2019 Mazda CX-9 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 22

“The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine…”
NHTSA complaint #11749615, 2026

“My 2019 Mazda CX-9 (VIN [XXX]) suffered catastrophic cylinder head failure on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine at approximately 124,000 miles. The failure is consistent with Mazda TSB 01-013/21 (and successors 01-007/22, 01-010/24), in which Mazda acknowledged that cylinder heads on this engine can crack at the stud bolt hole and exhaust manifold flange due to manifold deformation and residual production stress. The first warning came in mid-May 2026, when the engine temperature warning illuminated during normal driving. An independent mechanic replaced the thermostat. The warning returned within a…”
NHTSA complaint #11745033, 2026

“- Coolant leak at cylinder head and turbo at only 63,000 miles. - Safety issue because no warning lamps or messages appeared and potential for car to overheat without coolant circulating in the system. Car could breakdown at worst time and location. Leaking coolant onto exhaust created potential for fire. - Problem has not been confirmed by dealer yet. Appointment is upcoming. - Symptoms of the problem were leaking coolant on ground, low coolant level, heater not working properly. - First appeared 1/29/2026.”
NHTSA complaint #11714720, 2026

Unknown Or Other 13

“Mazda has a current service alert ("SA", SA-001/23) for issues with their Gen 6 Infotainment Center Display, which covers issues (e.g. ghost touch, surface peeling, spider cracks, and white dots) and defects the occur on the primary display of the car. This display provides the driver with essential car operational information. This service alert applies to may of their vehicles in the 2014-2021 range, dependent on model. This VIN provided [XXX] ) is associated with a 2019 CX-9 that within the last month started displaying spider cracks at 2 of the 4 corners of the display. Even though this…”
NHTSA complaint #11710439, 2026

“I have a coolant leak that I have not been able to locate. Despite replacing the radiator, the leak persists. When I contacted the dealer to inquire about estimates for changing the water pump and timing chain, they advised that it would be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine, which would require removing the existing engine at a starting cost of $5,000, with a new engine costing approximately $6,000. They suggested that if I'm already experiencing issues, it might be better to either replace the engine or consider selling the vehicle and purchasing a new one. This response implie…”
NHTSA complaint #11597741, 2024

“I entered my vehicle one day to find what looked to be cracks in the top left hand corner of my center display infotainment screen. However, they appeared to be internal and could not be felt. After doing some research, I came across Service Alert SA-008/18 from Mazda which covered this issue on 2016-2018 CX-9s, among other models. I also found a memo dated May 6, 2020, which detailed an extension of warranty service for these internal display cracks. I took my vehicle to my Mazda dealership who inspected the vehicle and told me they would be filing a claim with Mazda for the repair of the scr…”
NHTSA complaint #11569260, 2024

Electrical System 7

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the front windshield wipers had turned off. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. The contact stated that occasionally the windshield wipers failed t…”
NHTSA complaint #11706077, 2025

“Vehicle infotainment screen is developing a spider crack which its expanding over time; screen won't be usable in the future and/or may crack completely at any moment. Mazda is aware (Service Alert No.: SA-008/18 and Campaign SSPB9) and unwilling to replace/repair the faulty display, car is from 2019 with 45k miles and out of basic warranty . I was told that if regular services (oil change etc.) were done at the local dealer (Mazda of North Miami)they would have probably helped me with this issue.; last service with local dealer was on 06/2022 for another warranty claim. Very disappointed. Maz…”
NHTSA complaint #11521684, 2023

“2019 Mazda CX-9 GT Infotainment Screen is spidering / cracking in the upper right-hand corner making it difficult to see information on the screen. This appears to be an ongoing problem with the design / components of the infotainment screen. I note a May 2020 TSB / Dealer Notification campaign which extended the warranty coverage period to 7 years for this exact same issue in 2016-2017 model year CX-9s. The 2019 model year cars have the exact same problem and Mazda is not covering the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11481981, 2022

Power Train 4

“The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine…”
NHTSA complaint #11749615, 2026

“Vehicle jumps while driving. And sometimes stalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11666703, 2025

“2019 CX-9 GT, 30K miles, in August found coolant leaking under the car. This was 5 months past the warranty (but only 30K miles!). After doing research online, I found this is a massively common issue with all engines from several years encompassing 2019, where the coolant leaks due to a cracked cylinder head. There is a TSB from Mazda, which requires replacement of the engine, once the crack is developed. I immediately called Mazda corporate on 8/15/2024 and opened the case with them. They said they can try to assist, but first I have to take the car to the dealer for diagnosis of the probl…”
NHTSA complaint #11620217, 2024

Suspension 4

“Failed water pump, blown head gasket, major coolant leak, and warped head causing the vehicle to overheat and die when coming to a stop. Vehicle died when stopped in construction on a highway and we were nearly rear-ended. Vehicle never showed check engine light and temperature gauge never showed that vehicle was overheating but significant damage was caused to the engine from “excessive temperatures.” Failure of warning signals allowed us to continue driving the car with a significant engine issue. Now the entire engine needs replaced at only 83,000 miles. Car was diagnosed by licensed indepe…”
NHTSA complaint #11651264, 2025

“I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a defective suspension part (lower control arm) manufactured by Dorman and purchased from an online auto parts retailer. On October 7, 2024, I ordered a Dorman lower control arm for my vehicle and had it professionally installed on November 7, 2024 at Johnston and Magwood Wheels & Tires. On November 8, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., while I was driving and made a hard brake, I suddenly lost steering control and my front left wheel collapsed. Fortunately, I was the only one in the car and managed to avoid an accident. My vehicle had to be to…”
NHTSA complaint #11681737, 2024

“The front end especially on the drivers side front suspension. The noise seems to be coming from the control arms and ball joints area. I have reported this to the dealership many times since purchasing the vehicle new. They continue to say that there is no issue but the noise is not going away. I believe it is associated with this TSB but no recall has been made. I am very concerned as the steering feels looser than usual and may cause an accident. TSB 10170655 - DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension: 1. A creaking noise from unde…”
NHTSA complaint #11449850, 2021

Back Over Prevention 3 1 crash

“I was backing out of a parking spot while watching the backup camera when I felt a bump as if I hit something but the camera was showing I have enough space to the cars behind me. It turns out the backup camera image was frozen on the display and I had hit a car parked behind my car. Please investigate and make the manufacturer solve problems with the hardware or the software. Make sure the display shows a warning when the camera fails and the vehicle drives backwards. There may be children behind the car. Shifting into park and then into reverse again caused the camera to work correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #11627211, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that the infotainment display screen had developed internal spider cracks and while operating the vehicle, the back over prevention camera image was very distorted and difficult to see. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the display screen needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000”
NHTSA complaint #11521473, 2023

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she noticed that there was a spider web crack on the center display screen. The contact stated that the failure affected the rearview camera image. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The contact referenced Mazda Service Alert Number: SA-008/18 and Special Service Program Number: B9. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist as she had not been servicing the vehicle at a Mazda dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed…”
NHTSA complaint #11506950, 2023

Structure 3

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side rear wheel well trim molding detached. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the wheel well trim molding would be replaced. The parts were not yet available and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,820.”
NHTSA complaint #11485742, 2022

“SOUL RED METALLIC PAINT EXCESSIVE CHIPPING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329069, 2020

“2019 MAZDA CX-9 SOUL RED, PAINT CHIPPING UNDER 30,000 MILES. NORMAL CAR DRIVING THIS SHOULD NOT CHIP. NOT SURE IF THEIR IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINT.”
NHTSA complaint #11328732, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“I was driving down the street with my foot in the gas going about 35mph. No cars in front or behind me. All of the sudden my car brakes for no reason. It was a hard brake. My foot was on the gas pedal when this happened. Then a bunch of warnings displayed on my screen: forward smart city brake malfunction, front camera sensor system malfunction, brake override system malfunction and smart brake malfunction. My check engine light, traction control light and parking brake light also came on. This was extremely dangerous and could have caused an accident the way the car decided to brake all by it…”
NHTSA complaint #11513294, 2023

“MAZDA SMART BRAKING SYSTEM, FRONT RADAR WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AFTER CAR IS STARTED. WINDSHIELD AND FRONT EMBLEM IS CLEAN. NO INTENSE HEAT. COMES ON EVERY TIME WHEN STARTED. WILL NOT ALLOW CRUISE CONTROL TO BE SET. SOMETIMES A FUNNY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL WHEN APPLIED BUT DOES NOT BRAKE BY ITSELF....YET. THERE HAVE BEEN TSBS ON EARLIER MODELS WITH A REPLACEMENT FRONT CAMERA(FSC) FIX. MY CAR DOES HAVE THE 'NEW' CAMERA BUT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11375991, 2020

Service Brakes 2

“Have been making repairs back to back since I bought it had to do four oil changes within that year then tires were completely worn electrical problems kept freezing spark plugs completely burnt discs were really rust car automatically turned off even though the battery is still good and still had gas had that happen twice and did more of a history search in it has had more complaints before every time try to take it to Mazda always be something with their system”
NHTSA complaint #11589375, 2023

“I was driving down the street with my foot in the gas going about 35mph. No cars in front or behind me. All of the sudden my car brakes for no reason. It was a hard brake. My foot was on the gas pedal when this happened. Then a bunch of warnings displayed on my screen: forward smart city brake malfunction, front camera sensor system malfunction, brake override system malfunction and smart brake malfunction. My check engine light, traction control light and parking brake light also came on. This was extremely dangerous and could have caused an accident the way the car decided to brake all by it…”
NHTSA complaint #11513294, 2023

Steering 2

“My 2019 Mazda CX9 when you turn the steering wheel it makes a clicking noise. I brought car to a mechanic and was told there is a loose bolt in steering column. Mazda has a TSB bulletin on this issue TSB# 06-001/24 dated 01/23/2024. When I brought car to Palisades Mazda two other customers on line with me have the same issue. I looked on internet and found alot of people are having the same issue. Mazda is aware of this problem and it is a defect. Mazda is fixing this problem for cars under warranty but charging customers past warranty to replace the complete steering column to fix a loose bo…”
NHTSA complaint #11616793, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO PARALLEL PARK THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO BEND INWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARDEN CITY MAZDA (LOCATED AT 209 NORTH FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550, 516-292-7827) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1/239794329. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11277372, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the front windshield wipers had turned off. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. The contact stated that occasionally the windshield wipers failed t…”
NHTSA complaint #11706077, 2025

“Internal (growing) spider cracks on center displays. The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. Visibility risk when trying to use the backup camera. This problem is known by Mazda and they've issued a service alert (attached) for Models 2016-2018 but for some reason excluded 2019. Currently Mazda seems unwilling to cover the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11520328, 2023

Fuel System 1

“The contact’s husband owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test, she was informed that the head gasket was cracked, and fluids were leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the message “Excessive Engine Temperature - Engine Output Will be Limited" was displayed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,756.”
NHTSA complaint #11561308, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“Have been making repairs back to back since I bought it had to do four oil changes within that year then tires were completely worn electrical problems kept freezing spark plugs completely burnt discs were really rust car automatically turned off even though the battery is still good and still had gas had that happen twice and did more of a history search in it has had more complaints before every time try to take it to Mazda always be something with their system”
NHTSA complaint #11589375, 2023

Seats 1

“My car has a 60/40 split adjustable-type second-row seat and the driver side of the 60/40 split-bench second row seat has been sliding forward during braking despite being seemingly locked in place. Apparently, a similar issue was the subject of a safety recall for 2020/2021 Mazda CX-9s (5221I). I have spoken with Mazda and they are not offering to replace the seat as part of the recall since my car is a 2019. While I understand their position, the issue appears to be the exact same one described in the recall of the 2020/2021 models.”
NHTSA complaint #11570835, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“On the last week of May, my car started experiencing sputtering and stalling out problems. I made an appointment at Mazda dealership for june 6th.meantime my husband checked all fluids and coolant was low so we topped up. Car was being driven very limited due to safety concerns. Then While driving on the freeway my car displayed a “excessive engine temperature, engine output will be limited” immediately my car reduced speed from about 65mph to under 15 mph while having my whole family including myself and 4 children in the car. We almost got hit by several cars while trying to get over to the…”
NHTSA complaint #11526241, 2023

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX-9. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF HASS MAZDA (11222 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77043, (713) 568-4256) AND WAS INFORMED THAT A ROCK MAY HAVE STRUCK THE SUN ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-2032092816. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,263.”
NHTSA complaint #11183976, 2019