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EnginePart report

2011 Mazda CX-9 Engine Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
9%of 171 total for the year
Median mileage
81,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Mazda CX-9, 9% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Mazda CX-9 2011 has un-detected water pump leaks which cause to engine overheat and eventual engine death. Mazda corporate is unwilling to co-operate. Car suddenly came to a halt showing engine light on..and I had to replace the brake booster also because when I was driving the vehicle it turn off on me everywhere and I had to pay out of my pocket and im still paying for this vehicle right now my vehicle is in a garage because is not drivable”

NHTSA complaint #11183329, filed 2019-03, 130,000 miles

“Same issue as everyone else hissing when brakes are compressed -or car is stopped and bad or lagging in braking. My brakes were completely down to the floor and the car kept slowly trying to roll. I had to pump the brakes. Or put the car in park. When I let the brakes go no hissing”

NHTSA complaint #10821959, filed 2016-01, 89,000 miles

“Transfer case - had unusual wear and tear on the transfer case that lead me to lose steering and driving capability when driving to work. Took my car to car dealer and the transfer case was ground down and the transmission was rusting. Had no water damage and cost over $4,000. Since have researched and found that many Mazda owners have been experiences issues with their transmission and transfer case. I believe this should be looked into.”

NHTSA complaint #10934140, filed 2016-12, 81,000 miles

“While driving on interstate 77, north bound, at 55mph, other motorists informed me that my car was on fire underneath. There were no dashboard warning lights or signals that came on it light up as a warning sign. I pulled over to the side of the road, the fire department and sheriff's office put out the fire and the car was towed. The car is quite new and with very low mileage. Well maintained car. No recent work other than regular oil change. Mazda denies any problems with this car.”

NHTSA complaint #10658607, filed 2014-11, 30,345 miles

“Car surges unexpectedly even when gas pedal not engaged - can cause a rushed forward or reverse motion, putting pedestrians or other cars at risk. This happens daily. Problem was identified by dealership several months ago. There is a related oil leak.”

NHTSA complaint #11093569, filed 2018-05, 69,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20212153%
2020526%
20192343%
20187659%
20174370%
20166864%
20151749%
20141935%
20131725%
20122511%
2011159%
20102312%
200947%
200863%
200733%

Other parts of the 2011 Mazda CX-9

Brakes
99 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
25 complaints
Air bags
22 complaints
Suspension
8 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Mazda CX-9

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology