Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Mazda CX-9 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had engine failure with a complete loss of power and a shuttering of the steering wheel while pulling into a parking lot and going less than 30 miles per hour. The temperature gauze went from cold to hot suddenly. There were no leaks of coolant or oil and no signs that the engine was out of water or that the water pump had "melted". On the final car repair trip we found out that the engine has an internal water pump that failed and resulted in oil & water getting into the engine. The engine light NEVER came on, I had complained about the tire pressure light blinking on and off in November 2021 and the deceleration issue I was having. The dealer did a coolant flush 11/2021. In early March 2022 the engine shut off as I was backing out of the driveway. I took it to a repair shop nearby they could not find anything wrong except that the car went into limp mode. …
The AWD system failed leaving the car dangerous to drive in rain and snowy weather. Car is still stuck in my driveway as the front wheels are spinning and no power to the rear wheels. My Mother's AWD with similar M+S tires drove out with no problems. Waiting for the snow to melt to be able to take my car into the shop. Reading online this seems like a known Mazda issue.
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-9. While driving unknown speeds, a smoke odor entered the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case bearing was burnt due to sludge. The contact called Mazda of milford at [phone] and was informed to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-9. While accelerating from a traffic light, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was notified that the transfer case had a leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,200.
This Mazda CX-9 is a 2010 with about 62000 miles on it. I was driving on a highway with 70 MPH. Suddenly, I heard noise and crack. Shortly, after, the car lost power and it won't go forward. Took it to the mechanic and they found the power transfer unit broken. Replacement was $3000. Went back to my paperwork. Found that ptu is under extended warranty program including only 84 months or 90000 miles. I sent reimbursement to the Mazda and they refused claiming that the car warranty is more than 84 months (which is not true). It is really disappointing that I have to hire a lawyer to get this flaw in Mazda's design reimbursed. The warranty does not start on jan 1st of the manufacturing year. I had to pull the carfax to prove that they car was purchased after April of 2010 to prove the 84 months window is valid. They have this information but they decided to play ignorant. …
I was driving on a street with a 25 MPH speed limit when all of a sudden the car hesitated and made some weird noises. I continued to pull over to get out of the way when there was a huge bang and the car came to an sudden stop. I was able to get to the side of the road. Smoke was coming out of the engine area and the car smelled terrible. I jumped out, got my dog out and called 911. The fire department and police came. Found metal parts all over the road. Smoke was mainly due to oil that was all over the engine and bottom of car. Right now the initial diagnosis is that the transfer casing blew along with a variety of other parts. Thank goodness I was not on the freeway. Additionally, I was lucky that the large parts that blew off the car did not put a hole in the bottom of my car or damage someone else's car.
2010 Mazda CX-9 AWD touring with under 120,000 miles. The vehicle would make a noise like driving over rumble strips in the road, vibrating the undercarriage. It started happening when lightly pressing the accelerator, trying to maintain speed, normally at 1500rpm then it gradually got worse and happened all the time and the noise got louder. Sometimes there would be a burning smell. I spent $1000+ on "fixes" before discovering it was the transfer case, another $2,000+. Since Mazda already knows about the issue and has provided 2 extended warranties for this issue, the transfer case for the defective years/models should be on them. After researching this problem I have seen many people having to replace the transfer case multiple times.
The power transfer unit needs to be replaced and the vehicle only has 45,000 miles on it. Mazda had issued a voluntary extended warranty of this part but although my vehicle is well under the mileage (90,000) Mazda is telling me that it is out of warranty. Mazda issued the extended warranty because they knew there was a problem with the part and that it was a poor or defective design. This should have been a recall issue not a wait and see when it fails and hopefully it is outside of our extended warranty period.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda cx9. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an overpowering burning odor from the vents. In addition, a loud knocking sound came from under the hood. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The dealer test drove the vehicle and the engine seized. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage and current mileages were 26,900.
Transmission complaints in other CX-9 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Mazda CX-9, 14% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Mazda CX-9 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Mazda CX-9, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Mazda CX-9 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.