What 221 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda Cx-90

While drive i feel like there is sticking something below the car when i am accelerating. And the acceleration became hard. Also i heard a weird noise at that time. Then a saw a leakage below my car.

NHTSA ODI 11665737

My driver and passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed without a collision. Thankfully I was at a stop sign when this happened. If it happened while I was driving, I’m sure I would have wrecked and could possibly be dead. It was loud! I thought I’d been shot or that I’d driven over a bomb. We did take the car to someone that’s certified in airbags and it was stated that this was due to a manufacturer’s defect. I also have lots of pictures. There was no warning when the airbags deployed. Mazda is refusing any responsibility due to the car being outside of the warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11640738

Ball joints replaced due to tear in both rubber covers and driver side ball joint very loose. Was previously repaired in July 2015 under recall Number: 15V451000.

NHTSA ODI 11614843

I was driving normally when I started sowing down and noticed the brakes were harder to push. I finally stopped just before almost rear-ending a vehicle in front of me. It turns out the brake booster, a known problem that was not communicated to me a few years ago, failed and makes braking the vehicle harder, increases distance, and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The problem has been reproduced via a diagnostic test at Mazda of Gladstone dealership on 9/27/23. The dealership has been the only people who have inspected the issue. There were no warning signs, no warning lights, nothing. It was scary because I didn't think my vehicle was going to stop. It's completely dangerous. I have not gotten the vehicle repaired yet because I believe Mazda holds responsibility as this has been a known issue with their cars.

NHTSA ODI 11547325

The water pump suddenly started leaking and the mechanics I talk to said this is a very common problem with this vehicle and type of engine. Sounds like owners are left to foot the bill for this costly and difficult repair of a defective product. Hopefully more owners come forward and report their experience in this regard

NHTSA ODI 11534076

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda CX9. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash due to a fractured passenger's side lower control arm. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. An independent mechanic replaced the passenger's side lower control arm; however, the contact stated that after the repair was performed, the engine rattled and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was then taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the driver's side lower control arm spacers were missing and that the front and rear axles, brakes, and rear shocks needed to be replaced. Additionally, the cage bolts needed to be retightened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11532135

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the front passenger’s side seat belt was tightening intermittently causing discomfort for the front seat passenger. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509608

On August 14, 2020, the brake booster along with the master cylinder failed, resulting in very dangerous and frightening driving conditions, and the parts were replaced with Mazda original parts. This was an ongoing issue with the Mazda CX-9’s. I reported it to the NHTSA, complaint number 11480067. On January 4, 2023, the brake master cylinder and booster failed again resulting again in very dangerous and frightening driving conditions. The car was driven only 25,383 miles before the brakes failed the second time. The Mazda parts were defective and continue to be so after many years with no effort by Mazda to improve these parts. Attached are the repair invoices for both incidents. I have tried contacting Mazda and they refuse to address the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11508193

After hearing low rumbling sound and smelling burnt oil, car was taken to dealer for check up. They informed me of known issue, front PTU leaking oil due to design flaw that put the PTU so close to the exhaust. I am seeing that other owners of this model are also reporting fires due this same exact problem, apparently unbeknownst to me Mazda has provided extended warranty up to 90k miles but not actually informed the owners of this as a potential catastrophic problem. my personal review has informed me that fire seem to be most common between 110,000 and 130,000 mile ranges.

NHTSA ODI 11491291

The brakes suddenly became very difficult to press as if I did not have power brakes. No warning lights came on and it became very difficult to stop the car. Then if I had to break suddenly and hard it would stall. I brought it to the repair shop and the brake booster was defective. The brake booster along with the master cylinder had to be replaced. It was a very dangerous and frightening experience the brakes suddenly difficult to use. I contacted Mazda customer service and they did not care. I then tried to escalate the issue over the last two years but it was impossible to contact anyone and all emails came back undeliverable. I just recently learned that I can report this danger to the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11480067

Vehicle completely shuts off while driving making it hard to turn the steering wheel and apply brakes. Vehicle is able to be turned back on shortly after. Does this randomly. Probably 2 x within a 3-6 month period

NHTSA ODI 11478977

Brake power boost failure

NHTSA ODI 11470024

This is relating to NHTSA Investigation PE 14-005. Although this car is a 2012 Mazda CX9, my wife driving the car had the same issue where she heard a hissing noise and the brakes were very difficult for her to depress or to stop. A brake issue is a major defect where the NHTSA should have initiated a recall in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 30118-30120, which required notification of all owners. Why the NHTSA allowed Mazda to only issue a 'Special Extended Warranty' is beyond me, and smells of a back door deal. Nonetheless, I was unaware of this issue with the Mazda CX9's as I was never notified. My wife drove the vehicle home and I purchased the replacement parts at my own expense. This should be a full recall and should be reopened as your current investigation PE 14-005 only included years 2010-2011, and did *not* include the 2012 model year.

NHTSA ODI 11458648

I was driving along the highway and traffic began to slow. I pushed the brakes and the car did not stop.

NHTSA ODI 11446811

CAR IDELS UP AT STOP SIGNS

NHTSA ODI 11446582

Brake booster failure caused a near miss. Wife driving with 5 year old daughter in the vehicle. The stopping force required on the brake pedal became excessive and the stopping (safe braking) distance significantly increased causing emotional distress. My understanding is this part (brake booster) has a defective diaphragm that deteriorates over time. The extended warranty created for this particular issue did not cover the vehicle at the time of the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11435560

BRAKE BOOSTER INTERNAL FAILURE - This is a known issue and a safety hazard on Mazda CX 9 models and should be investigated again regardless of the age of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11435469

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 25 mph and approaching a stop sign, depressing the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she pumped the brake pedal and shifted to neutral until the vehicle came to a stop. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the power brake booster and master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,805.

NHTSA ODI 11427415

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REACH OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP ELDORADO CHEVROLET(233 N CENTRAL EXPWY, MCKINNEY, TX 75070). THE CONTACT WANTED A SECOND OPINION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELDORADO CHEVROLET (2300 N CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75070) WHERE IT WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE SVC MGR INFORMED CONSUMER HE WOULDNT ADVISED ANYONE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL REPAIRS WERE MADE. DUE TO INCORRECT TITLE WORK THE DEALER REFUNDED SOME MONEY AND TOOK POSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PUT BACK ON THE LOT FOR RESALE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED A LAWYER AND VEHICLE WAS TAKEN OFF THE LOT BUT CARFAX WAS NOT UPDATED WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.

NHTSA ODI 11414523

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND DROVE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WOODEN SEATING BENCH WHICH WAS PUSHED INTO A BUILDING. DURING THE INCIDENT THE DRIVERS FOOT WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11397387

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS HAD ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY IMPACT OCCURRING TO THE VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT BOTH THE FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS HAD ALSO ACTIVATED AND DEPLOYED TO SECURE THE OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER JOE MAUS MAZDA LOCATED AT 6735 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC WHO REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER BOTH SUSTAINED MINOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES DURING THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,417.

NHTSA ODI 11385219

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKES GRADUALLY SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE AND STOP INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED RILEY MAZDA (75 MYRTLE AVE, STAMFORD, CT 06902, (203) 978-5780) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE HAD BEEN EXCEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

NHTSA ODI 11372953

I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY ABOUT 30MIPH AND BEGAN HEARING A HISSING NOISE WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. ONCE I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY A SMALL INCLINE, AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WAS VERY TIGHT AND STOPPED AT A POINT, BUT WOULD NOT GO FURTHER, TRIED SHIFTING DIFFERENT GEARS. FINALLY BRAKE DEPRESSED. HISSING HAS CONTINUES, VERY STIFF BRAKE PEDAL

NHTSA ODI 11365716

I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE (DRIVING 60+MPH) AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. I TRIED TO USE MY BRAKES BUT THEY WERE ROCK HARD AND THE PEDAL WOULDN'T DEPRESS. I WAS FORCED TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT, STILL HAVING NO BRAKES, AND BARELY MADE IT OVER 3 LANES TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. IN DOING SO, I CAUSED TOTAL CHAOS AROUND ME, CAUSED A TRACTOR TRAILER TO START TO JACKKNIFE, WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION BEHIND HIM. IT WAS A TOTAL MIRACLE THAT NO ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED AND NO ONE WAS KILLED. I CALLED MY MECHANIC FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HYSTERICAL. HE LOOKED IN HIS DATABASE AND FOUND THAT MAZDA HAD KNOWN ISSUES WITH THEIR POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. I SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND A LETTER FROM MAZDA INSTRUCTING OWNERS "IF YOUR VEHICLE IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THERE IS NO NEED TO CONTACT YOUR DEALER." ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? MY BRAKES WERE FINE UNTIL THEY WEREN'T, THEN I NARROWLY AVOIDED BEING KILLED OR CAUSING THE DEATH OF ANOTHER BECAUSE APPARENTLY MAZDA'S BODY COUNT WASN'T HIGH ENOUGH TO ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11365802

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO DIAGNOSED THAT WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11362386