My 2012 Mazda CX9 shut down while driving on Oct.19th. I was near my house, so I was able to get it started and home. After having it towed to Mazda of Clear Lake, I was told that the water pump had gone out and, due to the design of the engine, the water pump RUINED and caused CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. They tried to tell me it was because of the high mileage but eventually admitted that the problem is that the water pump is INSIDE THE ENGINE and unable to be serviced or checked during routine maintenance. They readily admitted that there was no way for me to know the water pump was failing or have it repaired before their water pump ruined my engine. I was advised to call corporate and ask them to participate in the repairs, which I did.

During the second call to corporate, the rep asked who was my contact at the dealership. I told her & she put me on hold. When she came back, she said to me that for about $4500 - $5000 out of my pocket, Mazda would replace the engine. I wasn't thrilled, but I need my car, and it was better than the $10K - $15K the dealership has quoted me. I called the dealership to find out when the engine could be replaced and was told that the dealership would have to agree to this. I told the service manager that I thought they had agreed to it. Now I believe the corporate rep just made it up to get me off the phone. Anyway, according to the service manager, if the dealership agreed it would 3 - 5 months. That was in Jan. I called to check the status in February and the service manager told me that the dealership would not be willing to participate. He is currently supposed to be finding out what they will give me for the car if anything, but I have not heard back.

I don't understand how, when they knew this was a problem for years, they (Mazda or the dealership) can justify not letting their "valued customer" know that this defect exists. At a bare minimum, when my car was under warranty, they should have specifically told me about the potential for CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE and, in everyday language, made it clear what the costs would be if I didn't have an extended warranty. I had all my maintenance done at Mazda of Clear Lake. I just had work done on my car maybe a month before this happened. I purchased this car brand new, and the main selling point was the assurance from Mazda that their vehicles designed for high mileage. It turns out, that was a big fat LIE! I did everything I could to make sure that the car would last. A water pump SHOULD NOT cause an engine to fail! It is unconscionable that Mazda would try to blame a product design defect on high mileage and make it the consumer's responsibility. Milage did NOT cause my engine to fail. Having a water pump encased in the engine is what caused the engine to fail. As an added bonus, thanks for playing, the new service manager told me that Mazda won't even replace the engines at all now, even if I could pay for it, because of the potential for additional problems associated with installing a new engine. WHAT??? I don't think I will never buy a new car again and I will NEVER buy another STINKING MAZDA!

I am so disappointed at Mazda, knowing this issue continues to exist!!! I love my CX-9 and had no problems with it. Kept up the maintenance at the Mazda dealer. Bought it was used but took it to the dealer for a thorough diagnostic check. Was told I had an excellent car!! When my husband was driving it cut off and lost steering power out of no where! No lights on the dashboard, no warning, etc. He was able to restart and drive home. We replaced the battery and topped off all the oils and it drive fine during the test drive.

The next day we were on the beltway going 60 miles and lost power totally!!! Luckily, it wasn't in rush hour traffic and we were able to make it to the shoulder. We had it towed home since my brother in-law is a mechanic and took a look at it. He said the water pump went bad, and the engine needs to be replaced at the cost of about $4500 including labor!!! I don't have that type of money!! I paid my car off totally with no car note and now this!!!

When trying to accelerate onto the freeway and pass on the freeway the car freaks out, runs very rough and then shuts down entirely. (Appears to be an issue with the passing gear / throttle). Driving on the highway and pushed the accelerator, hard to merge into fast traffic. Car began to sputter and miss out and gear shift display was jumping around like crazy. It eventually died out. Was unable to do anything but pull to the shoulder and let it die. It then restarted fine and will run ok and long as you don't "punch it" It was like an automatic, unwanted governor or something. My wife said it is ok for her for now, as long as she doesn't push it. She drives a lot for work and this is very disappointing performance in many areas for this vehicle.