2021 Mazda Cx-9 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
What could happen: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 CX-9.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V750000 (manufacturer code 5221I).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-5500.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (21), Unknown Or Other (6), Transmission / drivetrain (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (4), Brakes (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/14/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
2021 Mazda CX-9 (VIN: JM3TCBDY3M0538768 / 72,400 mi) Vehicle has suffered complete, sudden loss of motive power at high freeway speeds on four separate occasions. Without warning, the engine loses all propulsion, essentially stalling mid-traffic and forcing me to dangerously coast across active freeway lanes to the shoulder. This creates an extreme risk of…
09/12/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
I entered the interstate normally, with no issues accelerating or merging. While driving at approximately 70 mph, in traffic, all three warning messages appeared on the instrument cluster at the same time: “Smart Brake System Malfunction,” “Driver Attention Alert System Malfunction,” and “Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction.” At the same moment, th…
08/27/2026 · Wheels / tires
On a high-speed highway (Route 14), the vehicle suffered a sudden flat tire/air loss event, forcing an emergency pull-off onto a narrow shoulder with 65 mph traffic. Subsequent inspection revealed the failed tire and the rest of the set were manufactured in late 2007 (DOT code 4907). These 19-year-old tires were installed by a professional tire shop despit…
08/10/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
The vehicle was parked stationary in the driveway with the engine running for 3-5 minutes with the A/C on. The vehicle then accelerated forward into my garage causing damage. Once I entered the vehicle, both the dash and shifter displayed park. Current TCU system internal failures have been reported from the pulling of data from Mazda.
07/23/2026 · Engine
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned: On 6/12/2026 While drive on the highway with our daughter in the car and we experienced a high speed stall. The engine failed and we lost power. We barely got the car of the highway and coasted into a parking lot. 2) Life threating for Father, Mother and daughter and other drivers on the highway. 3)…
07/12/2026 · Engine
This complaint refers to Mazda and it's dealer refusal to properly execute the warranty work under the SSPD5 Valve Stem Seal Class Action Campaign and does not follow the Court's approval of the final Settlement Agreement. I assert that Mazda and it's dealer are not following the SSPD5 repair procedures. 1. I have documentation and complaints going back to…
06/18/2026 · Engine
Check engine light comes on and error P0303 comes on. Had an independent mechanic do the following and after each one, error P0303 still came on 1. Swap the ignition coils from 2 to 3 2. Swap spark plugs from 2 to 3 3. Swapped injectors 4. Compression test 5. Leak down test 6. Changed the spark plug, coil and injectors 7. Looked for vacuum leaks. Mechanic…
12/10/2025 · Backup camera · crash
Backup camera shows three to four feet before red collision line is not accurate causing severe damage to my garage door.