repaired · 2021 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Mazda CX-9Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 59 owner complaints about the 2009 Mazda CX-9, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-429 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Mazda CX-9 has problems
59 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
16Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
6Suspension
6Power train
4Engine
3Tires
2Wheels
2Exterior lighting
2Seat belts
54 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 17 | 1 |
| Air bags | 16 | 1 |
| Suspension | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2009 Mazda CX-9 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q4
Control arm: lower arm
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…
no report yet
Wiring: interior/under dash
Risk. DRIVERS WILL EXPERIENCE CERTAIN FUNCTIONS THAT ARE UNCONTROLLABLE WHICH WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES IN DRIVING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other CX-9 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CX-9 median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Mazda CX-9 safety ratings
2009 Mazda CX-9 4-DR.w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Mazda CX-9, and the recalls they led to.
- Lower ball joint separationLed to recall 15V-451
In owners' words
What CX-9 owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY BRAKES STARTED FEELING SPONGY BUT HARD TO PUSH WHEN I WOULD TRY TO COME TO A STOP. IT FELT AT TIMES LIKE MY CAR WASN'T GOING TO STOP. I STOPPED DRIVING IT AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED. AT THAT TIME, I LOST BRAKES COMPLETELY. THE BRAKE PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN PRESSED.…
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. IT WORKS FOR AWHILE AND THEN STOPS WORKING. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHT MAY OR MY NOT COME ON AND THAT IS WHILE SITTING STILL OR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. I HAVE REPLACED THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES.
I WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO HIGH SCHOOL IN THE MORNING WITH MY SON IN THE CAR AS WELL. IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN THEY FINALLY CAUGHT BUT I WAS OUT IN THE LINE OF TRAFFIC AND LUCKILY NO ONE HIT…
Own a 2009 CX-9?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.