2016 Mazda CX-9

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.

August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as well. I am a single mother and have work but I cannot afford that repair especially since Mazda is not going to honor there vehicle and what they stand by. With this issue with the coolant leak and the cracked cylinder the vehicle could have overheated and go into limp mode and come to a sudden stop with my children in the car while driving on the road. I could be hit as this puts my family at risk of injury while we go to school or work. Mazda has done nothing but tell me to submit a claim with customer service which I have. I had my case manager call me once and left a voicemail and I have called multiple times and have not heard back. There was no warning of this until I found forums and other stories that this unfortunately has happened to hundreds of Mazda owners.

Our 2016 Mazda CX 9 began leaking coolant and we took it to a shop who diagnosed it as coming from the cylinder head, requiring a very expensive repair or new engine. Luckily our engine did not sieze up while driving, but it easily could have with our baby and toddler in the car. Upon searching the internet I found countless reports from other CX 9 owners who experienced the very same issue at similar mileage ~50k-70k. There is a technical service bulletin for this issue, but they have not issued a recall. This very expensive repair is going to set us back significantly and is a financial burden we were not expecting from our well cared for vehicle. It seems Mazda knows about the issue and is unwilling to address it.

2016 Mazda CX-9 is leaking coolant from exhaust side of engine cylinder head. This issue has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership in North Charleston, South Carolina. The issue first appeared shortly after replacing the water pump (performed by the same dealership). The issue is known and documents on Mazda TSB 01-002/23 - COOLANT LEAKS AT CYLINDER HEAD. The safety of my family was put at risk as there was no indication of a cracked head until there was coolant leaking on the driveway. Should the car have overheated without the indication of a coolant leak, the car would have been placed in to limp mode. Prior to the leak, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating the issue. Further, the Mazda dealership did not detect the issue at the time of replacing the water pump.

A month ago, I experienced a coolant leak at the back of the engine compartment. Upon researching I found that the head was prone to crack at the turbo and produce the leak. I took to my dealer, and they confirmed that it was in fact a cracked head causing the coolant leak. They also confirmed it was a known Mazda problem on the 2016 and newer 2.5 liter turbo engines. The dealer fixed four in the last month and one on a car their salesman purchased that the head failed at only 2000 miles. I was quoted a cost of $5965 for cylinder head replacement. It seems extremely excessive for a new cylinder head and a more appropriate price for a completely new motor. If this is a known defect on this motor no matter the miles, it seems Mazda should correct this problem in or out of warranty.