2011 Mazda CX-9 transmission problems

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · OH

The front driver-side lower ball joint suffered a catastrophic structural failure and sheared completely apart while moving. This vehicle was previously serviced under Safety Recall Campaign 15V451000 / Mazda Recall 8515G for this exact defect. The recall remedy part failed a second time, collapsing the front wheel assembly, ripping the CV axle completely out of the transmission casing, causing a hazardous transmission fluid spill, and leaving the vehicle stranded and immobilized in the middle of a live roadway in the dark

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Transmission · CO

I had an issue with the AWD not engaging and the 4x4 light illuminating when driving on snow and ice. No indicators when driving under normal conditions. I had no traction and had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle while driving at speeds less than 25 mph. I had difficulty gettting momentum from a stop as the tires were spinning and engaging tracion. I took the car into a Mazda dealership for a full circle inspection and found that the 4x4 light was illuminating due to worn-out splines connecting the transfer case. The technician was able to spin the driveshaft, indicating the splines are damaged and need to be replaced. Recommendations were to replace the transmission and transfer case with a repair estimate of $5469.61. Additionally, the technician observed some seeping of oil coming from the tiing cover and reccommends re-sealing it as well as replacing the water pump ( another known failure issue in which Mazda is aware of). Cost estimate of $4319.78. The technician also observed a crack in the right rear differential mount with a repair cost of $442.10. In short, Mazda knew about all these problems. They issued a warrenty extention from my research back in 2014 but never issued any recalls. In short, I didn't own this vehicle in 2014, I purchased in 2016. I was never aware of any warrenty extentions to include these issues and if I was aware, I would have had the services done for repairs. My safety as well as my family's and others are at risk if I lose control of the vehicle due to the AWD not engaging when needed.

Filed Sep 12, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · PA

When getting off highway engine began to knock. Engine stalled and would not restart. Upon inspection the water pump was found to have failed and leaked engine coolant into oil. This caused engine to have a complete failure. No check engine light illuminated but when car was scanned multiple codes were found. The car was also found to have a bad Transfer Case.

Filed Dec 29, 2020 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · MD

While driving the car on a county road, with the speed under 40 MPH, and following the bend in the road to lead to getting on the highway, the car jerked forward as if I hit something. As I continued to drive, the car was making loud clinking sounds and was jerking in motion. No warning lights went on. While attempting to continue to drive, clanging noises could be heard and the car continued to jerk forward. The car was unable to be driven. After having it towed to my mechanic, it was determine the problem was the transfer case. The splines between the transmission and transfer case had been eaten away by rust. The seal had not kept water out as it was designed to do. A new transfer case was ordered as well as a new transmission. The replacement transfer case had shown signs of the same issues with the splines. Another (2nd one) transfer case had to be ordered. I had purchased this car in february 2019 used. The car had a clean title, no accidents and was serviced regularly. Within 1 year, I had to pay out $5,000.00 to replace transfer case and transmission. I lost the use of my car for over 3 weeks (due to the problems with getting a transfer case that was good). When you google this issue, many people have had similar issues.

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · Brakes, Transmission · 100,000 miles · NY

The brake pedal seems hard too stop the car when in motion on public streets, vehicle continues too roll upon pumping brakes, have too continuously pump the brake hard too stop the vehicle, had the front brakes replaced recently, and brake pedal is still not functioning correctly, possibly the brake booster.

Filed Jun 6, 2020 · Transmission · 77,800 miles · MI

Suddenly starts to accelerate while at a stop light, stop sign or I am letting a person out and still in drive and my foot is on the break. It has done it 4 time since I got her bought 02/03/2020 the last was 06/06/2020. I have to press down on the break very hard to keep it from going forward lasts only a second or two.

Filed Nov 21, 2019 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · WI

The transfer case in our 2011 mazda cx-9 failed at 130,000 miles. I understand that mazda know about a defect as to the proximity of the transfer case to the exhaust. The heated transfer case lubricant become sludge-like and causes the case to fail also affecting the transmission splines. The heated lubricant escaped and drips on the exhaust and fills the vehicle with a toxic smelling gas and apparently can light on fire. The transfer case failed while driving making getting out of traffic difficult. Mazda issued a bulletin in 2014 extending the warranty to 7 years or 90,000 miles but didn't inform any of the customers of this problem. There is no service schedule for the transfer case as recommended by mazda. Or any way I understand to change the lubricant in the transfer case. Without informing us of the issue or having recommended any preventative maintenance maza caused a very dangerous situation for my family. I have contacted mazda USA and they have been unhelpful.

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · WA

The vehicle was identified at the dealership as having a leaking transfer case that needed to be replaced. During this replacement the transmission splines were also noted to be damaged due to the faulty transfer case. Therefore both the transfer case and transmission needed to be replaced at my expense.

Filed Jan 19, 2018 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · RI

64300 miles on odometer and am experiencing transmission shudder at 35 - 45 MPH in 5th gear. Torque converter problem? Pretty low miles for transmission issues. Smh

Filed Jan 5, 2018 · Transmission · 182,000 miles · PA

Any time there is even a slight incline in the road and anything that could lessen traction such as a little gravel, my tires spin and the car does not move. It's especially bad in any type of inclement weather, rain, snow, sleet. I loose all traction. The back tires do not move at all and the front tires spin. The tires have good treads.