered that the rear thigh area of both legs had sustained burning and blistering despite having pants on as a barrier during the failure. During the injuries, the contact was wearing pants. The contact was later treated at the local urgent care center for first-degree burns and blistering caused by excessive heat from the seat warmer. The manufacturer was notified of the injuries and advised to have the vehicle examined by the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to detect a failure in the operation of the seat warmer, and no problem was found. The contact inquired about the temperature of the seat warmer and what its highest temperature level is; however, that information was not provided, and the manufacturer stated that it is the temperature at which the occupant felt comforable with. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11728503

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

Mileage

53,000 mi

I am reporting a safety concern involving multiple loose windshield header bolts and cowl panel fasteners on my 2022 Mazda CX-9. The issue was discovered on 1/28/26 at approximately 44,000 miles. Several bolts securing the windshield header and cowl panel area were found loose. These components support parts located at the base of the windshield. Loose fasteners in this area raise concern about potential windshield instability, movement of the cowl panel, and possible detachment or structural compromise over time. This condition could create a safety risk, particularly at highway speeds, including driver distraction from vibration or noise, potential windshield instability, and possible failure of components mounted near the base of the windshield. The Mazda dealer is aware of this issue. I was informed that they have repaired at least 15 similar vehicles, including those associated with a Roman Service member, indicating a possible pattern. Despite this, Mazda did not cover the repair cost. Given that multiple bolts were improperly secured and that the dealer has seen numerous similar cases, this appears to be a potential manufacturing or assembly defect affecting multiple vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for possible investigation and recall consideration.

NHTSA ID

11717618

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a potential safety issue with my 2022 Mazda CX-9, which is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle under limited warranty until March 2026 and powertrain warranty until March 2029. It has 36,000 miles on it. Recently, I noticed a crack forming near the front combination light on the front bumper. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident, collision, or external impact. Upon researching, I found TSB Bulletin No.: 09-022/20, titled FRONT BUMPER CRACKED NEAR THE FRONT FENDER/FRONT COMBINATION LIGHT, which addresses similar cracks in 2016–2019 CX-9 models (VINs lower than JM3TC******306028). Although my vehicle falls outside the bulletin’s specified range, the crack appears identical in location and nature—suggesting a possible design or material stress issue that may extend beyond the listed VINs. When I brought this to the dealership’s attention, they declined coverage under warranty, citing the TSB’s limited applicability. Mazda corporate echoed the same response. I find this deeply concerning. Why is this issue being dismissed based solely on VIN range, without a proper inspection or consideration of safety implications? The crack is adjacent to lighting components and could compromise structural integrity. This is not a cosmetic flaw—it’s a potential safety hazard. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and help facilitate a resolution, including repair or replacement of the bumper. It is disappointing that safety concerns are being overlooked in favor of technical exclusions and cost considerations. I urge NHTSA to consider expanding the scope of investigation to include newer CX-9 models not currently covered by the TSB. Importantly, I’ve seen many other CX-9 owners reporting similar bumper cracks in vehicles outside the TSB VIN range, particularly in Facebook owner groups. This suggests the issue may be more widespread than currently acknowledged and deserves broader attention.

NHTSA ID

11683485

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

The windshield wiper sprayers don't work properly when it gets significantly below freezing. This is incredibly dangerous on highways where it snows and the roads are salted, allowing for the snow to be thrown up as mud. This ends up in the windshield wipers just spreading mud all over the windshield and reducing visibility to near 0. Having this occur while driving at lower highway speeds makes this incredibly dangerous. Having to pull over on the highway when it's snowing isn't great, especially when some mountain highways have concrete walls with no shoulder. Using fluid that is rated for below freezing also causes this to freeze, suggesting that it may be related to wind chill while traveling at speed. It's also definitely not an issue with the overall system or the fluid because the rear windshield wipers still work. This is probably due to the way they designed this to move the emitters off the hood. A search for the term, "mazda cx-9 windshield wiper frozen", shows many such reports online. Some have complained to Mazda only to have this ignored by them. There were on indicators in the vehicle to show that that was a potential problem.

NHTSA ID

11644015

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

My wife has a cold. She picked it up during several uncomfortable hours in the emergency room. Our driveway is on a bit of a slope. She stopped the car, put it in park (she thought), turned off the engine, and got out. Something in the dashboard compartment had blocked the shift lever and the car was actually in reverse. It started rolling backwards down the driveway. She grabbed it and tugged with all her might and actually succeeded in stopping it when it got to the street. She managed to prevent our car from rolling into our neighbor's parallel parked car immediately across from our driveway. She also managed to hurt her arm quite badly. X-rays and CAT scans and exposure to every sniffling, coughing person in the ER later, and we learned she was lucky and did not break any bones, just sprained her elbow and shoulder. Very very lucky that she didn't get knocked under the wheel by the still open door of the car! My question is this: Can automakers create a safety device to prevent this? If the engine is off and the car is not in park, and no driver is detected in the driver's seat, can they automatically apply the brake? There could be a button or switch to undo the brake for towing. It seems the technology to do this has been around for decades, but the X-ray tech, the ER admissions nurse, my wife's orthopedist, even the lady at our insurance company all had stories of similar happenings. How can such a safety device become standard?

NHTSA ID

11633972

Incident

Dec 30, 2024

While driving on the highway, my car was struck by lightning. Please see attached PDF for details.

NHTSA ID

11583241

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

Subject: Update – Campaign Warranty Claim Response Enhancements – Modules Not Repaired for Certain Campaigns Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, On October 28, 2026, a change was implemented in the warranty claim response screen to provide precise information for all campaigns requiring module programming or module replacement subject to the LECS system software checks. As previously announced, some claims were automatically rejected with the Edit code JN1 – One or More Modules Are Not Updated when submitting a campaign warranty claim. This response was based on the session file received from MDARS or MDARS II at the dealership and the VIN on the claim submitted. This change provides additional Related Information which enhances the edit code information. This information allows the dealer to correct the error without contacting Warranty or Hotline. Edit code JN1 now contains the actual module name and the software version that was collected from the car and what the minimum required software needed to be for the claim. Using this information, the technician can now identify the exact error or errors and correct the concern.

Some customers may complain about any of the following 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative.

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. 09-038/24 08/08/24 NOTE: This service information is NOT applicable to 7th generation Mazda vehicles because the odometer data is stored in the BCM. DESCRIPTION In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.

Mazda Connected Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-042/26 06/30/26 DESCRIPTION Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Interacting With The App TCU Communication Line Status Service Issues Educational Videos Troubleshooting Resources MyMazda App Error Codes Customer Opt-Out

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

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App