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Mazda CX-9 airbag light comes on

10 of the 1,496 owner complaints about the Mazda CX-9 describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
36,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    3
  • 2010
    1
  • 2008
    3

Often reported together

Ball joint 1No deployment 1

What owners say

Filed Aug 27, 2022 · Airbags · OH

Intermittent Airbag Warning Light (Code 18), Passenger Airbag Deactivation light not operating and no warning chime indicating unbuckled passenger side seat belt. The safety issue appears to be related to the airbag and related safety equipment. In the dash, within the speed and rpm display, the red airbag warning light is blinking, reporting from what I gather is a CODE18, as it blinks once, followed by a pause, followed by eight blinks. It appears to be linked an inoperable PAD warning light, which should be on while no one is sitting in the passenger seat and off while someone is sitting on the passenger seat. While the car is running and a passenger sits unbuckled on the passenger seat there is no warning chime indicating that this passenger is unbuckled. Thank you

Filed Jul 15, 2020 · Airbags · 158,000 miles · NC

I came outside to my car one morning and started the vehicle.. I noticed the airbag light was blinking, and it never was before.. So I shut the vehicle off to visually inspect it.. What I found was the passenger curtain airbag had malfunctioned.. It didn't deploy fully, but it puckered my headliner so now it's just hanging on the passenger side.. I informed mazda of this and I was told it's only a recall on passenger airbag sensor, but no recalls for curtain airbags.. What can I do

Filed Feb 7, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · 145,000 miles · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda cx-9. The contact received the federal safety agency campaign number 17v457000 (air bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the battery became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called the local dealer greiner ford of casper 3333 cy ave, casper, wy 82604 (307) 462-4090 who stated that the remedy parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 2, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · 237,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. While driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel was loose and pulled while making turns. Additionally, the passenger side of the vehicle shook. The vehicle was taken to cj wilson mazda (8910 w 159th st, orland park, il 60462) where it was diagnosed that a wheel alignment was needed and a tie rod replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 237,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Airbags · 6,500 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate indicating that the air bag was not activated despite an operating in the seat. The contact informed the dealer where it was verified that the air bags weight requirements were in fact being met however, the air bag sensor failed to detect the occupant in the seat. The failure could not be detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate mileage was 6,500. Updated 01/11/2017*ct updated 01/26/17.*jb ..updated 03/06/17 *bf updated 08/09/2017

Filed Jul 4, 2016 · Airbags · CA

I own a 2012 mazda cx9 . My wife weighs about 105lbs and about 115lbs with her usual lap dog. Initially the pax seat airbag warning light came on intermittently when she was in that seat, car in motion or not. The light was normal when I sat in that seat. Towne mazda ran a test on the components. They informed me the system checked normal. However, the light after that then illuminated every time she occupied the pax seat. The problem was demonstrated to a service tech; the light was off with him in the seat (a larger man than me) and on every time my wife sat in the seat. She attempted to shift her position, but no position deleted the light. I was informed that the dealer would check with mazda, to search for a solution. After month of using the car, the light has been on continually when my wife occupies the pax seat. The service supervisor told me to put her in the back seat because there is no way to fix the problem.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Airbags · 36,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mazda cx9. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated although the passenger seat was occupied. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Airbags, Seats · 11,265 miles · PA

My son age 13, weighs 105 pounds. When he sits in the front passenger seat the air bag warning light is illuminated indicating that the air bag has been disabled. It is my understanding that the recommended minimum age and weight for the front seat is 12 years and 80lbs respectively. The mazda dealer, (john kennedy ford, 1403 ridge pike, conshohocken, pa 19428) ran a check of the calibration of airbag sensors." all ok, no update needed" - they gave me a copy of service bulletin no 08-001/13. This mentions that the issue is caused by my son sitting incorrectly in the passenger seat. I have spoken to the dealer on multiple occasions and this issue is still not resolved.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Airbags · 15,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the air bag off warning indicator remained illuminated whenever there was a front seat occupant that weighed less than one-hundred pounds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The technician also stated that the air bags would not deploy whenever the air bag indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. Updated 10/09/14*lj the consumer stated further testing shows the airbag off light illuminated for passengers between 115 pounds and intermittently for passengers between 115 and 120 pounds. It was suggested to the consumer to have small adults ride in the back seat. Updated 8/10/2015

Filed Jul 3, 2012 · Airbags · 17,700 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning light remained illuminated when a passenger was not occupying the seat. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic. The dealer could not find a problem with the air bag and could not identify why the passenger side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the air bag failure and the manufacturer called the dealer for more information. The dealer stated they could not determine the cause of the air bag light being illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 17,700.

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported October 31, 2019 · 69,879 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

Recall number 19V782000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported October 12, 2018 · 155,436 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

Recall number 18V717000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 70,227 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

Recall number 18V018000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported July 18, 2017 · 79,402 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V‑012.

Recall number 17V457000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 29, 2017 · 205,377 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

Recall number 17V429000 · Recall details

Questions about the Mazda CX-9 airbag light

Why does the airbag light come on in the Mazda CX-9?

Owners who report it most often also describe ball joint or control arm failure and airbags did not deploy in a crash.

Which Mazda CX-9 years have airbag warning light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (3 complaints), 2011 (3 complaints) and 2010 (1 complaints).

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