Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 15% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 10% | 4,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2018 | 11 | 9% | 28,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 9% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 17% | 48,000 miles |
| 2013 | 16 | 24% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 143 | 65% | 57,000 miles |
| 2011 | 99 | 58% | 72,000 miles |
| 2010 | 76 | 47% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 17 | 29% | 101,000 miles |
| 2008 | 30 | 17% | 78,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% | 74,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The driver side airbag did not deploy in a front end collision on the drivers side. When approaching a vehicle that had come to a sudden and complete stop, the brakes were applied hard to the Mazda CX-9 in order to stop, but after about 1 second they just totally let go and there was no braking at all and the Mazda continued to move forward until it slammed into the vehicle that was stopped. The MyMazda app sent a message that stated that there was a Brake System Malfunctiom which is exactly what occurred and caused the accident.
6/29/2023--Vehicle stopped suddenly with i-ACTIVESENSE system malfunction, Dynamic Stability Control malfunction, Engine malfunction, engine output reduced, Front radar sensor malfunction. Dealer said these faults due to bad battery--replaced battery per Service Manager [redacted] at Lakeland Mazda. 9/10/2023--Incident #2 with same faults as above with vehicle stopping suddenly at risk of creating a rear end collision. Lakeland Service Manager [redacted] now said that the faults are due to a faulty ERG valve. Lakeland Mazda and [redacted] are absolutely clueless as to the root cause of this problem and are releasing the vehicle back to the customer with the potential of causing a significant collision that can result in serious injury and/or death.
Within 6-8 months of purchasing the car we noticed the brakes squeaking and vibrating. At that time the car was under 25,000 miles. At our maintenance check it was advised that we have the brakes resurfaced at the next appt. Back brakes were done in 3/2019 and the front were done in 6/2019. We noticed the squealing and vibration returned again. At our recent maintenance check, we asked to have the brakes and rotors inspected. We were told everything looked fine and nothing needed to be done, however we are still experiencing the vibration which is very troubling. We called another place explaining the issue and they said that it sounds like we need new rotors. Our car has mostly been sitting over the last year and a half with very few added miles. …
I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving-most often on the highway-a warning appears that says "Smart System Brake Malfunction." Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Mazda vehicles across different models and years. Each time, I have been forced to pull over, turn off the car, and restart it to temporarily resolve the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds, as it creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and sudden loss of vehicle control. When reported to Mazda, the concern was dismissed as a "sensor issue," but the repeated nature and widespread reports suggest a potential systemic defect that requires urgent investigation and recall.
Engine Coolant Leaking from rear of engine near Exhaust / turbocharger at Cylinder Head. No Warning Lights indicating problem until coolant level low causing overheating and fire risk. Rear Brakes not releasing completely from "City Mode" where brakes are kept close to rotor "to increase braking response in City driving" - causes premature brake wear, warped brake rotors (reoccurs within 10K miles from new / replaced rotors) Front Bumper Fascia keeps coming loose at clips near headlights on both Driver and passenger side. Had replaced at dealership 3 times, but continues. Bumper coming loose and can obstruct headlights while moving around at highway speeds
The vehicle has tire pressure monitoring system malfunction warnings and parking brake malfunction warnings even after taking to dealership to be fixed. Was told it's a known problem by Mazda, should be recalled, but there were not any current recalls for the issue.
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. …
We have 2015 Mazda CX-9 with 8400 miles that has a leak on the break master cylinder. Which the dealership was denying to be a leak because they saw an old dry debris on top of the fluid depot. But have it checked to an outside mechanic because we've been having a shimmy problem when braking for moths and they still can't figure as to what is wrong with our vehicle. All they are saying is they cannot duplicate the problem that I am saying. To cut the long story short we brought our vehicle to their service again to fix the break fluid leak on the cylinder but they are saying they will not fix it because theres enough fluid on the reservoir and they are saying that the fluid might have come from the cap because of an old leak debris. But I told them that I will not going to be that much fluid underneath the break booster and aound that area. …
NHTSA investigations
Brake master cylinder leak
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE11-026 to investigate possible brake performance loss due to brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster in model year (MY) 2008 Mazda CX-9 vehicles.In response to ODI's information request letter, Mazda identified a problem with the manufacturing process for the master cylinder primary plunger that could result in inappropriate surface…
Brake Booster Failure
In March 2014, Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) initiated Special Service Program SSP93 to extend the warranty coverage for a specific brake booster fault condition on model year (MY) 2007-2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles.According to Mazda's dealer communication for SSP93, the subject vehicles may exhibit a condition were the brake pedal is harder than usual to depress.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-9 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (143), 2011 (99), 2010 (76), 2008 (30) and 2009 (17) model years. Brake complaints make up 65% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-9 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Mazda CX-9 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-9 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › master cylinder (2 mentions), followed by the pedals and linkages (2).
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.