This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Mazda CX-9 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Mazda CX-9 have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 CX-9 | 23 |
| 2011 CX-9 | 21 |
| 2012 CX-9 | 15 |
| 2013 CX-9 | 5 |
| 2014 CX-9 (this page) | 7 |
| 2015 CX-9 | 3 |
| 2016 CX-9 | 8 |
| 2018 CX-9 | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 7 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Mazda CX-9, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is severe enough to require a repair, or just to clean the area and monitor it at the next service.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmis
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I noticed a rough noise when I started the 2014 Mazda cx-9. I chose to ignore it thinking it was because of the cold weather. Got to the highway on the way home to kansas city from columbus, oh. Several miles later when filling gas, I noticed a weird smell like that of a burning rubber or coolant. The car got me home same but I noticed slight smoking from the engine when I got home.took it to the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Mazda cx-9. While driving 45 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and detected a strong odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and taken to an independent mechanic who found an internal fracture of an oil leak. The mechanic stated that the transfer case may need to be replaced. The dealer (quirk Mazda, 111 mcgrath hwy, quincy, ma…
Noticed burning smell coming from underside of vehicle and oil-like substance on floor of garage after driving. Took to the dealer and was informed that the transfer case failed and was leaking fluid on exhaust system. Research indicates this is a known design issue in multiple year models of Mazda vehicles and I feel due to the significant fire risk of oil/lubricant dripping onto the exhaust…
- Water pump failed causing coolant to mix with oil. This repair cost was around $3,900. - Luckily this failure happened on our community road and was able to pull into our driveway. Mechanic stated that if this happened on the highway or regular road, this could have caused a major incident and possibly a blown motor. - No, but complaints of similar issues have been reported via my online…
My wife took our 2014 Mazda cx-9 to liberty Mazda for a check engine light that came on the evening before she already and an appointment for another issue. She asked them to check the light as well. After their findings they told sue the car had a catastrophic water pump engine failure. This water pump is located inside the timing chain cover and leaks coolant in to the engine. At this point we…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Mazda CX-9?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 77,825 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.