2010 Mazda CX-9 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 12%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,600miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Mazda CX-9, 12% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,600 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power transfer unit leaking oil, I may lose my 4wd if this is not fixed soon. It will cost $1150.00 to fix. There is a horrible smell from the leak that is coming into the vehicle. I have had 4wd vehicles for years and never ran into an incident where something like this had to be replaced. Dealer made this seem like this is a wear and tear issue not covered under any warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10520840, filed 2013-06, 76,000 miles“Tell us what happened: transfer case is bad. Dealer says this is a known problem and that Mazda has this issue with cars directly from the factory. Known issues should be recalled! I bring my vehicle in for regular maintenance, I should not have to break down with children in the car for a problem that Mazda knows my car has! The failure is so widespread there is a nation wide shortage.”
NHTSA complaint #10492189, filed 2013-01, 98,000 miles“Car was making grinding sounds when the vehicle was in motion, especially when I turned left/right as well as when I was stopping the vehicle. Most noticeable on city streets. Needed to replace transfer case and transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10790609, filed 2015-11, 113,400 miles“This Mazda CX-9 is a 2010 with about 62000 miles on it. I was driving on a highway with 70 MPH. Suddenly, I heard noise and crack. Shortly, after, the car lost power and it won't go forward. Took it to the mechanic and they found the power transfer unit broken. Replacement was $3000. Went back to my paperwork. Found that ptu is under extended warranty program including only 84 months or 90000 miles. I sent reimbursement to the Mazda and they refused claiming that the car warranty is more than 84 months (which is not true). …”
NHTSA complaint #11093538, filed 2018-05, 62,000 miles“I noticed a strange smell in the vehicle. I drove a few blocks to home (luckily). Engine compartment was smoking as I pulled in the driveway. This was diagnosed by a mechanic as a cracked transfer case. Leaking fluid from the case was the source of the smoke; not covered under warranty by Mazda nor is there a TSB for the problem. A quick search showed that transfer case problems are common for this vehicle. This could have been a serious road hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10514349, filed 2013-05, 63,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This 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…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10136777Apr 2, 2018Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission…
- 10186342May 18, 2017Abnormal Noise & Oil Leak from power transfer Unit Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) 92 extended.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 13% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 5 | 9% |
| 2018 | 13 | 10% |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 3 | 9% |
| 2014 | 7 | 13% |
| 2013 | 5 | 7% |
| 2012 | 18 | 8% |
| 2011 | 25 | 15% |
| 2010 | 23 | 12% |
| 2009 | 6 | 10% |
| 2008 | 27 | 16% |
| 2007 | 12 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2010 Mazda CX-9
91 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Mazda CX-9
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology