Feds investigating Mazda CX-9 over suspension problems
Tue, Jun 16 2015
The investigation was prompted by six complaints of this happening on the road. Because the complaints are coming more rapidly as of late, NHTSA thinks the issue could be getting worse. The problem also appears to be more prevalent in states that use salt on their roads in the winter. None of the failures caused any injuries, and all but one happened at 20 miles per hour or slower.
NHTSA's preliminary evaluations "assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequence" of a potential problem and can sometimes lead to recalls.
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INVESTIGATION Subject : Front Suspension Ball Joint Separation
Date Investigation Opened: JUN 09, 2015
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE15022
Component(s): SUSPENSION
All Products Associated with this Investigation close
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MAZDA CX-9 2007-2008
Details
Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received six (6) complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension LBJ separation in MY 2007 through 2008 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. The reports appear to show an increasing trend. One of the separations allegedly occurred at 40 mph and the other 5 incidents occurred at speeds between 0 and 20 mph. The first VOQ was received in October 2013, followed by 2 reports in late 2014 and 3 reports in the first 5 months of 2015.
Four of the VOQs are from states using high volumes of road salts (?salt states?) which, for purposes of this investigation, include: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The other VOQs were from northern Virginia, which borders the ?salt state? region, and South Carolina. ODI also identified EWR field report data related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is being opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequence of the alleged defect.
The six VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10717510, 10714469, 10695142, 10668978, 10640541, and 10546535.
Date Investigation Opened: JUN 09, 2015
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE15022
Component(s): SUSPENSION
All Products Associated with this Investigation close
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MAZDA CX-9 2007-2008
Details
Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received six (6) complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension LBJ separation in MY 2007 through 2008 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. The reports appear to show an increasing trend. One of the separations allegedly occurred at 40 mph and the other 5 incidents occurred at speeds between 0 and 20 mph. The first VOQ was received in October 2013, followed by 2 reports in late 2014 and 3 reports in the first 5 months of 2015.
Four of the VOQs are from states using high volumes of road salts (?salt states?) which, for purposes of this investigation, include: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The other VOQs were from northern Virginia, which borders the ?salt state? region, and South Carolina. ODI also identified EWR field report data related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
A preliminary investigation is being opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequence of the alleged defect.
The six VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10717510, 10714469, 10695142, 10668978, 10640541, and 10546535.
By Chris Bruce
See also: Marchionne now considering 'Plan B' partners for FCA merger, 2016 Mazda CX-3 scores 29/35 mpg EPA ratings, Mazda announces Takata expansion in US to 472k vehicles [UPDATE].