Mazda CX-9 Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

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.

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.

On February 9, 2026, our 2023 Mazda CX‑9 experienced a sudden and complete system malfunction while being driven. Multiple system failures began approximately six minutes before the crash. During this time, the driver reported: • Total loss of steering • Complete brake failure • No response to acceleration or driver input • No ability to slow, stop, or maneuver the vehicle • No meaningful warnings that allowed corrective action The vehicle became completely uncontrollable. At the crash site, there were no skid marks, no braking evidence, and no signs of evasive action, consistent with a full loss of vehicle control. The vehicle only stopped after entering approximately two feet of water and striking a tree. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident represents a severe safety defect involving critical electronic and mechanical systems. A modern vehicle should not lose all steering, braking, and control functions under any circumstances. We are requesting a full investigation into the cause of this failure and whether similar incidents have occurred in other Mazda vehicles. We can provide photos, crash documentation, diagnostic information, and driver statements upon request.

If you press both the brake and gas at the same time (even if accidental), the onboard computer apparently thinks that the driver is confused, and it sets the gas flow to “idle”. The first time this happened was on the freeway, and I was very lucky to be able to coast into a gas station (thinking that I simply running out of gas - even though the gas gauge showed plenty of gas remaining). And so, I took it to Christian Brothers automotive the next day, and they ran extensive (and expensive) diagnostics. They found (to their surprise!) that this is the way the latest CX-9 works! The computer sees that you are on the gas and brakes, and so it “thinks” that you must be confused. And so, it sets the gas to “idle”. I believe this is an extremely dangerous action for the computer to take, and this behavior needs to be removed from all CX-9's IMMEDIATELY! And please don't just say (as others have) that the driver "shouldn't press both the brake and accelerator at the same". One might use the brake and accelerator at the same time for good reason, such as an icy road. But the computer SHOULD NOT DECIDE ON ITS' OWN TO SET THE THROTTLE TO IDLE!

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.

I recently purchased a 2023 Mazda CX9 with factory installed tires, Falken Ziex CT50 A/S p255/50R20 104V M+S. I was driving on the freeway on Tuesday [XXX] going around 65-70MPH. My tire pressure light came on all of a sudden, I started to slow down and make my way over to the right lane and then shoulder to check it out and all of a sudden the tire tread completely ripped away from the rest of the tire. Some of the sidewalls stayed intact, which ultimately protected my wheel from damage. But other than the tire pressure light coming on 30 seconds before the failure, there was no warning, no obvious defect or anything in the tire. Had it been one of my front tires it potentially could have been way worse of an outcome as I was driving on a bridge and next to a semi. The shop where I ended up replacing all 4 tires because I did not feel safe using this brand any longer said he has never seen the tread just rip right off of the sidewalls. I searched the tire make and model and there was an open recall on this specific brand and size tire, but my date stamp did not match. However, it was the same exact reason for the recall in the first place. So clearly this company has not changed their manufacturing methods and is putting people's lives in danger with these tires spontaneously detaching from the wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I brought my vehicle in on 2/22/25 for a brake issue. I had to pump the brakes every time before I stopped to get the brake pedal to work. If I just hit the brakes the pedal would go almost to the floor. Greico Mazda has attempted 4 times to fix this issue with no success and has had my car in their shop for 4 months. I am now waiting for a Mazda rep to "fly in" to look at the car. They have replaced multiple parts on the car. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle and have limited faith in Mazda to correct the problem.

Starting [XXX], through [XXX], we began receiving multiple "Critical Vehicle Malfunction" alerts (46 alert messages)via the Mazda app, including "Parking Brake Malfunction" and "Electric Parking Brake Malfunction." During this time, the vehicle experienced delayed starts and eventually required a jump-start. We brought it to the dealership multiple times to show the messages, before our 3-year/36,000-mile B2B warranty expired, but the issues were dismissed until the battery was finally replaced. At just over 36,000 miles (currently 39,646), a new issue emerged a “thud” sound from the steering wheel. The dealer diagnosed it as a failed u-joint shaft, which was deemed non-serviceable and not covered under warranty. I inquired about potential causes or prevention—no clear answer was known. I found relevant NHTSA TSBs (06-001/20 & 06-001/24) related to steering issues and escalated to Mazda USA. Mazda agreed to cover 50% as a goodwill gesture, leaving me to pay about $500. Two weeks later, the part arrived and was installed—but it did not fix the issue. The dealership now says it’s a failed bearing within the Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit, which requires complete replacement at a cost of over $2,000. Only one part is available in the U.S., with another two-week wait. The original (misdiagnosed) part was already sent back to Mazda. My out-of-pocket cost is now $1,151 and rising. Given the early warning alerts, misdiagnoses, and the fact that EPS controls several safety-critical functions (steering, cruise, lane assist, etc.), I believe this is a fundamental system failure that should be fully covered under warranty or as a safety-related goodwill repair. I respectfully request that Mazda assume full financial responsibility for the replacement and any related work. Thank you for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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?

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

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Automated liftgate failure with risk of crushing. When pressing the automatic liftgate button, if there is an obstruction, the liftgate has unreliable/ineffective sensors ("jam-safe equipment") to prevent items and body parts from being crushed. In my instance, items in the trunk were crushed until the fuse blew for the liftgate. I believe this could have caused serious harm if a body part was accidentally wedged between the liftgate and preventing it from closing. **The fuse has been replaced and liftgate is now operational. It is available for inspection upon request. **Upon inquiring with Mazda, the dealer stated that "Mazda does not publish any data pertaining to your question “what strength of resistance is the specification for the Jam-safe equipment”. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Liftgate automatic closure fails to sense items/body parts in pathway or stop upon contact/resistance, crushing them until fuse blows. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Fuse was replaced and dealer indicated it was operating normally, however Mazda allegedly has NO TEST / SPECIFICATION for Jam-Safe equipment! Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Mazda dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? **No.