The Mazda 2011 Cx-9 crossover SUV seems to have a defect in the power transfer unit (ptu). Mazda North american operations issued a letter to Mazda owners informing about a special service program to extend the warranty coverage for the repair of the power transfer unit (ptu) on "certain 2010-2011 Cx-9 all-wheel drive vehicles produced from July 28, 2009 through December 2, 2013." I quote the letter. On March 18, 2015, I began to experience a problem whereby my 2011 Cx-9 made a grinding and snapping sound when in reverse mode. This behavior was followed by a pungent odor in the cabin. I contacted the nearest dealership and tried to get an immediate appointment to examine the vehicle. However the dealership could not accommodate me nor expressed any awareness of the symptoms. Yet, the letter was published since last year. I contacted a local mechanic and had them inspect the vehicle and they diagnosed the problem exactly as described in the letter from Mazda. In fact, the mechanic is aware of this problem with Mazda and Lincoln brand vehicles. Currently, I am having trouble getting immediate assistance from the dealership or Mazda North american operations. I called several times to the dealership and they were unresponsive. Is NHTSA aware of this ptu defect and what was necessary to require a recall/replacement of the ptu 'prior' to inevitable failure as we experienced? thank you.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

I have a 2011 Mazda Cx-9 and when slowing down there is a jolt when it shifts from 4th to 3rd. This seems to happen more when its cold out. It only happens when it shifts from 4th to 3rd. Its not all the time its just random.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

2011 Mazda Cx-9. consumer writes in regards to vehicle fire caused by transmission/transfer case failure. The consumer stated the bottom of the vehicle caught on fire, it was put out before any excessive damage was done. The consumer stated prior to the fire, the vehicle started vibrating and when she attempted to drive, it would not move.

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Cx-9. the contact stated that there were fuel fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was driving 20 mph when the vehicle began to decelerate independently and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the transfer case was cracked and seized. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 36,300. Updated 07/30/13 the dealer replaced the transfer case. Updated 08/01/13

- Colorado Springs , CO, USA