2012 Mazda CX-9 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 221 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mazda CX-9, 11% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transfer case is leaking and going to go completely out on my 2012 Mazda CX-9, I noticed the same gear shifting problem in my 2004 Mazda 6 wagon. The car feels like driving a stick, it jolts when shifting to drive and while moving it feels like it is shifting early. This is a known problem with Mazda but a recall is yet to surface for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11093736, filed 2018-05, 58,000 miles“I own a 2012 Mazda cx9, which I purchased new. On monday morning (november 12, 2018) my (check engine light came on) and so I took it immediately to the dealership for diagnosis. My car was running beautifully, so I just assumed with the weather change, perhaps the gas cap wasn't tightened, and they just needed to clear the codes. It turns out the water pump failed and apparently destroyed the entire engine. Which became apparent as I drove it to the dealership for diagnosis, per their recommendation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11181656, filed 2019-02, 90,000 miles“I had an incident yesterday resulting in a minor collision. My accelerator stuck, my engine kept revving, and I could not stop. I kept applying the brakes but it felt as if everything locked up. I rearended the person in front of me no damage to their car and only minor to mine. I am now afraid to drive the vehicle. My husband contacted the dealership and they are waiting to hear back from Mazda corporate.”
NHTSA complaint #10493756, filed 2013-01, 15,049 miles“Incident -1 traveling about 45 MPH decelerating to make a right turn, the car stalls out leaving me with no control of steering and little ability to brake. Incident 2- making right turn (decelerating) car stalls out leaving me with no steering and little braking control. Incident 3- pulled up into driveway on slope. Put the car in reverse to back out, car stalled out leaving me with very little ability to brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10546909, filed 2013-10, 12,000 miles“Driving on rte 3 n in braintree. Car was decelerating while I had my foot on gas. Lost steering and barely made it to brake down lane. This car has 72k miles on it. Needs new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11267063, filed 2019-10, 72,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This 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…
- 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…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If 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…
- 11007010Aug 7, 2024Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 10154455Feb 4, 2019Some customers may complain of a check engine light on while driving the vehicle. If DTCs P2A04:00, P2272:00 and/or other DTCs are found during diagnosis, follow the repair…
- 10134916Feb 6, 2018ome customers may complain of a check engine light on while driving the vehicle. If DTCs P2A04:00, P2272:00 and/or other DTCs are found during diagnosis, follow the repair…
- 10092724Jun 24, 2016If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10085289Jun 24, 2016If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10092322May 27, 2016Workshop manual evap system leak inspection using the m-mds has been discontinued for some models. Instead, the workshop manual evap system leak inspection using evap leak tester…
- 10103922Feb 26, 2016Some vehicles may exhibit an engine coolant leak (a) between the lower radiator hose (b) and the thermostat housing (c). The lower radiator hose has been modified to improve…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21 | 53% |
| 2020 | 5 | 26% |
| 2019 | 23 | 43% |
| 2018 | 76 | 59% |
| 2017 | 43 | 70% |
| 2016 | 68 | 64% |
| 2015 | 17 | 49% |
| 2014 | 19 | 35% |
| 2013 | 17 | 25% |
| 2012 | 25 | 11% |
| 2011 | 15 | 9% |
| 2010 | 23 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mazda CX-9
143 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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