Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • Airbag Warning Light Illuminated

    Damaged wiring to the seat belt pre-tensioner sensor may cause the Airbag Warning Light to illuminate.

  • Vibration Felt at 55 mph

    A vibration felt at 55 mph may not be a tire problem. Mazda has revised motor mounts available which may help remedy this problem.

  • Rattle From Rear Suspension Due to Loose Stabilizer Bar Links

    A loose rear stabilizer bar link can cause a rattling noise from the rear suspension while driving on rough roads. Our technicians tell us if the rear stabilizer bar and links are not found to be loose, there are updated sway bar bushings available which should correct this problem.

  • Rear Brakes Squeaking

    The rear brakes can squeak because the rear brake pad may be contacting the brake rotor . A burr on the backing plate of the brake pad can prevent the pad from seating in the bracket properly causing the contact with the rotor. The backing plate and the pad support hardware can be deburred in the contact areas. Mazda has also released revised brake pads.

  • Defective Engine Mount May Cause Excessive Vibration/Noise

    Excessive engine vibration or knocking noises heard while the engine is idling, being started or switched off are usually caused by a defective engine mount at the top right side of the engine. A redesigned engine mount is available to alleviate this problem.

  • Emissions recall due to problem with swirl shutter valve

    Mazda issued an emissions recall due to a problem with the Swirl Shutter Valve; this would cause the Check Engine light to illuminate.

  • Noise due to brake rotor grinding against caliper bracket

    If you hear a constant grinding noise from the front brakes, even when not pressing the brake pedal, it is possible the wheel hub has shifted in the steering knuckle causing the brake rotor to grind against the caliper bracket. The hub will need to be inspected (replaced if necessary) and Mazda has a repair procedure for this concern.

  • Steering effort heavy due to power steering fluid leak

    If the steering effort feels heavy, this can be caused by a power steering fluid leak. Some models may have burrs on the return port of the power steering reservoir that create a gap between the hose and the port. Sanding the burrs off the port and replacing the power steering return hose is the repair for this concern.

  • Check Engine Light/Trouble Code Due to Stuck Open Thermostat

    Some vehicles may experience Check Engine Light illumination with a trouble code indicating the thermostat is stuck open. The thermostat will need to be replaced with a modified one and there is a software update for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

  • Difficult to Start in Extremely Cold Weather

    The engine may be difficult to start in extremely cold weather (-20F) after a short trip. This can be caused by sticking main relay points.

  • Front Brakes Squeal when Cold

    If the front brakes are squealing when they are still cold, there are updated brake pads and caliper support available from Mazda.

  • Broken Bolt on Engine Mount #4

    A bolt may break on motor mount #4 causing excess engine movement. In extreme cases the movement of the engine may cause the driveshaft to disengage from the transmission. Mazda has issued a recall for this concern, #07V29500.

2009 Questions and Answers

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2009 Maintenance and Repair