2012 Mazda CX-9 Problems And Complaints

2012 Mazda CX-9 User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- Complete engine failure due to internal water pump failure has been a major and concerning problem on the 2012 Mazda CX-9. As reported, there are no prior warnings to this problem, and most incidents were only noted after the engine stalls (usually coupled with an engine malfunction/ overheating warning) due to complete fouling of the engine internals by the leaking coolant. This failure is mostly noted on vehicles with mileages in the neighborhood of 100,000 miles and a new engine has an estimated cost of around $7,000. Since the water pump on this Ford sourced V6 motor is driven by the timing chain and inspection or preventive maintenance is very time-consuming and insanely expensive, causing it to be unattended by several owners even though the failure is more or less inevitable.

• Transfer Case Problems- The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is known to exhibit transfer case problems or complete failure at low mileages. Due to the vicinity of the transfer case to the catalytic converter, the lubricating oil degrades quite quickly most often resulting in the gears overheating and seizing during prolonged drives. Some indications of a failed transfer case are the sudden loss of drive or excessive grinding noise from the drive line.

• Service brake- Brake booster failure is a widespread issue on the 2012 Mazda CX-9 and more than 60 percent of the complaints lodged against this model year by NHTSA fall under the service brake category. The indication of a failing/failed braked booster are spongy brake pedals, hissing noise from the brake pedal area, or the sudden loss of brake assist. Surprisingly, despite the severity of the problems authorities entitled to the investigation of this issue have allowed Mazda to bring in the rectification and a Special Extended warranty program other than an emergency recall.

 Electric System complaints

• Brake light Failure- An electrical short in the brake light switch causes the brake lights to not illuminate or stay constantly illuminated on the 2012 Mazda CX-9. This also is reported to trigger the ABS/TCS warning and also prevent the user from accessing cruise control functionality when the brakes are applied. The error code noted is C1446, which indicated a short or open circuit in the brake light switch assembly.

Structural Complaints

• Front suspension problems- Excessive corrosion of the front suspension ball joint leading to failure on the 2012 Mazda CX-9 is something that has been admitted by the manufacturer. Vehicles that are used near coastal areas are prone to this defect and are advised to get the affected part checked and replaced under the recall 15V451000. Front end noise and excessive steering vibration are some indications of a worn-out ball joint. However, users have raised concerns about the unavailability of parts which at times extends for months given the backorder.

Safety Complaints

• Airbags Issues- The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a part of the ongoing Takata recall for a faulty airbag module that may explode due to manufacturing defects. So it is highly advised that users get the restraint system inspected and the modules replaced under the recalls mentioned in the table to reduce the increased risk of personal harm.

2012 Mazda CX-9 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	31st October 2019	19V782000	Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode	The previously replaced passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2019.
2	12th October 2018	18V717000	Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode	The previously replaced passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2018.
3	18th July 2017	17V457000	Passenger frontal airbag inflator may rupture	The previously replaced passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 4, 2017.
4	20th July 2015	15V451000	Corrosion of front suspension ball joint	The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting, resulting in the lower arm separation and increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015.

Should you buy a used 2012 Mazda CX-9?

The first-generation Mazda CX-9 is a decent all-rounder midsize SUV that does most things that you ask it to rather well. But it seems like Mazda made a grave mistake in choosing Ford as their official supplier for the powertrain, which unfortunately is prone to a critical failure that more or less necessitates an engine replacement. Though our short review found this SUV to stack up nicely against what the competition has on offer today, this single issue nearly about seals the deal for us. So until Mazda comes out with a convincing fix to this (the transfer case issue as well) the 2012 Mazda CX-9 stays out of our recommendation lists, more so when buying one used. For the time being, the Toyota Highlander should be one of the better options to go for in the segment.