Summary
The Mazda CX-9 has 14 recalls spanning the 2007–2021 production run, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2020–2021 models where the left-side second-row seat can slide forward in a crash, transferring excessive force onto a belted occupant and raising the risk of injury.
On 2018 models, a wiring harness can disrupt electrical communication and disable the passenger frontal airbag, turn signals, and the engine starting system, leaving the airbag unable to deploy in a crash and removing the driver's ability to signal other vehicles.
Going back to the 2013–2014 generation, a steering knuckle can separate from the strut assembly, causing a sudden loss of steering control. A related ball joint issue runs through a broader span of 2007–2014 vehicles, where water intrusion corrodes the front suspension ball joint until the lower control arm separates, again causing loss of steering. The 2019 model year has a tire recall covering a specific batch of Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires where tread can detach and destabilize the vehicle.
On 2010 models equipped with electrically heated front seats, insufficient electrical grounding can cause the seat heater control circuit to overheat in extreme cold, potentially burning the seat cushion surface or causing smoke or fire.
Earlier 2007–2009 production with power-adjustable memory seats has a wiring harness that can chafe against a bracket under the seat cushion and short-circuit, making certain seat and driving functions erratic. The 2007 model year alone carries two additional concerns: a Takata passenger frontal airbag that can degrade from prolonged heat and humidity exposure and deploy with excess force, and a front suspension ball joint that can corrode from saltwater intrusion and separate from the lower control arm, causing loss of steering control.
