Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% | 69,000 miles |
| 2019 | 4 | 8% | 11,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% | 34,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% | 49,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% | 86,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 13% | 48,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% | 120,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 9% | 125,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 10% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 55 | 32% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 29 | 43% | 95,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The front end especially on the drivers side front suspension. The noise seems to be coming from the control arms and ball joints area. I have reported this to the dealership many times since purchasing the vehicle new. They continue to say that there is no issue but the noise is not going away. I believe it is associated with this TSB but no recall has been made. I am very concerned as the steering feels looser than usual and may cause an accident. TSB 10170655 - DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension: 1. A creaking noise from under the front of the vehicle (front lower arm bushing) when driving over bumps at approximate 12 - 25 mph (20 - 40 Km/h). The noise occurs when the road surface is wet or after the vehicle has been washed. The noise becomes more noticeable as the bumps get higher. …
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 purchased this vehicle with 19K miles on July 31, 2020. I noticed on April 12, 2022, that there was a knocking noise coming from the left front suspension after leaving a Mazda dealership for an oil change. I called Mazda service and was told they only did an oil change. I have put 4 brand new tires and have replaced the front/back brakes, rotors and still hear noise going over uneven pavement. I brought it to my own mechanic twice and he hears the noise but informed me that he cannot order any suspension parts at all for Mazda CX9. He said Mazda are forcing Mazda customers to go to a Mazda dealership. He called 5 different places to purchase strut. suspension and was told they had none. He also said Mazda has a special wrench to work with having to do with suspension and he cannot get one. My mechanic had my vehicle for 3 days and said it's definitely a suspension issue. …
I bought a used 2017 Mazda CX-9 from west shore Honda in tampa in July of 2020. They screwed me financially and I'll handle that separately. There has been an ongoing issue since the first few days after buying the car. I've complained multiple times via email and phone. I've been trying the service department countless times. They keep stating it's a tire issue. To the point they have replaced the tires 3 times. After the second time I had already decided it's not tires. The car has a very rough ride when I'm motion. Once you got 80 it wobbles. After several weeks the wobble can be felt at lower speeds of 55/60. The check engine light comes on but I'm told there's no codes when they diagnostic the reading. …
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was drifting to either side. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to forcefully grip the steering wheel to avoid losing control of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that there was severe corrosion around the front suspension ball joints. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-9. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and a bumping noise was heard from the front suspension. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ball joint and lower control arm corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to neil huffman Mazda (4926 dixie hwy @102, louisville, ky 40216, phone: [phone]), but was not diagnosed due to the diagnostic fees. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no open recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
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.
I had just come out of a traffic circle and entered a straight stretch when I heard a loud crunching sound. I would estimate my speed to be between 15mph and 20 MPH .the vehicle shook but I was able to move forward but had difficulty steering and could not brake. The car sputtered to a stop then I heard a hissing sound. When I got out of the vehicle I saw the right front wheel at a right angle to the fender and fluids leaking onto the pavement. The wheel was no longer attached. The tow driver reported that it took him one hour to load the vehicle onto a flatbed because the axle kept popping out when he tried to move the vehicle. Ridgeway towing transported the vehicle to ingram park Mazda, san antonio, texas. The tow driver took photos before loading the vehicle but I do not have them. The left and right lower control arms had been replaced in July 2016 under recall 8515g.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015.
NHTSA investigations
Lower ball joint separation
In an July 7,2015 letter to NHTSA, Mazda identified a safety defect that could result in lower ball joint separation in approximately 193,484 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 15V-451,Mazda 8515G).Mazda indicated that damage to the ball joint boot may allow water to enter the front suspension ball joint fitting during use which may result in premature ball joint wear and a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-9 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (55), 2007 (29), 2010 (14), 2012 (9) and 2013 (9) model years. Suspension complaints make up 32% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-9 suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-451 (lower ball joint, Jul 20, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-9 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › control arm › lower ball joint (2 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › lower arm (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.