The Mazda CX-9 was equipped with the Aisin Warner AWF21. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Mazda CX-9 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Mazda CX-9 Transmission Models
Mazda CX-9: AWF21 Transmission
Mazda CX-9 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Mazda CX-9 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| AWF21 | 2233 |
What are the DTC codes related to Mazda CX-9 transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Mazda CX-9 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Mazda CX-9 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Mazda CX-9 Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Mazda CX-9 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Mazda CX-9 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Mazda CX-9 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Mazda CX-9 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Mazda CX-9 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Mazda CX-9 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Mazda CX-9 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Mazda CX-9 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Mazda CX-9 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Mazda CX-9 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Mazda CX-9 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Mazda CX-9 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Mazda CX-9 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Mazda CX-9 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Mazda CX-9 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Same issue as Gary…My CX9 2011 (108,000miles) makes a noise like it is being driven over rumble strips at 30/40 mph 1200-1500 rpm. intermittent. Dealer says torque converter issue and need new transmission.
2010 Mazda CX9 GT AWD 3.7 has burning smell in cabin only when idling and few seconds after taking off and leak from transfer case after completely turning off the engine.
Well it sounds like. A hub going bad at first then as it heats up the gears start grabbing and grinding. Heard it was caused by an enigneering flaw. Causing the transfer case to get overheated. Was preowned It now has 108,000 miles. Hardly driven had it since 2018
I have a 2009 Mazda CX 9. Driving down the road the AT light comes on and it starts to slow down till it completely stops. When I had it pulled in the transmission line was off. No issues of any kind before this
The transmission is slipping between 4th and 6th gear. I flip it to manual and have no problem with it once I do that.
Leaking between torque converter and transmission and large seal is twisted and torn Mazda CX-9 2009
My wife owns a Mazda cx 9 2008. We started having problems with the transfer case. I took the car to the shop to get it replaced and found out the spline on the rear of transmission was worn. Keep in mind this car only had around 75k miles at the time. We replaced both the transmission and the transfer case. Now we are at 124k and the transmission needs to be replaced again. The transmission was purchased from Glen Burnie Transmission. Not very happy now having to purchase another transmission.
Can someone advise where to purchase a good quality transmission. Thanks
My 2013 cx-9 hard shifts from park to first. No trouble codes no other runability problems. The dealer wants to do an update to the computer. And if that doesn’t stop it they want to put a new transmission in it.
My 2014 CX-9 has started the same thing this summer. Wondering if the computer update has fixed the issue?
My CX9 2011 makes a noise like it is bein driven over rumble strips when I hit 40kmh, it also vibrates like it can’t change down to a lower gear.
On the road any small bumps it shakes and bounces around. It hums fast and doent down shift at lower speeds
I have the same issue. I’m no mechanic but from what I read online this seems like a faulty torque converter.
My 2011 Cx-9 does the EXACT same thing. Do you know what the issue really was?. Took to dealer today, was told I need new transmission.
Cynthia, I have the same problem and it is a failed torque converter… Mazda said that both the converter and the transmission need to be replace. $7k in repairs.. Have you found a solution? I am beginning to look at used transmission.
2011 Cx9- facing same problem. Ugh. What did you do? Only 108,000 miles on car
Failed Torque Converter. Need Converter and Transmission is what I have been told 🙁 Do you know of any alternative solutions?
I have a Mazda CX-9 Sport 2011.. it signals AT light when I start the engine and it has not reached its normal operation temperature (still cold). It will not show AT anytime I start the car when the engine is at its normal operation temperature (engine hot; f.i. after driving it for a while). They did a scan and got 2 DTC codes ( P0685 and P0819).. and told me the problem is probably electrically-related ( lose cables, etc)… but, how come that can be a problem ONLY when the engine is cold? I do not see these codes in your list.. any idea of what could be wrong and how to test it?