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2007-2015 Mazda CX-9: Ford V6 internal water pump

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

This CX-9 uses the Ford 3.7 Cyclone V6, with the same fatal flaw: the water pump lives inside the engine, and when its seal fails, coolant mixes with oil and kills the motor.

Federal record for the 2011 Mazda CX-9, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
170 owner complaints on file , most-reported: SERVICE BRAKES (91) · POWER TRAIN (21) · AIR BAGS (18).
4 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $2,500-$4,000, engine-out labor · engine death if missed. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Check the oil for milkiness and the coolant for oil sheen. Ask about any coolant loss. This one issue is the whole purchase decision on these.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this CX-9 →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6