We have owned the car since 2013,having purchased it with 29,000 miles at just under 3 years old. It's been a great car other than a transfer case that went out and replaced under warranty. While driving the car started to emit a high whine. The RPM's did not increase, and the transmission was shifting fine. There were no warning lights on the dash and the temperature gauge was OK. About a mile from home, the car stalled. I checked the temp again and was OK. I thought maybe the alternator or battery was the issue. It started back up and stalled two more times before I got it home. I checked the oil and it was milky and up several inches on the dip stick. I knew the water pump failed from reading other reviews.

The maintenance to change a water pump is close to $3000, as mechanics are told they need to pull the engine. We were planning on trading in the vehicle this year. Trade in was around $6000, private party $8000 and retail close to $9500. I have read when the water pump goes, it usually destroys the engine. And if it doesn't, the engine usually only lasts a few months. Engine replacements have been quotes to many others with this problem at $11,000. For a part that should cost about $150, plus maybe a half day labor, this is unimaginable. This engine and water pump was also used in many Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and there is a class action lawsuit. I would highly suggest staying away from any Mazda or Ford vehicles with a 3.7L V6, AKA Cyclone engine.

My 2011 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring with 87,000 miles. The check engine light came on and within minutes, the engine stopped. I was only 1 mile away when the light came on. I turned around to head home and noticed the car losing power and making noise. As I pulled into the driveway, it died. I had it towed to the dealer who confirmed the water pump failed and leaked all the coolant into the engine. They said the oil was a chocolate milkshake and could only recommend an engine replacement with a total repair estimate of $11,000. I have the estimate to prove it. Other repair shops won't even touch it and say its not worth it.

Ford/Mazda built a ticking time bomb and obviously do not care about this issue. I was told by the dealer that its a 10 year old vehicle. Yeah, that is true. So does that mean it's only intended for use for 10 years even with regular maintenance that I have had done? If so, then they should say this in the manual and tell you when they are selling you their cars. I see plenty of vehicles older than 10 years and with a lot more mileage than 87,000 miles. To turn your back on a customer that has had 3 Mazda vehicles and my extended family has had multiple Fords along with my mother and grandfather working for Ford - that is ridiculous and shameful. I am frustrated with no options and no help provided for a vehicle that was almost $40,000.

On 12/27/19 driving home from work the vehicle shut off while driving. Check engine light on (Refer to it as CEL) I got it home. Hooked it to computer, gave a code for a sensor. The next day, while driving it to auto mechanic (non-dealer) it over heated. Pulled over right away and had AAA take it the rest of the way.

It was not a sensor, but was told it was the head gasket blown. Heads removed and sent out to machine shop ($874) In the process of doing that, noticed anti-freeze in oil pan, etc. Diagnosed water pump had gone. So, water pump, timing chain, spark plugs, coil packs, and $923 of other essential parts/gaskets/etc. ordered and replaced. Everything was cleaned, serviced, and put back together.

Random misfire continues...first they thought it was a ground issue. then a computer issue.. then the throttle body. I took it from this mechanic and took it to Mazda dealership on 3/17. They had it 10 days and said it was the timing and Id have to pay them another $3000 to do the work. I took the vehicle back to the original mechanic because HE did the timing, he needed to fix it. All indicators lead us to it not being the timing. It is now 4 months later (4/28/20) and I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY vehicle. So after shelling out over $3k I now am faced with the cost of an engine. $5-6K plus labor.

MAZDA needs to do a recall on these water pump issues. I'm still making a car payment for a car I cant drive...and insurance... and the cost of repairs so far PLUS now a new engine? I cant do it. I make under $35k a year and a single mom. How can Mazda allow this to continue. Its a 2011 with 113000 miles on it. I treat it like a baby. I tried to contact the lawyers for the pending lawsuit against Mazda but who knows when that will be resolved...years most likely. I need HELP NOW.