Mazda CX-9 power steering loss problems

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Driver assistance · WA · crash · 1 injury

On February 9, 2026, our 2023 Mazda CX‑9 experienced a sudden and complete system malfunction while being driven. Multiple system failures began approximately six minutes before the crash. During this time, the driver reported: • Total loss of steering • Complete brake failure • No response to acceleration or driver input • No ability to slow, stop, or maneuver the vehicle • No meaningful warnings that allowed corrective action The vehicle became completely uncontrollable. At the crash site, there were no skid marks, no braking evidence, and no signs of evasive action, consistent with a full loss of vehicle control. The vehicle only stopped after entering approximately two feet of water and striking a tree. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident represents a severe safety defect involving critical electronic and mechanical systems. A modern vehicle should not lose all steering, braking, and control functions under any circumstances. We are requesting a full investigation into the cause of this failure and whether similar incidents have occurred in other Mazda vehicles. We can provide photos, crash documentation, diagnostic information, and driver statements upon request.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Suspension · PA

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a defective suspension part (lower control arm) manufactured by Dorman and purchased from an online auto parts retailer. On October 7, 2024, I ordered a Dorman lower control arm for my vehicle and had it professionally installed on November 7, 2024 at Johnston and Magwood Wheels & Tires. On November 8, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., while I was driving and made a hard brake, I suddenly lost steering control and my front left wheel collapsed. Fortunately, I was the only one in the car and managed to avoid an accident. My vehicle had to be towed to a nearby shop (Kal Tire) and was later sent back to the original shop for further inspection. On November 12, technicians confirmed that the newly installed lower control arm had failed, which caused serious damage to the suspension. I paid $1,774.10 in repairs in order to make the car safe to drive again. This is extremely dangerous — if I had been driving on a highway or with passengers, it could have resulted in a major accident or injuries. When I contacted the retailer about the warranty, they only offered to refund the part itself and refused to take responsibility for the damages caused by this defective product. I believe this part should be investigated for safety defects. When I searched online, I noticed Dorman has had similar recalls on control arms, which makes me even more concerned. I am reporting this incident to the federal safety agency in hopes that you will look into this part to protect public safety.

Filed Feb 10, 2022 · Engine · PA

Headed out to the store and engine was running rough and CEL was on. Thought it was bad gas because I just put a few dollars in. Added gas treatment and topped off tank and continued to store. Stopped at Advanced Auto near the grocery store so they could pull the code. It was a P0016 - cam position sensor. If that was bad it would explain rough idle. Leaving to come home engine was a bit rougher and realized there was no heat blowing. Only 4 miles from home so kept driving figuring thermostat was broke but was concerned 2 things bad at once. About a mile up the street complete loss of engine power, power everything was on. Had no power steering or brakes. Managed to coast into a parking lot. Shut off engine, and waited. Restarted engine, notice temp gauge starting to go higher - pulled back onto street but again lost power steering and brakes. Managed to pull into parking log of auto repair shop and left vehicle there. Contacted Mazda next day - they agreed it was mostly the water pump failure and could possible fix it. Arranged for tow later in the week. Mazda inspected and said they could not repair. Needs new engine $5000-6000.

Filed Jan 18, 2022 · Fuel system · IA

Driving Eastbound on I470 Wheeling WVA going uphill toward Exit 10 Cabela Rd the car lost power and could not get off the roadway. The engine failed and the car lost power steering. Could not start the car. The car would turn over, but the engine and battery light were on. The car was sideways in the right lane of traffic unable to be started. State Patrol was called to the area and the vehicle was towed to a Mazda dealer. Mazda dealer determined that the PCM (powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the fuel pump control module) - they noted: "Found code p064a and in TSB 01-010/17 states that PCM needs to be reprogrammed if no other fuel pump codes are detected, no other fuel pump codes were found." Their explanation was that after driving for a long period of time that the computer no longer allowed fuel to the engine. Their actions to correct - "Comments from Service department: We reprogrammed the PCM and cleared codes, test drove and rescanned for codes and found none." This was a known problem by Mazda and they had issued a service bulleting TSB 01-010/17. The bulletin was issued PRIOR to us purchasing the car but the update had not been done on our vehicle, nor had it been done by any Mazda dealer we had taken the car into for service over the past 4 years. This issue that was known by Mazda created a safety issue by shutting off the fuel pump. We were driving at 70 mph on the interstate and could have been hit or worse yet killed. Mazda should have to recall these vehicles and pay for expenses incurred by owners. Mazda will not reimburse us for our expenses. We have contacted them.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 72,000 miles · MA

Driving on rte 3 n in braintree. Car was decelerating while I had my foot on gas. Lost steering and barely made it to brake down lane. This car has 72k miles on it. Needs new engine.

Filed Sep 14, 2019 · Engine · 134,000 miles · KS

Me and my husband were on our way home from work. The car suddenly overheated and we lost power on I-35, we were able to get the car to an exit and was nearly hit by another car due to loss of steering and power. We had the car towed to a mazda dealership. There is engine coolant in the oil and we are told it needs a new motor.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 30,400 miles · VA

In 2017, my car shut off two times, without warning, one time at a stop light and again on the highway going 70mph. We were accelerating at the stop light when it shut off and then driving on the highway. Took the car to the dealership and 72 codes came up. They said it was the dvd players (that they sold and installed!!!) that were causing the issue. They supposedly 'fixed' the issue. Now in july 2019, the car shut off an additional five times. Three times while driving and twice in a parking lot. We were on a highway again when the car just shut off with no warning, lights on the dash started flashing, and the power steering went out one of the times. My husband had to put it in neutral, coast to the shoulder, come to a complete stop and then attempt to start it each time. Cars were dodging us every time and luckily we weren't hurt. My children were in the vehicle every single time. We had the car towed to the dealership where 68 codes came up. This time they're saying it's the fuel pump and that they can 'fix' it, but can't 100% guarantee it won't happen again. We were put in a life threatening situation every time, without warning, after giving the dealership a chance to fix it. The car is under three years old and only has 30,400 miles on it.

Filed Dec 9, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 81,000 miles · PA

Transfer case - had unusual wear and tear on the transfer case that lead me to lose steering and driving capability when driving to work. Took my car to car dealer and the transfer case was ground down and the transmission was rusting. Had no water damage and cost over $4,000. Since have researched and found that many mazda owners have been experiences issues with their transmission and transfer case. I believe this should be looked into.

Filed Oct 5, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 75,000 miles · CO

After recently receiving our vehicle back from a mazda dealer for warranty repairs on the ptu and control arms, we were driving down the highway at 65 MPH - initially going up a hill in the mountains. The car would not shift gears (an automatic) and then would not accelerate past 30 MPH. No dummy lights lit whatsoever. We got to the top of the hill and having no place to pull off on the highway mountain shoulder, stayed in the lane of traffic with our hazards on. The down side of the hill was a 6% grade with a cliff on the other side of the guard rails. All of a sudden - the power steering went out and the car was hard to steer. There was still no place to pull over on the mountain highway, so we coasted. We then noticed the RPM's were at 0 and all the dummy lights that are on when the car ignition is in accessory were lit up. The car had turned off - while we were going 65 MPH on a 6% grade. No warning - no sounds, smoke, dummy lights - just off. Very amazingly dangerous. We were very lucky to not die a fiery death. My husband was able to keep calm and thankfully the brakes worked - we were able to stop towards the bottom of the hill. We had the car towed as it wouldn't start/stay running. The diagnosis by the dealer (not the dealer who did the prior warranty work) was a failed engine rod. Would have been nice to get a check engine light before having the car completely shut off. We drove the vehicle for less than 100 miles after receiving back from the warranty work and now this.

Filed May 14, 2016 · Brakes · 44,872 miles · WA

We have noticed the difficulty in depressing the brake pad along with the hissing noise over the past 1 month and it has progressively became stronger. Initially you brush it off thinking you are imagining it. Today on a hill there was an accident so traffic was barely moving, I started to leave more and more distance with the vehicle in front of me as it was becoming increasingly difficult to depress the brakes. Finally I hear a strange noise and then complete quiet and my teenage daughter notices too and as I release the brake to move I realize the car engine had died (the engine has never given any indication of issues before) but the engine dash lights weren't on indicating there was not power which of course means no power steering either, a quick shift to n and restart and all is fine the rest of the way home. The hissing noise and difficult depression continued however while on the hill when I did press hard enough for the brakes to respond they did so as though bypassing the anti-lock system as they would jolt into the stop. Very concerning as the distance to stop has increased, what if a person walked in front of me much less if I'm on the freeway and come upon a sudden need to stop. But here it is a saturday evening and how and when can I deal with an obvious safety issue that clearly is repeated. I wonder how many out there have not taken the time to report, have spent much on repairs or simply traded in their vehicle to come in to the hands of some other unsuspecting consumer. Action truly is needed before someone's lives are changed forever.