Mazda Recalls CX-9 SUVs for Steering Control

Mazda North American Operations is recalling 193,484 CX-9 SUVs in the 2007-2014 model years because front-suspension ball joint corrosion may lead to a loss of steering control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

The corrosion results from salty water leaking into the fitting. Over time, corrosion of the ball joints may cause separation from the front lower control arm.

The recall, split into two stages, will begin with 2007-2009 models registered in states that use road salt in snow removal efforts: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Also included in both phases is Washington, D.C.

Mazda dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge.

In early September, vehicle owners will receive an interim notification informing them of the recall. When remedy parts are available, owners will be mailed a second notification, NHTSA said.

The recall covers vehicles manufactured from Oct. 24, 2006, to Dec. 28, 2013. Vehicle owners can reach Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 8515G.