What 12 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Mazda Cx-90 Phev

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.

NHTSA ODI 11717365

The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel was seized and the brake pedal stiffened. The contact stated as a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into a ditch and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that his wife was a passenger in the vehicle and was seated in the front passenger seat. There were no injuries sustained. The front driver's side of the vehicle was damaged during the crash. No police or fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's vacation home in Wisconsin. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer on four occasions due to a failed software update. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 12,100.

NHTSA ODI 11559034

I was approaching Breezewood, Pa coming south on 70 into town from Hagerstown. Traffic comes to a stop awaiting a light that stops the highway traffic before allowing people to proceed through Breezewood and then continue on 70 out of town. I had plenty of warning as traffic slows first from 55 to 45, then to 35 before the light. As I applied pressure to the brakes the vehicle would not slow down. I released them once and reapplied and it felt as if they were doing nothing to slow me down. There were a lot of cars ahead of me and around me and the car did hold its lane thank goodness, but I ended up colliding with a stopped pickup/trailer (Ram with a car carrier/flatbed trailer). None of the vehicles collision avoidance warnings or safety features seemed to assist in the warning of the impending collision or deployed upon contact. No air bags, beeping of warning light - nothing. The vehicle is only months old - and tires are even newer than the vehicle as I had winter tires on it up until about two weeks before this trip. The weather was gray, it had rained lightly for several hours before - but it was 50 degrees.

NHTSA ODI 11517042