2012 Mazda CX-9 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 8%of 221 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,526miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Mazda CX-9, 8% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,526 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“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“11/1/2016- at 92,205 miles vehicle shuddered when I stepped on accelerator. I was told it was transmission related. On my way to mechanic vehicle completely seized; had to have it towed to transmission shop. Angle gear had to be replaced because transfer case oil burned off because catalytic converter is placed too close and it cooks lubricant. I was told this is a known problem with Mazda cx9's. Cost 1,400. Mazda was unwilling to cover repairs at all. 6/22/2020 - 130,000 miles same shuddering happened when stepped on accelerator and same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330274, filed 2020-06, 92,205 miles“I just had only 33k miles on my 2012 Mazda CX-9, the transfer case broken from inside yesterday morning (friday april 6th 2018) when I commute from home to work. I was driving on a neighborhood road go straight. First the loud noise raise from under hood then the SUV lost power. Luckily I have room to pull over and park it at side of the road. It did put me and public in danger by the faulty transfer case. I have to call a tow truck to get my SUV to auto shop. Serviceman called me this morning and told me that I need to replace the bad transfer case.”
NHTSA complaint #11083811, filed 2018-04, 33,500 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 10169509Dec 5, 2019GUIDE LINES AND PHOTOS TO DETERMINE IF FLUID/OIL SEEPAGE OR LEAK IS SEVERE ENOUGH TO REQUIRE WARRANTY REPAIR OR TO CLEAN AND MONITOR. Some customer's might state that they notice…
- 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 2012 Mazda CX-9
143 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsAir bags
23 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 29, 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