2019 Mazda CX-9 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Suspension, electrical system and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Three-row SUVs are the latest rage for family travel, and the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is one of the top choices. The newest lineup claims that it’s “never ordinary,” and owners couldn’t agree more, especially since the majority of vehicles aren’t dealing with a faulty electrical system, defective fuel system, a malfunctioning steering system or shoddy structure, as this one is.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018

Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.

The law makes Mazda pay legal fees.

We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.

NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-9

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
5
Electrical System
5
Engine
2
Structure:body
2
Suspension
2
Back Over Prevention
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
Structure
1
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
1

Problems with the Suspension

The car suspension consists of many components, including shock absorbers, springs, tires and linkages to ensure a smooth and safe ride. However, the CX-9 has some faults that must be addressed.

One NHTSA complaint states, “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 [dealership] 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]. The approximate failure mileage was 10,600.”

It turns out there are larger problems that must also be discussed. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V77000 discusses a defect to the tires that allows the tread to detach and separate. If this happens, customers could experience an unexpected blowout, leading to a serious accident. The problem stems from the automaker using the wrong rubber compound on the tires. One thing is true so far – this SUV is not “ordinary.”

Problems with the Electrical System

Whether it is used to run Bluetooth or to keep the engine operating efficiently, the electrical system plays a part in every component of the vehicle. Yet, the CX-9 showcases a dud of a system.

Here is one Edmunds review discussing some issues. “But the biggest complaint I have is with the Mobile Start app. It sucks. No other way to say it. It has extremely limited functionality. Most annoying though is that you have to both login and enter the PIN to operate it. No facial recognition? This is especially unforgivable because you pay extra to have it installed and on top of that there is a $65 annual subscription fee.”

There is an even larger electrical-system problem. Service Bulletin #SA-049-20 discusses how a battery parasitic draw might prevent the engine from starting. However, there is no solution to the problem. Instead, the automaker only states that it is “aware of the issue and is working on a solution.” In the meantime, many people are heading out to the garage to get to work on time and finding themselves in a difficult predicament. Hopefully, their bosses won’t fire them for someone more “ordinary.”

Problems with the Transmission

Looking at the powertrain, we see the same level of defects as with the other systems.

Here is another Edmunds review, this time related to the transmission. “6 speed tranny is fine for driving around town but lacks on hwy…RPMs are way too high at 75-80 making for more noise and killing fuel economy.”

Mazda isn’t attempting to hide any issues. Service Bulletin #05-003-20-3725 discusses a Check Engine Light and Transaxle Warning Light that could be caused by a defective oil pressure switch. It turns out that this switch can get stuck because of contamination in the passage. To fix the problem, Mazda issues some changes to reduce contamination and improve engine logic. However, by the time that the issues are fixed, many customers have already dumped the SUV for something more “ordinary.”

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Mazda pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryEngine
DateFeb 23, 2023
StateIL
Description
The coolant was leaking due to a crack in cylinder. The car overheated and the coolant leaked into the engine. Mazda refuses to identify this as an ongoing issue with the mazda turbo skyactiv models
CategoryBack Over Prevention
DateFeb 13, 2023
StateMD
Description
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 nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateSep 27, 2022
StateCA
Description
*internal spider cracks on connect center displays. The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. *unable to use gps screen, screen randomly changes sometimes *problem has been confirmed my dealer *mazda has issued a bulletin for the issue but won't cover full cost of repairs
CategoryStructure:body
DateSep 21, 2022
StateIL
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 30, 2022
StateIA
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 03, 2022
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2019 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red light the dash board warning lights suddenly activated and illuminated and while driving the vehicle would not properly accelerate. Shortly after parking in the driveway and exiting the vehicle moments later flames and smoke was present coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The husband used water to extinguish the flames and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. During the incident no injuries were reported and no fire or police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined and no repairs were performed. The failure mileage was 61,000.
CategoryElectrical System, Unknown Or Other
DateJun 13, 2022
StateCO
Description
Hi, I have a 2019 mazda cx-9. It is a certified pre-owned vehicle we purchased in october 2020. Upon going out to our car yesterday, june 12th, 20212, I noticed that the top left of the center console screen appeared to be damaged. I was perplexed because the car was locked and it wasn't there previously. As I touched the screen, I realized that cracks/peeling were all internal within the screen. I immediately decided to google the issue to see if others have had similar experiences, and I found dozens and dozens of examples. Separately, there is a safety alert on the issue from mazda (see here: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2018/mc-10134920-9999. Pdf). Additionally, the issue has gotten so bad that mazda has issued a warranty extension for this specific problem (see here: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2020/mc-10176061-0001. Pdf). The extension only is covering cars made through 4/29/17, and ours was made after that so is not formally covered at the moment. I called mazda customer service, where both my cars are formally registered, to discuss the issue. They told me the best they could offer was for me to take it to a dealer, have the dealer attempt to have it covered under warranty, and mazda corporate warranty will respond, but their response is final. If they say it's not covered, there is no debating it. As you can see from the picture, this is the exact issue that is currently being covered free of charge in earlier models. A recall should be issued or mazda should be directed to expand this to later models since this is clearly not limited to the years they currently have listed. See the picture attached and the links above. Thank you
CategorySuspension
DateFeb 02, 2022
StateFL
Description
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 under the front of the vehicle (front lower arm bushing) when driving over bumps at approximate 12 - 25 mph (20 - 40 km/h). The noise occurs when the road surface is wet or after the vehicle has been washed. The noise becomes more noticeable as the bumps get higher. The creaking noise is caused by the front lower arm bushing (a) making a stick-slip noise during wet road conditions. 2. A clunking noise from the front coil spring when driving over bumps. The clunking noise is due to stick- slip between the front strut bearing (b) and the coil spring (c). 3. A popping noise from the bump stopper (d) when driving through gutters.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJan 24, 2022
StateSD
Description
Multiple batteries replaced, after sitting for 24 hours the vehicle will not start. Believed to be the power liftgate module
CategoryEngine
DateAug 13, 2021
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2019 mazda cx-9. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJan 26, 2021
StateOR
Description
Unable to see through the backup camera when raining. In motion and stationary.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Unknown Or Other
DateNov 23, 2020
StateCA
Description
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.
CategoryStructure, Unknown Or Other
DateJun 15, 2020
StateIL
Description
Soul red metallic paint excessive chipping. *tr
CategoryStructure:body
DateJun 14, 2020
StateFL
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System
DateNov 14, 2019
StateTX
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that the vehicle's computer and electrical system failed. The contact stated that the emergency brake did not engage, the lane assist disengaged and steered the vehicle into oncoming traffic and a ditch, and the lane departure feature failed to alert the driver when a vehicle was in their blind spot. The vehicle was taken to bass cars and trucks (4032 west houston harte express way, san angelo, tx 76901, (325)-949-4621) where the dealer updated the computer; however, the vehicle's cameras were not replaced. The repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 100.
CategorySteering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly, Suspension
DateOct 31, 2019
StateNY
Description
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.
CategoryVisibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
DateMar 04, 2019
StateTX
Description
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.

Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm

Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today!  There is no charge unless we win.

Share your story

Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.

Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

See more posts from Brian Jones
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Leave a Reply or Comment

Write a comment below to share online. Or, instead you can to our legal team.

Please select your star rating.

Briefly describe your experience Briefly describe your experience

What’s your name? What’s your name?

What’s your phone number? Please enter a valid phone number

Want to know if you could sue? Get a free legal evaluation Lemberg Law?

Get Your No-Obligation
Case Evaluation

Send a secure message to our legal team.

What’s your name? What’s your name?
What’s your email address? What’s your email address?
What’s your phone number? What’s your phone number?
Briefly describe the problem Briefly describe the problem
Confidentiality Guarantee: We keep your information completely confidential and will not send you spam or sell your information.