Did you know that some Mazda CX-9 models are known for issues that could leave you stranded or facing expensive repairs? If you’re considering a Mazda CX-9, it’s important to know which years to avoid.
The 2010 model, for example, has common transmission problems, while the 2012 version is known for poor fuel economy. Plus, the 2014 model often has glitches in its infotainment system.
Want to make a smart investment? Let’s look into these problematic years and see what to watch out for in a used Mazda CX-9.
Key Takeaways
- 2010 model: Known for major and expensive transmission problems.
- 2012 model: Notorious for bad fuel economy and high gas usage.
- 2014 model: Often has problems with the infotainment system not working right.
- Multiple years affected: Several models have been recalled because of faulty Takata airbags.
- Valve stem issues: Corrosion that messes up the tire pressure monitoring system, especially in older models like the 2010.
Common Issues Overview
When looking at a used Mazda CX-9, it’s good to know about some common problems with certain years. For example, the 2010 model often has issues with the valve stem, which can affect how the engine runs.
The 2012 model is known for getting poor gas mileage, making it more expensive to drive. The 2014 model has had trouble with the infotainment system, which can be frustrating for users.
Also, there have been recalls for faulty airbags in several model years. Everyone’s experience can be different, so it’s important to do your research and get a professional to check the car.
Knowing about these common issues can help you make a smarter choice when buying a used Mazda CX-9.
2010 Transmission Problems
If you own a 2010 Mazda CX-9, you might run into some serious transmission problems, which a lot of other owners have also faced. People have frequently complained about issues like delayed shifting, slipping gears, and even total transmission failures. These problems can be expensive to fix and really inconvenient.
2012 Fuel Economy Criticisms
When looking at the 2012 Mazda CX-9, many owners have complained about its poor fuel economy.
It uses a lot of gas, which makes it less attractive for people who care about mileage.
These issues are why the 2012 model has received a lot of negative feedback in this regard.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has been criticized a lot for its poor gas mileage. Both owners and car reviewers have pointed out that it doesn’t get good fuel economy.
While other car makers were working on increasing fuel efficiency and adding performance upgrades, the 2012 CX-9 fell behind. Many owners said that the car used too much gas, which made it more expensive to run.
As the car industry moved towards hybrid options and more fuel-efficient technologies, the 2012 CX-9’s engine seemed old-fashioned. This lack of focus on fuel efficiency has made this model less appealing for people looking for economical cars.
High Gas Consumption
If you’re thinking about getting a Mazda CX-9, you should know that the 2012 and 2014 models have a reputation for using a lot of gas. This means you’ll be stopping at gas stations more often and spending more money on fuel.
To manage this, you can try driving smoothly and keeping your speed steady. Regular maintenance like changing the oil on time and keeping your tires properly inflated can also help with gas mileage. You might also see some small improvements by installing a high-flow air filter or using synthetic oil.
However, even with these tips, the high gas consumption of these models might still be an issue if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient car.
Unfavorable Mileage Reports
The Mazda CX-9 is known for its roomy interior and great driving experience, but some years, like 2012 and 2014, have gotten a lot of flak for bad gas mileage.
Owners of the 2012 model often complain about poor fuel efficiency, which means they end up spending more on gas. This makes the 2012 model less attractive for people who care about saving on fuel.
The 2014 model isn’t much better; it also has complaints about its infotainment system and not-so-great fuel economy.
If you’re thinking about buying a used Mazda CX-9, keep these fuel issues in mind to avoid unexpected costs and make sure you get a car that runs efficiently.
2014 Infotainment System Failures
The 2014 Mazda CX-9’s infotainment system has a lot of problems, which is something potential buyers should really think about. Many owners have reported issues like screens freezing and controls not working.
Sometimes, software updates can fix these issues, but not always. It’s crucial to check if the car is still under warranty because repairs can be expensive. If the warranty has expired, you might have to try fixing it yourself, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
Because of these possible issues, it’s important to know how reliable the infotainment system is before buying a 2014 CX-9.
Takata Airbag Recall Impact
The Takata airbag recall has had a major impact on several Mazda CX-9 model years, making some of them less reliable.
Mazda has struggled with expanding the recall and using temporary fixes to deal with the faulty inflators.
It’s important to know which specific model years were affected so you can make a smart choice.
Affected Mazda Model Years
Several Mazda model years were significantly impacted by the Takata airbag recall, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for owners. The Mazda CX-9 affected model years include notable entries in Mazda CX-9 recall history. Owners need to be aware of these Mazda CX-9 safety concerns.
Here are the Mazda CX-9 model years that faced significant issues:
- 2007 Mazda CX-9: Early models were among the first to be recalled due to defective Takata airbags.
- 2008 Mazda CX-9: Continued issues with airbag inflators prompted further recalls.
- 2009 Mazda CX-9: Persistent safety defects led to additional recall campaigns.
- 2010 Mazda CX-9: Ongoing problems with airbag safety necessitated more recalls.
These recall histories underscore the importance of addressing airbag-related safety concerns promptly.
Recall Expansion Challenges
Mazda owners need to be aware of the ongoing recall expansions due to persistent problems with Takata airbag inflators, which pose serious safety risks. The safety concerns with these inflators have made it tough for Mazda to fix the issue permanently, impacting vehicle safety.
With over 34 million vehicles affected across 24 brands, including the Mazda CX-9, addressing these problems has been a real challenge. Mazda’s efforts to ensure all affected vehicles are safe have led to multiple recall expansions.
It’s crucial to stay updated on recall notices to keep your Mazda CX-9 safe and ensure all necessary airbag inflator replacements are done.
Brake Booster Failures
If your Mazda CX-9’s brake booster fails, it can make stopping your car take longer and be less safe. Here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:
- See a mechanic: They can find out if the brake booster is really the issue.
- Look for recalls: Mazda has recalled some CX-9 models for this problem.
- Replace the brake booster: This will help your brakes work right again.
- Check your brakes regularly: This can help you spot problems before they get worse.
Keeping an eye on your brake booster is important for safe driving and avoiding sudden brake issues in your Mazda CX-9.
TPMS Malfunctions
While fixing brake booster problems is important for safety, another issue that can affect your Mazda CX-9 is TPMS malfunctions due to corroded valve stems. When valve stems corrode, they can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to give false warnings about your tire pressure. This can lead to incorrect tire pressure readings, so it’s important to keep up with TPMS maintenance.
Regularly checking and replacing valve stems can help prevent these issues. However, many Mazda CX-9 owners have noticed ongoing TPMS problems related to valve stem corrosion. Keeping your valve stems in good shape is crucial for making sure your TPMS works correctly and avoiding unnecessary alerts.
Valve Stem Corrosion
If the valve stems on your Mazda CX-9 get rusty, it can mess up your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), causing false alerts and incorrect readings. This isn’t just about TPMS accuracy; it also impacts your safety while driving.
Mazda has fixed this in some model years through recalls and repairs. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to prevent rust and replace valve stems when needed.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check valve stems often to spot early rust.
- Replace rusty valve stems quickly to keep TPMS working right.
- Use valve stems that resist rust for longer-lasting performance.
- Get regular maintenance to make sure everything, including valve stems, is in good shape.
Following these steps will help keep your Mazda CX-9 safe and reliable.
User Feedback and Complaints
Mazda CX-9 owners have shared various concerns about certain model years. For example, the 2010 model often has transmission problems, which makes people question its reliability.
The 2012 model has been called out for having poor fuel economy, which can be a headache for those watching their fuel costs.
The 2014 model has been a source of frustration for many due to its malfunctioning infotainment system.
While individual experiences can differ, these common issues suggest it’s a good idea to do thorough research and talk to experts before buying. This way, you can avoid potential problems with these specific years of the Mazda CX-9.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Mazda Rx 8, Mazda Cx 3, Mazda 6 and Mazda 3. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a Mazda CX-9, be cautious. The 2010 model has some serious transmission issues, and the 2012 model doesn’t get great gas mileage.
The 2014 version has annoying infotainment problems. Plus, there have been recalls for Takata airbags, brake booster failures, TPMS issues, and valve stem corrosion.
Make sure you do your research to avoid these problems and have a better experience.
