Mazda CX-9 shudder problems

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · 188,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact had not received documentation of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · Engine · 92,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shuddering and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to a cracked head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with the Technical Service Bulletin: 01-03/21; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2022 · Engine · NC

Car began shuddering/shaking and check engine light went on. Booked appointment at Mazda dealer. Upon inspection they found a significant amount of coolant had leaked into engine and timing was jumping. Was advised it should not be driven as the engine could freeze at any moment without warning. The technician provided a video inspection of car showing large amount of coolant inside car's engine. An oil change had been performed less then 2 months earlier (5/19/2022) and no issues were noted.

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Engine · MA

2015 Mazda CX-9 with 93k miles: while driving in traffic, check engine light suddenly came on, the car began to shudder as I heard a loud knocking noises coming from under the hood, and then a sudden loss of power while trying to navigate through a busy intersection while trying to make a left turn left myself in danger of almost being struck from the vehicle behind me and an oncoming vehicle from the opposite direction due to me stalling out in the middle of an intersection. The water pump (unbeknownst to myself and apparently many others) is located inside of the engine and behind the timing belt components failed without showing any prior signs of failure due to the water pump being hidden inside of the engine. The coolant had been leaking into the oil pan and mixed with the oil but because the water pump was purposely hidden inside the engine NO leaks of coolant (which would have been the early warning tell-tale sign of a problem) were visible. This faulty design caused a catastrophic failure of my engine which has been verified by a Mazda dealership and the engine had to be replaced at my cost. Although there were no injuries or deaths in my case, it does not nullify a faulty design and component of a vehicle putting peoples safety at risk when it is a well known industry fact that Mazda knowingly continued to manufacture this faulty design and use it in their vehicles.

Filed Aug 15, 2021 · Brakes, Transmission · OR

Driving on I-5, near Gold Hill, Oregon, when the traction control system light came on and the Vehicle slowed down. I had to push the gas pedal to the floor to get the car to move and I could not shift gears! It shuddered and the wheels seemed to lock up. I could smell burning rubber. I forced the car to the next exit, pulled off and shut it down. I sat there waiting for it to cool off. When I started it again it was a little rough at first but then seemed to get better and I was able to get home. I bought the car in June of 2020 from Lithia Motors in Medford, Oregon. I also bought a Power Train Warranty For $2,500 which was set to expire on 6/10/2021. I called Lithia and made an appointment to take it to them for repairs on June 1, 2021. I got as far as Grants Pass, OR, and it did the same thing I described above. I called a tow truck and had it towed to Lithia in Medford. When I got to Medford, the Service Manager told me I would have to take it to Crater Lake Ford. When I got to Crater Lake Ford I was told to take it to Crater Lake Mazda which I did. I described in detail what the car was doing to.the Service.Manager and told him I feared it was some kind of transmission problem. I also told him I had a power Train. Warranty the would expire on June10thso time was no the essence! I never suspected the brakes because we had the bakes repaired in November of 2020 at Lithia Motors. They were making a hissing sound. They replaced the.brake booster among other brake parts for $1,300 plus. That job was still under warranty. I got a call on June 15th telling me the problem was in the gear shift. He said it was now repaired and I could come and pick it up. I paid $674 for that repair. I got three miles from the dealership and the original problem occurred. I had it towed back to Mazda and it has been there ever since!! They replaced they're (traction control module), but that didn't fix it. After test driving it the original problem occurred! It's still at Mazda.

Filed Jun 27, 2020 · Transmission · 146,000 miles · WA

When driving vehicle a severe shuddering vibration and loud noise emanated from front end of vehicle, as if front axel was going to fall off. Happened three times so far. Once to my wife, once to me, and once to the mechanic. Very frightening each time, causing drivers to pull over and turn off vehicle. Then vehicle drives ok for a while. Happened while driving straight forward. Mechanic states it is a failed power transfer unit. Mechanic's research indicated it is a big problem in mazda cx-9 vehicles, and a class action lawsuit was filed and resulted in a settlement. As far as I can tell that settlement does not cover my vehicle year (2008), and is limited to vehicles manufactured after 2010, and which meet certain specifications. Mechanic estimates repair will run in the $1100-$1500 range. Wondering if I have any recourse with regard to this problem and the fact that it seems a manufacturing defect rather then normal wear and tear.

Filed Jun 23, 2020 · Transmission · 92,205 miles · RI

11/1/2016- at 92,205 miles vehicle shuddered when I stepped on accelerator. I was told it was transmission related. On my way to mechanic vehicle completely seized; had to have it towed to transmission shop. Angle gear had to be replaced because transfer case oil burned off because catalytic converter is placed too close and it cooks lubricant. I was told this is a known problem with mazda cx9's. Cost 1,400. Mazda was unwilling to cover repairs at all. 6/22/2020 - 130,000 miles same shuddering happened when stepped on accelerator and same issue. Called mazda and same response 'not our problem, it's out of warranty'.

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 Jul 20, 2017 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · NJ

Car dangerously shudders and hesitates when accelerating & at certain highway speeds increasingly for last two years due to faulty torque converter design per two transmission diagnostics done. It is very dangerous due to the random nature of the shudder and high cost to rebuild transmission is prohibitive for many people driving cx9s at risk

Filed Jul 11, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 16,000 miles · CA

The front brakes make a grinding noise when repeatedly applying the brakes when going downhill or slowing repeatedly from speeds of 65 or so. I believe the brake parts become hot and create something google searches call "judder". I have had the steering will start shaking as well. After repeated requests to mazda corporate and visits to two dealers, mazda claims the brakes work as designed. One service manager at browning mazda stated the front rotors are too small to stop a car of this weight, but this statement is not written. Regarding the vehicle stability control, when I turn left and go downhill from my driveway at a slow speed of approx 10mph, I usually have no throttle control. I need to apply the brakes to regain any control of the throttle. Once again two dealers tell me this is within design specs. Maybe this is true, however, I have no way to immediately get out of the way of other cars as I have to brake first for the throttle to return. Doesn't seem right to me. Also, my combined mpg is about 13.7 when mazda states it should be about 18. How can they make such a claim like this and get away with it. It is not just my cx-9, many people complain on the internet. Again, mazda states the car is within specs.