Recalls: Mazda TB CX-9
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mazda TB CX-9
2013-15 Mazda TB CX-9: potential loss of steering control
In April 2016, a recall was issued for Mazda TB CX-9 vehicles that had VINs in the range JM0TB10A5D0406532 to JM0TB10A5F0434712. In these vehicles, the lower nut and bolt that secured the front suspension strut to the steering knuckle may not have been tightened with sufficient torque – this could cause the nut to loosen and fall off, adversely affecting one or both sides of the front suspension. At worst, the front shock absorber and steering knuckle may separate, causing a loss of steering control. The recalled Mazda TB CX-9 vehicles were available for sale from 22 February 2013 to 15 December 2015 (PRA 2016/15311).
2007-13 Mazda TB CX-9: Takata airbag recall
In July 2017, a recall was issued for Mazda TB CX-9 vehicles that were manufactured prior to 30 April 2013. Over time, the passenger-side airbag inflator in these vehicles may absorb moisture in environments of high absolute humidity. In the event of deployment, the airbag may therefore inflate abnormally and cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture such that metal fragments could be dispersed throughout the cabin. These metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16232.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Mazda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Mazda Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Mazda TB CX-9
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mazda CX-9: Brake booster failure
For Mazda CX-9 vehicles produced from 24 October 2006 to 26 April 2013, the brake booster diaphragm is susceptible to developing tears near the outer seal/circumference that could result in:
- A brake pedal which is initially harder than usual to depress due to reduced brake booster performance; and,
- Air leakage and a hissing noise from the driver’s side foot area during brake applications once the tears are 10-12 mm in length.
Mazda attributed the brake booster tears to:
- Wear of the mould which was used for the diaphragm-forming process – this resulted in increased thickness and stress in the bending area of the diaphragm; and,
- Continuous operation in environments with high ambient temperatures which would accelerate the hardening of the diaphragm material, increasing the stress in the bending area and susceptibility to tear.
In February 2013, a new mould was introduced and changes were made to diaphragm thickness monitoring to correct the problem.
In the USA, a recall was not issued because the investigation by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) concluded that the ‘diaphragm tear condition’ was:
- A progressive failure that developed slowly over time;
- The condition did not result in a sudden loss of power braking assist;
- That smaller tears had little effect on system performance; and,
- While hard pedal and increased effort were experienced during initial pedal application, they were diminished as the pedal was pressed further by the driver and the tear was partially sealed by the outer wall of the booster.
Notwithstanding the above, Australian owners have reported failure of the brake booster without warning (see OzMazda: Mazda CX-9 Brake Booster Failure).
In response to this ‘brake booster fault condition’, Mazda USA – in March 2015 – initiated a ‘Special Service Program’ (SSP93) to extend the warranty coverage for Mazda CX-9 vehicles to seven (7) years from the original warranty start date or 90,000 miles, whichever came first. If the vehicle had already exceeded 90,000 miles or seven years age, the coverage would continue through to 31 March 2015.
For further information about SSP93, please see the following documents
- SSP93: Letter to Owners;
- SSP93: Letter to Dealers;
- SSP93: Letter to Dealers – Parts and Service Information; and,
- SSP93: Repair Procedure.
Mazda CX-9: Brake master cylinder leaks
In response to a US investigation for loss of braking performance for 2008 model year Mazda CX-9 vehicles – conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) – Mazda identified a problem with the manufacturing process for the brake master cylinder primary plunger that could result in ‘inappropriate surface finish’ and leaks.
The ODI closed its investigation without a recall being issued due to the slow leak rate associated with the alleged defect and the low probability that the condition would affect brake performance.
For Mazda CX-9 vehicles made after 25 June 2008, changes to the plunger machining and inspection process are understood to have overcome this problem with the brake master cylinder plunger. For further information, please see NHTSA Defect Investigation – Mazda CX-9 Brake Master Cylinder.
Mazda CX-9: Transfer case failure
The lubricating oil in the transfer case of the all-wheel drive Mazda CX-9 does not have a recommended replacement interval. However, deterioration of the oil over time can cause inadequate lubrication, overheating and wear or fusing of the metal gears. While wear of the gears can create metal fragments or shavings within the transfer case, fusing can cause the transmission splines to shear off. If the splines running to the transmission shear off, then the transmission also needs to be replaced.
There have been reports of Mazda CX-9 transfer cases failing between 70,000 kilometres and 150,000 kilometres. It is recommended that the transfer case oil be replaced every 60,000 kilometres or more regularly if the vehicle is used for towing or on low-grip surfaces that cause the all-wheel drive system to engage.
In the USA, Mazda initiated a ‘Special Service Program’ (SSP 92) which increased warranty coverage for repair of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for CX-9 vehicles that were produced from 28 July 2009 to 2 December 2013. For SSP 92, Mazda claimed that poor lubrication resulted from driving under high load or at high speeds due to increased oil temperature. Furthermore, ‘continued driving under these conditions may result in abnormal noise and transfer unit damage, and may cause PTU oil leakage.’ In the USA, the warranty coverage for repair of the PTU was extended to seven (7) years from the original warranty start date or 90,000 miles, whichever came first.
Mazda CX-9: Front ball joints corrosion
In the USA, Mazda Motor Corporation issued a recall for certain Mazda CX-9 vehicles that were manufactured from 24 October 2006 to 28 December 2013. In these vehicles, the front suspension ball joints may corrode due to water leaking into the fitting. Over time, 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.
For Mazda CX-9 vehicles manufactured after 28 December 2013, changes were introduced during manufacturing to protect the parts from water intrusion. While Mazda CX-9 vehicles delivered to the USA are made at the same Hiroshima plant as Australian-delivered vehicles, no recall has been issued for Australia.
Mazda CX-9: squeaking seat
In October 2009, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 09-064/09 for 2007-10 Mazda TB CX-9 vehicles. In some of these vehicles, there may be a squeaking noise from the front seatback due to contact between the seat frame and seat frame spring. To fix,
- The headrest was to be removed;
- The seat trim and seatback pad were to be removed;
- Clamp B was to be widened to remove Spring A (see bulletin);
- Vinyl tape was to be wrapped around the clamped portion of the spring;
- The spring was to be fitted back into the clamp and the clamp squeezed to secure the spring; and,
- The seatback pad, seat trim and headrest were to be re-installed.
Mazda CX-9: blower motor stays on after engine off
In May 2011, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 07-003/11 for Mazda CX-9 vehicles that were manufactured before 17 May 2010 and had VINs preceding JM3 TB**** A* 227576. In these vehicles, the front or rear blower motor may stay on after the ignition key is switched to the ‘off’ position. According to the service bulletin, this may be due to a faulty front and/or rear blower motor relay; an improved blower motor relay was subsequently developed to resolve the problem (part L1Y1-67-730).
Mazda CX-9: sunroof leak after car wash
In May 2013, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 09-014/13 for Mazda CX-9 vehicles that were manufactured before 10 October 2012 and had VINs preceding JM3 TB ****** 400375. In these vehicles, water may leak from the sunroof drip rail into the cabin after washing with a high-pressure car wash system. To fix, the sunroof drip rail was to be replaced. Depending on the water pressure being used by the car wash facility, however, some water leaks may still occur after the repair (and should be considered normal).
Mazda CX-9: front-end clunk after take-off
In January 2014, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 04-022/14 for Mazda CX-9 vehicles because some owners experienced a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle during the vehicle’s initial forward movement after starting the engine. As per the service bulletin, this noise was due to a normal ‘Malfunction Detection Function’ being performed by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and did not require repairs.
Mazda TB CX-9: Other problems and faults
- The driver’s seat power height adjustment may stop working due to internal parts breaking.
- The switch in the overhead console for the front map lights may fall out; a replacement console with a redesigned switch was subsequently released.
