2008 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
More complaints than typical for this model
81/100 2.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.0× that of a typical Mazda CX-9 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 172 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Front lower ball joint failure / wheel separation (49 complaints, median 110,000 mi).
- 3 recalls with a do-not-drive warning, 5 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 172filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles, 126 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 53 do-not-drive
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 most often describe front suspension and ball joint problems, usually at higher mileage, with several reports of a front wheel detaching during low-speed turns. Brake complaints center on a hissing pedal and a brake pedal that is hard to press, and a number of owners also describe transfer case or power transfer unit failures. Air bag and electrical items come up mostly in connection with open recalls and warning lights.
- Suspension
Front lower ball joint failure / wheel separation
- 49 complaints (28%)
- median 110,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,125 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners describe a loud noise or crunch, usually while turning at low speed, followed by the front wheel collapsing or detaching and the vehicle coming to an abrupt stop. Shops that inspected the vehicles reported broken front lower ball joints and, in several cases, a damaged axle or CV shaft and torn brake lines. A number of owners say the ball joint and control arm were replaced and that the same repair was then needed on the other side; some mention popping or clicking noises on turns beforehand. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles, often during low-speed turns and sometimes after rain.
What to check: Ask whether the front lower control arms and ball joints have been replaced, and have a shop inspect them for play, corrosion or torn boots before purchase. Confirm whether recall 15V451000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I heard a loud noise as I turned left into a driveway and came to a stop. The car wouldn't move forward or backward. When I got out to inspect, I found that the left front tire had disengaged. The car was towed to a non-dealer service facility, which determined that the left front ball joint had broken. The ball joint, axle and sway bar link were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10726448, filed 2015-06, 89,004 miles“I was making a left turn on a parking lot when I heard a loud crunch coming from the front of the vehicle and fully lost control of the car. When I came outside to see what happened I saw that ball joint on my front left (driver side) broke, the wheel with part of the axel fully out, and that break fluid was spoiled all over. Imagine this happening on the fighter when I was driving with two of my young kids!!”
NHTSA complaint #10822207, filed 2016-01, 65,000 miles - Brakes
Soft or hard brake pedal with hissing noise
- 18 complaints (10%)
- median 83,525 mi at 8.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2024
Owners describe a brake pedal that feels spongy or, in other reports, very hard to press, with a hissing or air-escaping sound near the pedal. Several say stopping distance grew longer before the brakes seemed to stop working, and some report the vehicle rolling through an intersection or hitting a gate. Dealers reportedly found a leaking master cylinder and brake booster in some cases and replaced them, while other owners were told brake fluid was simply low. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 130,000 miles, with symptoms appearing without warning during normal driving.
What to check: Test the pedal for a hiss or spongy feel with the engine running, check brake fluid level and look for leaks at the master cylinder and booster. Ask for service records on those parts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The brakes are hard to depress and the car is difficult to stop. If I start the car and depress on the brakes at a standstill, the pedal fells hard and goes down really far will I hear a whistling sound and also a hissing like if air is escaping.”
NHTSA complaint #10721105, filed 2015-05, 109,100 miles“I was driving and all of a sudden I lost the pressure on my brake and my car wont stop. I had to depressed the brake so hard. Then I started hearing a hissing noise while stepping on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #11354623, filed 2020-09, 126,721 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transfer case / power transfer unit failure
- 15 complaints (9%)
- median 114,000 mi at 9.3 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2020
Owners describe a burning smell, a loud grinding or banging noise from the front, and loss of drive, sometimes with smoke. Independent shops diagnosed a failed transfer case (power transfer unit), and several owners say the transmission was damaged as well. In some reports the rear wheels stopped driving the vehicle or the vehicle would not move despite the engine revving; owners also note the repair is expensive. Typically reported between about 90,000 and 180,000 miles, during ordinary driving.
What to check: Have the transfer case checked for fluid condition and leaks, listen for whine or grinding on a test drive, and ask whether the transfer case or transmission has been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving vehicle a severe shuddering vibration and loud noise emanated from front end of vehicle, as if front axel was going to fall off. Happened three times so far. Once to my wife, once to me, and once to the mechanic. Very frightening each time, causing drivers to pull over and turn off vehicle. Then vehicle drives ok for a while. Happened while driving straight forward. Mechanic states it is a failed power transfer unit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11331246, filed 2020-06, 146,000 miles“The power transfer unit (ptu), aka transfer case on my 2008 CX-9 broke, which subsequently destroyed a perfectly good transmission. The ptu is poorly designed and improperly fitted to the CX-9 and there are hundreds if not thousands of cases of the exact same problem in any Mazda user forum. My Mazda is only used for commuting and common street use. I noticed a toxic smell of burning transfer case oil on the exhaust, which filled the cabin. The rear wheels would no longer drive the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10968398, filed 2017-03, 120,000 miles - Electrical system
Power seat moving on its own / seat wiring
- 9 complaints (5%)
- median 106,000 mi at 9.3 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2019
Owners describe the driver's power seat adjusting by itself, sometimes moving the driver closer to the steering wheel while driving. A related seat harness recall is referenced in some reports, with one owner told the vehicle had already been repaired under it and the problem returning anyway. Others describe door locks, keyless entry and warning lights behaving erratically. Reported from about 23,000 miles upward, often intermittently while driving or parked.
What to check: Confirm recall 09V066000 (seat harness) was completed, and cycle the power seat through its full range to check for unintended movement. Test door locks and keyless entry as well.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The electronic seat positioning control on the drivers side seat keeps adjusting on it's own while the vehicle is in motion. It just started today and seemed to do it at any speed, too include while the vehicle was stopped and the brake was applied. I also experienced the same action after I had placed the vehicle in park and turned off the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #10314043, filed 2010-02, 23,000 miles“Rear passenger door will not open from inside car this is a safety problem has anyone else reported this problem.I took it to the dealer they said some kind of sensor had to be replaced at a cost of 700.00 dollars I dont think I sould have to pay out of my pocket.I transport my grandkid around and if a something happens they would not get out”
NHTSA complaint #11121594, filed 2018-08, 150,000 miles
Buying note. On a 2008 CX-9, the priorities are the front suspension and ball joints, the brake master cylinder/booster area and the transfer case, since these account for most of the sampled complaints and several are costly. Have a pre-purchase inspection cover those items and verify all open air bag and seat harness recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 172 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mazda CX-9. 126 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,500 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns (3 marked do-not-drive) and 263 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 12 Mazda CX-9 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 81 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension55 32%
- Brakes30 17%
- Air bags28 16%
- Steering19 11%
- Wheels16 9.3%
- Electrical system13 7.6%
- Other or unknown13 7.6%
- Seats7 4.1%
- Engine6 3.5%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “I was pull out of my office parking lot and turned right on to a 1 lane road. As I turned right the lower ball joint dislodged from the control arm. It pull the drivers side transaxle with it and it tie rod ends. Slamming my car to a halt and almost causing an accident with the car behind me. The wheel faced left even though my car was still slighty turning right. This is a danger and a hazard, I've also heard this is serious problem amongst other CX-9 drivers....”
NHTSA complaint #10736229, filed 2015-07, 126,157 milesBrakes: “My wife was driving our CX-9 with our kids on saturday when the brakes failed. This prevented her from braking at a red light. There were no dash warning lights prior to the incident. The brake fluid was at a recommended level since the vehicle is well maintained. We towed the vehicle to the local Mazda dealer (where we originally purchased the vehicle). On removal of the brake booster the Mazda dealership found the brake booster failed because it was full of brake fluid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716081, filed 2015-05, 60,000 milesAir bags: “Takata recall: I have been waiting since july 2016 for replacement airbags. I have called dealers and never receive a call back to repair my vehicle. They claim the bags are unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11035357, filed 2017-10, 120,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “In motion, after accelerating, I let up off the gas after reaching 60mph on the freeway and there is a clunking sound accompanied with a jerk coming from the rear end of the vehicle. After slowing, when I lightly step on the gas to maintain a speed it has the clunking sound accompanied by a jerk as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10985072, filed 2017-05, 141,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 126 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 126,157 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Mazda CX-9. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 14.3% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Mazda CX-9 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| CX-9 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2012, CX-7 2007–2012, MAZDA6 2009–2012
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The…
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2009, 2012, CX-7 2007–2009, 2012, MAZDA6 2009, 2012
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American…
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2011, CX-7 2007–2011, MAZDA6 2009–2011
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original…
- 15V451000Jul 20, 2015Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2014
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
- 09V066000Feb 23, 2009Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dashCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2009
Mazda is recalling 30,600 my 2007-2009 cx9 vehicles equipped with power adjustable seat with position memory function. The seat harness routed underneath the seat cushion may interfere with the front cover bracket which is attached on the front side of the…
Recall details for the 2008 Mazda CX-9 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE15022Lower ball joint separationClosed · Jun 9, 2015
- PE11026Brake master cylinder leakClosed · Aug 9, 2011
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 263 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if…
- 11037013Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025Electrical system. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a…
- 11022727Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer…
- 11020039Jun 19, 2025Other or unknown. Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause…
- 11019097May 22, 2025Other or unknown. Some vehicles may exhibit following symptoms: 1. The rearview mirror (1) rattles up and down (2) while adjusting the mirror. 2. The rearview mirror (1) makes a rattle noise depending on the road…
Other model years of the Mazda CX-9
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 12,100 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 11 | 53,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 40 | 51,093 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 19 | 14,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 53 | 26,500 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 128 | 27,000 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 61 | 33,500 | 0 | — | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 107 | 40,000 | 0 | — | 24 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 35 | 60,500 | 2 | 4 | 19 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 54 | 56,294 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 68 | 55,011 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 221 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 171 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 195 | 77,312 | 6 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 59 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 172 | 99,500 | 5 | — | 18 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 86 | 94,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mazda CX-9 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda CX-9?
Owners of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 most often describe front suspension and ball joint problems, usually at higher mileage, with several reports of a front wheel detaching during low-speed turns. The issues reported most often: Front lower ball joint failure / wheel separation; Soft or hard brake pedal with hissing noise; Transfer case / power transfer unit failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 172 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 55 complaints (32% of the total), followed by brakes with 30.
Has the 2008 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mazda CX-9 (CX-9 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 126 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,500 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 126,157 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.