2022 MAZDA CX-9 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

I am reporting a safety concern involving multiple loose windshield header bolts and cowl panel fasteners on my 2022 Mazda CX-9. The issue was discovered on 1/28/26 at approximately 44,000 miles. Several bolts securing the windshield header and cowl panel area were found loose. These components support parts located at the base of the windshield. Loose fasteners in this area raise concern about potential windshield instability, movement of the cowl panel, and possible detachment or structural compromise over time. This condition could create a safety risk, particularly at highway speeds, including driver distraction from vibration or noise, potential windshield instability, and possible failure of components mounted near the base of the windshield. The Mazda dealer is aware of this issue. I was informed that they have repaired at least 15 similar vehicles, including those associated with a Roman Service member, indicating a possible pattern. Despite this, Mazda did not cover the repair cost. Given that multiple bolts were improperly secured and that the dealer has seen numerous similar cases, this appears to be a potential manufacturing or assembly defect affecting multiple vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for possible investigation and recall consideration.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a potential safety issue with my 2022 Mazda CX-9, which is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle under limited warranty until March 2026 and powertrain warranty until March 2029. It has 36,000 miles on it. Recently, I noticed a crack forming near the front combination light on the front bumper. The vehicle has not been involved in any accident, collision, or external impact. Upon researching, I found TSB Bulletin No.: 09-022/20, titled FRONT BUMPER CRACKED NEAR THE FRONT FENDER/FRONT COMBINATION LIGHT, which addresses similar cracks in 2016–2019 CX-9 models (VINs lower than JM3TC******306028). Although my vehicle falls outside the bulletin’s specified range, the crack appears identical in location and nature—suggesting a possible design or material stress issue that may extend beyond the listed VINs. When I brought this to the dealership’s attention, they declined coverage under warranty, citing the TSB’s limited applicability. Mazda corporate echoed the same response. I find this deeply concerning. Why is this issue being dismissed based solely on VIN range, without a proper inspection or consideration of safety implications? The crack is adjacent to lighting components and could compromise structural integrity. This is not a cosmetic flaw—it’s a potential safety hazard. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and help facilitate a resolution, including repair or replacement of the bumper. It is disappointing that safety concerns are being overlooked in favor of technical exclusions and cost considerations. I urge NHTSA to consider expanding the scope of investigation to include newer CX-9 models not currently covered by the TSB. Importantly, I’ve seen many other CX-9 owners reporting similar bumper cracks in vehicles outside the TSB VIN range, particularly in Facebook owner groups. This suggests the issue may be more widespread than currently acknowledged and deserves broader attention.

The windshield wiper sprayers don't work properly when it gets significantly below freezing. This is incredibly dangerous on highways where it snows and the roads are salted, allowing for the snow to be thrown up as mud. This ends up in the windshield wipers just spreading mud all over the windshield and reducing visibility to near 0. Having this occur while driving at lower highway speeds makes this incredibly dangerous. Having to pull over on the highway when it's snowing isn't great, especially when some mountain highways have concrete walls with no shoulder. Using fluid that is rated for below freezing also causes this to freeze, suggesting that it may be related to wind chill while traveling at speed. It's also definitely not an issue with the overall system or the fluid because the rear windshield wipers still work. This is probably due to the way they designed this to move the emitters off the hood. A search for the term, "mazda cx-9 windshield wiper frozen", shows many such reports online. Some have complained to Mazda only to have this ignored by them. There were on indicators in the vehicle to show that that was a potential problem.

My wife has a cold. She picked it up during several uncomfortable hours in the emergency room. Our driveway is on a bit of a slope. She stopped the car, put it in park (she thought), turned off the engine, and got out. Something in the dashboard compartment had blocked the shift lever and the car was actually in reverse. It started rolling backwards down the driveway. She grabbed it and tugged with all her might and actually succeeded in stopping it when it got to the street. She managed to prevent our car from rolling into our neighbor's parallel parked car immediately across from our driveway. She also managed to hurt her arm quite badly. X-rays and CAT scans and exposure to every sniffling, coughing person in the ER later, and we learned she was lucky and did not break any bones, just sprained her elbow and shoulder. Very very lucky that she didn't get knocked under the wheel by the still open door of the car! My question is this: Can automakers create a safety device to prevent this? If the engine is off and the car is not in park, and no driver is detected in the driver's seat, can they automatically apply the brake? There could be a button or switch to undo the brake for towing. It seems the technology to do this has been around for decades, but the X-ray tech, the ER admissions nurse, my wife's orthopedist, even the lady at our insurance company all had stories of similar happenings. How can such a safety device become standard?

While driving on the highway, my car was struck by lightning. Please see attached PDF for details.