Mazda CX-9 fire or smoke problems

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Seats · OR · fire

The front passenger seat heating element in my 2022 Mazda Model, CX-9 malfunctioned, failing to regulate temperature and creating an immediate thermal safety and fire hazard. While operating the vehicle normally with the passenger side seat heater turned on, the system rapidly reached temperatures far exceeding normal comfort parameters. The heat became intense enough to cause smoke to fill the car, a flame to appear on the seat, and a giant burned hole in the seat. To prevent an active vehicle fire, I had to immediately turn off the control switch, unplug the seat and put out the fire that caused a pillow to ignite in flames. A localized failure of this nature presents an active electrical and fire risk while driving, which could lead to a crash or severe personal injury. No prior warning lights or error codes were triggered on the dashboard before the thermal event. The seat heater is currently disconnected, unusable and the seat cannot be used, and the vehicle interior has sustained permanent thermal damage. I am filing this complaint to request that the federal safety agency formally investigate this recurring thermal safety defect in modern Mazda vehicles.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · KY

The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine failure while driving, including on the highway. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealer service center, and the manufacturer's technical hotline department reviewed the diagnostic findings directly. Warning symptoms (overheating codes and visible tailpipe smoke) first appeared at the time the vehicle was brought in for diagnosis. The manufacturer has an active technical service bulletin addressing cylinder head coolant leaks on this engine and model, along with a related warranty extension program, but has denied coverage for this repair on the basis that the leak is internal rather than external.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Engine · VA

My 2019 Mazda CX-9 (VIN [XXX]) suffered catastrophic cylinder head failure on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine at approximately 124,000 miles. The failure is consistent with Mazda TSB 01-013/21 (and successors 01-007/22, 01-010/24), in which Mazda acknowledged that cylinder heads on this engine can crack at the stud bolt hole and exhaust manifold flange due to manifold deformation and residual production stress. The first warning came in mid-May 2026, when the engine temperature warning illuminated during normal driving. An independent mechanic replaced the thermostat. The warning returned within a week, and the thermostat was replaced a second time with a higher-quality part. Four to five days later, the warning returned alongside more severe symptoms: the vehicle began jerking while in motion, a strong coolant-burning smell developed, and smoke was visible from the exhaust pipe upon shutdown. The vehicle became undriveable, had to be left at the failure location, and was towed. Safety risk: The jerking compromised vehicle control in traffic. Upon shutdown, smoke and burning coolant odor created fire and fume-exposure risks. Had this failure occurred at highway speeds or in heavy traffic, the sudden loss of engine power and erratic behavior could have caused a serious collision. Family members were in the vehicle during several escalating events. Confirmation: The vehicle was towed to an authorized Mazda dealership, where Mazda-certified technicians confirmed in writing that it is exhibiting the exact defect described in TSB 01-013/21 and that complete engine replacement is required. The diagnosis is formally documented and has been communicated to Mazda's warranty team. Mazda Customer Experience has been engaged since mid-May 2026 and acknowledged the issue. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Seats · NJ

My passenger heated seats malfunction while I was driving. As I was driving on the highway I smelled something burning. I didn't know where the smell was coming from it was strong . Then while I'm driving on the highway my seat started to smoke a lot I got scared and pulled on side of the road. I realized my seat was the issue turned off the heated seats on the control. Step out the vehicle on side the highway I was nervous and scared standing outside my vehicle. The smoke eventually died down and cleared out. I never turned it back on and put a small piece of tape over the hole it burned through my seat.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Engine · 148,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact was able to get to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and became aware that there was coolant splattered all over the engine compartment. The failure had occurred twice. The “WRENCH” symbol was displayed with the “Service Vehicle” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the coolant pump and water pump were leaking, and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer opened for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NY

The vehicle was overheating and a message came up that power will be reduced. Then it would go away and come up every 3 minutes while driving. I brought it to the service center, we filled it up with coolant and the issue kept coming back this time with a lot of white smoke coming out at vehicle start up. My mechanic said this is a bigger issue most likely to do with a coolant leak at the cylinder head. There is a technical service bulletin but no recall as of yet.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Engine · NC

Car coolant warning light came on for a short time 5 min after starting car, then would go off. During severely cold days it would come on then go off once the car was warm. On 2/25/25 the coolant warning light appeared and stayed on. The car made loud rickety noise, as it warmed up. After driving 2 miles the car coolant light turned red and began blinking. An alert appeared saying car over heating. The car was stopped and smoke came out of the car. The car leaked blue/greenish fluid. Overnight the car cooled. The next day the car continued making loud rickety noise driving to dealership. Dealership would not honor extended warranty for coolant leaks at the cylinder. The water pump cracked, with coolant leak also causing the cylinder to crack and leak oil. Dealership is suggesting total engine replacement. The car has gone through its normal servicing with no reported issues of coolant leak or depletion. The engine overheated in a span of 2 miles after being parked for 8 hours. The car was

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Engine · NV

While my wife was driving her 2016 Mazda Cx-9 Grand Touring on the freeway, many of the dashboard indicator lights came on warning her the engine was over heating and to pull over immediately. While she was attempting to move over to the shoulder, smoke appeared from underneath the engine hood which made it difficult to safely move over to the shoulder. She believed the car was on fire so immediately exited the vehicle along with her sister whom was pregnant. I arrived within minutes and noticed the engine compartment was smoking and coolant/engine oil leaking underneath the car. The car was towed to my local Mazda dealership where I was advised days later the engine needed to be replaced due to blown head gaskets. They advised the vehicle over heated causing oil and coolant leaking from cylinder head that is warped. This repair would cost $11, 179.29. Mazda service advisor also mentioned the radiator and lower/upper radiator hoses needed to be replaced. This repair would cost $2691.28. This incident could've resulted in serious injuries or death from a known issue with these engines by Mazda. It's only a matter of time before this failed engine turns into a fatality. Do the right thing Mazda and fix these engines. Your reputation is on the line.

Filed Jun 14, 2024 · Transmission · PR

My vehicle had a coolant leak st the cylinder head around the exhaust manifold. The problem was confirmed by an independent service. No warning lamps, message or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure did not appear. The problem was detected because coolant was dropping from the powertrain to the floor. When tha catalyst was removed it was found broken due to the high temperature but the car never display a high temperature warning lamp and the temperature display remains in normal position. The car could get on fire since no warnings or signal of high temperature was registered. After the situation occurred, I found a Technical Service Bulletin (No 01-01321) from Mazda North American Operations regarding this issue but since the problem occurred after the powertrain warranty the dealer did not accept to repair it. The probability that my car could get in fire was high since no warning lamps were display.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Electrical, Seats · MA · fire

My seat warmer caught fire and burnt a hole through the seat.