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2011 Mazda CX-9 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake booster failure causing hard, unresponsive pedal.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V717000 · Dec 10, 2018

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V782000 · Oct 31, 2019

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #17V429000 · Jun 29, 2017

Issue: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Campaign #15V451000 · Jul 20, 2015

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.

Risk: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 8515G.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Mazda CX-9.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake booster failure causing hard, unresponsive pedal

SERVICE BRAKES

99 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2024-10

“BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE BRAKE PEDAL HISSING AND STARTED TO STIFFEN I WAS DRIVING THEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE HISSING AND WAS REALLY HARD TO PUSH ON TO A COMPLETE STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024282
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX9. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT BRAKES. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643583
“I STARTED NOTICING IT WAS TAKING A LONG DISTANCE FOR MY VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. WE TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND HE CONFIRMED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172750

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transfer case and power transfer unit failure

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2024-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10516060
“2011 MAZDA CX-9 TRANSFER CASE BREAKDOWN WHILE MOVING DUE TO FLUID LEAKING OUT, CAUSING SEVERE WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION AND DISABLING VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927493
“THE VEHICLE WAS IDENTIFIED AT THE DEALERSHIP AS HAVING A LEAKING TRANSFER CASE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DURING THIS REPLACEMENT THE TRANSMISSION SPLINES WERE ALSO NOTED TO BE DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAULTY TRANSFER CASE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water pump leak contaminating engine oil

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2021-11

“The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, upon approaching oncoming traffic, the vehicle unexpectedly shut-off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428032
“WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY THE WATER PUMP BEARING FAILED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK AND MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLE NOISE AND SMOKE OR STEAM CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374566
“Defective water pump located inside the engine that when failure occurs can cause coolant to leak into engine causing complete engine failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440057

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall repair parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2017-12

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V356000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905986
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V356000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904349
“TAKATA RECALL: THIS RECALL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME (IT HAS BEEN ALMOST AN ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971007

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm and ball joint recall failure

SUSPENSION

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2026-06

“The front driver-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural failure and sheared completely apart while moving. This vehicle was previously serviced under Safety Recall Campaign 15V451000 / Mazda Recall 8515G for this exact defect”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747329
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V451000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836657
“The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the contact lost control of the vehicle, and the front driver's side suspension lowered to the ground”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658375

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment malfunction in and out of crashes

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2025-08

“I OWN A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO MY VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IDLING STOPED AT A STOP SIGN WHEN IMPACT ACCURSED . THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND BOTH FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731151
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10670288
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, BOTH FRONT AND REAR SIDE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310044

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Turbo engines: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles; every 5,000 on AWD models, where the front-biased coupling wears tires unevenly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L; 45,000 miles on the 2.5L Turbo.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. On most models it sits behind the glove box.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 1990–2024

How the 15 occupant deaths break down

11

driver deaths

4

passenger deaths

15

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Mazda CX-9 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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