2015 Mazda CX-9 inspection checklist
The 2015 Mazda CX-9 has 1 critical safety recall and a documented pattern of issues across 2 component categories. Before you sign anything, walk through this list with the seller. Skip nothing — the items below come from 35 owner reports already on file with NHTSA.
1 Verify safety recalls before you drive off
Recall fixes are free regardless of warranty status. Ask the seller for proof — or have the dealer pull the VIN history.
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U — fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
2 Inspect the engine
What to look for: Blue smoke on cold start (oil burning), white smoke at temperature (coolant), knock or tick that doesn't go away after warm-up, oil spots under the vehicle. (12 owner complaints on this vehicle · typical repair $3,100 · failures cluster ~98,260 mi)
3 Inspect the powertrain
What to look for: Hesitation on takeoff, harsh or delayed shifts, vibration at highway speed, fluid leaks on the driveway under the engine bay or transmission pan. (3 owner complaints on this vehicle · typical repair $2,500 · failures cluster ~67,384 mi)
4 Paperwork — before you sign
The seller's transparency on these tells you what kind of seller you're dealing with.