Typical to Mazda offerings, the CX-9 is a formidable machine. It garners attention in the market with its powerful V6 engine that bestows athletic performance. Additionally, it is enticing in its design and with ample interior space, it promises to be a top-notch family offering. Nonetheless, amidst its impressive hauling capabilities, the midsize proposition’s sound structural build is where its oneness lies. Even in the absence of safety scores, the reliability of the SUV remains unwavering. In the current iteration, it has 160 complaints and 4 recalls listed to its name, which does not seem to be worrying statistics. Most of the problems deal with the braking system and other mechanical components, while there are some other niggles also listed by the buyers. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 price starts at $29,135 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Kia Sorento, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Ford Explorer.
2011 Mazda CX-9 User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: Buyers of the 2011 Mazda CX-9 have reported multiple complaints about the airbag system. While the most common issue deals with the unavailability of the remedy parts for the TAKATA recalls, some complainants have recorded the curtain airbags deploying inadvertently. Currently, there is no known cause for the malfunction and an investigation has been opened by the brand to look into the matter.
Mechanical Complaints
- Possible engine seizure: The Mazda CX-9 water pump failure is a recurring concern. Across the current iteration, several users have reported their midsize SUV losing power and stalling unexpectedly. In most cases where a diagnosis has been conducted, a failure of the water pump, which causes overheating, has been attributed as the cause. The replacement of the pump is the available solution, which if not initiated can cause the engine to seize entirely.
- Faulty transfer case: In the 2011 Mazda CX-9 problems list, buyers of the SUV have also reported excessive shuddering across the body. This happens due to a faulty transfer case that leaks oil and can result in the engine stalling over time. In some cases, it has also caused problems to the transmission system, which has resulted in underwhelming ride quality.
- Braking system failure: Among the Mazda CX-9 issues, buyers of the SUV have also reported the failure of the braking system to bring the vehicle to a halt. The brake pedal becomes spongy, which happens primarily due to the failure of the brake booster and is followed by a hissing sound when depressed. Such issues make for more than 50% of the registered complaints, yet currently, neither a service bulletin nor a recall addresses the issue.
Structural Complaints
- Corroded front suspension joints: The front suspension ball joints have been reported corroding due to a water leak. This can result in a loss of control over the vehicle when it is in motion and to deal with the issue, Mazda has introduced a recall referenced by NHTSA ID 15V451000.
2011 Mazda CX-9 Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
31st Oct 2019 |
19V782000 |
Explosion of the frontal passenger airbag inflators |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflators, installed as a replacement part, may explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of cost. |
|
2. |
12th Oct 2018 |
18V717000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflators, installed as a replacement part, may explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of cost. |
|
3. |
29th June 2017 |
17V429000 |
Ruptured passenger airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflators, may rupture upon deployment. |
Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator or the airbag assembly, free of cost. |
|
4. |
20th July 2015 |
15V451000 |
Front suspension ball joint corrosion |
Due to a water leak, the front suspension ball joint may corrode. |
Dealers will replace both the front lower control arms, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2011 Mazda CX-9?
The Mazda CX-9 is a pristine choice for even first-time buyers. It coalesces practicality with flamboyance in a setup that delivers great performance. The design is subtle per class standards and with a comfortable interior setup, there is not many buyers would additionally expect. Even the reliability is top-notch, considering that the SUV has a restricted number of complaints. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 list is also not extensive and while we would have expected the company to make amends for the braking system concerns, the proactive availability of replacement parts helps solve the issue easily. O, for us, the Japanese midsize offering is a value proposition and one we cannot veto. However, if you still want to look out for alternatives, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a sensible choice.
