How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Mazda CX-9?

NHTSA lists 25 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 CX-9, making up 15% of all 170 complaints filed for that year — the highest share of any CX-9 model year in this dataset.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Mazda CX-9 transmission?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2011 CX-9.

At what mileage do transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 87,000 miles.

What part of the transmission fails most on the 2011 CX-9?

Sample complaints describe repeated failures of the transfer case, including cracking, seizing, and grinding, often paired with vibration or a burning smell.

Did any 2011 CX-9 transmission complaints involve fires or crashes?

NHTSA records one fire complaint tied to a transmission/transfer case failure and zero crash or injury reports in this problem area for the 2011 CX-9.

2011 Mazda CX-9 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 logged 25 transmission & powertrain complaints, 15% of its 170 total complaints for the year — the highest share among CX-9 model years listed. Most center on transfer case failures, with a median failure mileage of 87,000 miles and no related recall on file.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 25; 15% of 170
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 87,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Transfer case cracks, seizes, or grinds down, sometimes causing the front wheels to seize or the vehicle to lose drive power while moving.
Owners report a vibration or grinding sound develops along with a burning smell before the transmission becomes unusable.
Some describe a hard clunk or jolt when the transmission shifts from 4th to 3rd gear, more noticeable in cold weather.
Fuel fumes inside the cabin were reported alongside stalling or independent deceleration at low speed.
One complaint describes a vehicle fire linked to transmission/transfer case failure after the vehicle began vibrating and would not move.
Loud or hard noises occur when shifting into drive or reverse, or when running in 2nd gear.

When 2011 Mazda CX-9 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 10, 2013, latest Jun 30, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2013 to Jun 2026; peak Dec 2016 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Mazda CX-9

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by CX-9 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201023 (12%)
201125 (15%)
201218 (8%)
20135 (7%)
20147 (13%)
20153 (9%)
20169 (9%)
20174 (7%)
201813 (10%)
20195 (9%)
20202 (11%)
20214 (10%)
20221 (10%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Mazda CX-9?: NHTSA lists 25 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 CX-9, making up 15% of all 170 complaints filed for that year — the highest share of any CX-9 model year in this dataset.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Mazda CX-9 transmission?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2011 CX-9.
At what mileage do transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 87,000 miles.
What part of the transmission fails most on the 2011 CX-9?: Sample complaints describe repeated failures of the transfer case, including cracking, seizing, and grinding, often paired with vibration or a burning smell.
Did any 2011 CX-9 transmission complaints involve fires or crashes?: NHTSA records one fire complaint tied to a transmission/transfer case failure and zero crash or injury reports in this problem area for the 2011 CX-9.