Vehicle safety record

2012 Mazda CX-9 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 221 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-9 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (143) and the engine & cooling (26). Those complaints describe 9 crashes and 8 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 171 and the 2013 has 68.

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NHTSA data checked yesterday

17/100Safety Index

FFar more problems than a typical CX-9 year, for its age

#63 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints: 221
Recalls: 4
Crashes: 9
Fires: 0
Injuries: 8
Deaths: 0

Most common 2012 Mazda CX-9 problems

Share of all 221 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Mazda CX-9 recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V782000Oct 31, 201969,879 vehicles affected

Do not drive

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

18V717000Oct 12, 2018155,436 vehicles affected

Do not drive

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

17V457000Jul 18, 201779,402 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or 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. 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 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 17V-012.

Suspension: lower ball joint

15V451000Jul 20, 2015193,484 vehicles affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The 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.

What owners say

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221 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-9

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.

Acceleration & cruise control

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.

Airbags

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.

Steering

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.

Brakes

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...

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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.

Transmission & drivetrain

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

SuspensionCrash

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...

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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.

Seats & seat belts

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.

Brakes

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...

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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.

SteeringTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Brakes

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...

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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.

Other & unknown

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

Brakes

Brake power boost failure

Brakes

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. ...

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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.

BrakesCrash

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

Engine & cooling

CAR IDELS UP AT STOP SIGNS

Brakes1 injury

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.

Brakes

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.

Brakes

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.

BrakesEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

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.

AirbagsSeats & seat belts2 injuries

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...

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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.

Brakes

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.

Brakes

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...

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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.

Brakes

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

Suspension

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.

Mazda CX-9: every year compared

'07 '08 '09 '10 '11 221'12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22 '23

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2016	99	0	3	1	Engine & cooling	C
2015	35	2	1	0	Engine & cooling	B
2014	54	3	1	1	Engine & cooling	B
2013	68	4	3	1	Engine & cooling	C
2012	221	4	9	0	Brakes	F
2011	171	4	7	3	Brakes	F
2010	195	6	7	5	Brakes	F
2009	59	7	2	0	Brakes	C
2008	172	6	10	0	Suspension	F

All CX-9 years

2012 Mazda CX-9 vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2012 Mazda CX-9	221	4	9	F
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee	1,645	11	46	D	Compare
2012 Ford Edge	1,135	3	26	D	Compare
2012 Kia Sorento	880	5	21	F	Compare
2012 Dodge Durango	640	10	17	D	Compare
2012 Hyundai Santa FE	355	1	25	C	Compare
2012 GMC Acadia	302	5	8	C	Compare
2012 Subaru Outback	295	16	15	C	Compare
2012 Toyota Highlander	191	2	16	C	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2012 Mazda CX-9

Does the 2012 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Mazda CX-9: inflator module (October 2019); inflator module (October 2018); inflator module (July 2017); lower ball joint (July 2015). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda CX-9?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (143), engine & cooling (26), airbags (23).

How many complaints has the 2012 Mazda CX-9 had?

221 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 4, 2012 and the latest on June 9, 2025. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Mazda CX-9 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mazda CX-9 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda CX-9 years have the most complaints?

2012 (221), 2010 (195), 2008 (172). See every Mazda CX-9 year compared.

What should I do if my 2012 Mazda CX-9 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked yesterday. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2012 Mazda CX-9 Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2012 Mazda CX-9 problems

2012 Mazda CX-9 recalls 4

What owners say

221 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-9: every year compared

2012 Mazda CX-9 vs rivals

Own a 2012 Mazda CX-9? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2012 Mazda CX-9