Mazda CX-9 Complaints (2023)

12 consumer complaints on file.

#11742663June 8, 2026
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
I am reporting a critical mechanical restraint failure regarding the 5-point harness crotch buckles on the Graco TrioGrow and the Graco TriRide car seats. The red button-release tension on both of these models is engineered with insufficient physical resistance. My toddler is capable of physically depressing the lower crotch buckle and completely freeing themselves while the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. The harness was explicitly verified as tight via the pinch test and the chest clip was at armpit level, proving the failure is strictly the low force required to disengage the buckle.I contacted the manufacturer (Graco), and their customer support agents dismissed this hardware failure by suggesting 'behavior modification' instead of addressing the mechanical vulnerability. A child restraint system must physically restrain the occupant regardless of behavioral variance. This is an active, ongoing safety hazard for young children traveling in these specific models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742662June 8, 2026
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
I am reporting a critical mechanical restraint failure regarding the 5-point harness crotch buckles on the Graco TrioGrow and the Graco TriRide car seats. The red button-release tension on both of these models is engineered with insufficient physical resistance. My toddler is capable of physically depressing the lower crotch buckle and completely freeing themselves while the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. The harness was explicitly verified as tight via the pinch test and the chest clip was at armpit level, proving the failure is strictly the low force required to disengage the buckle.I contacted the manufacturer (Graco), and their customer support agents dismissed this hardware failure by suggesting 'behavior modification' instead of addressing the mechanical vulnerability. A child restraint system must physically restrain the occupant regardless of behavioral variance. This is an active, ongoing safety hazard for young children traveling in these specific models
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717365February 11, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11699571November 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679527August 9, 2025
TIRES
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665696June 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661072May 14, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562994January 2, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559034December 7, 2023
STEERING
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536609August 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving down a 55mph highway with no cars around, our sunroof imploded with a loud crashing sound and spreading glass shards all over our car over all of the occupants including children. It was a cloudy day and the temperatures were in the low 70’s and our sliding fabric cover was open at the time. The dealer has the car as of today but claims that anything glass is not typically covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517042April 14, 2023
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509017February 24, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle does not have a Traction Control Device switch to manually turn off. In snowing conditions and trying to ascend a grade, the TCD activates and eventually you become disabled in the roadway. I looked into the car manual and it does locate where the switch should be located, however my vehicle switch button is a blank button. I phoned my Dealership and reported the problem. They advised other vehicles in their lot did not have the switch as well. No other advice was explained. I reached out to Mazda Customer Car, and they advised me to contact the dealership. Problem remains un resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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