NHTSA Service Bulletin 10170655: 2016-2020 Mazda Cx-9
Official manufacturer communication context for 2016-2020 Mazda Cx-9, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension: 1. A creaking noise from under the front of the vehicle (front lower arm bushing) when driving over bumps at approximate 12 - 25 mph (20 - 40 Km/h). The noise occurs when the road surface is wet or after the vehicle has been washed. The noise becomes more noticeable as the bumps get higher. The creaking noise is caused by the front lower arm bushing (A) making a stick-slip noise during wet road conditions. 2. A clunking noise from the front coil spring when driving over bumps. The clunking noise is due to stickslip between the front strut bearing (B) and the coil spring (C). 3. A popping noise from the bump stopper (D) when driving through gutters.To eliminate the noise, the following mass-production changes have been made: 1. The coating treatment of the lower arm bushing has been changed to reduce friction and prevent stick-slip. 2. Protectors have been installed onto the coil springs to prevent stick-slip. 3. The bump stopper has been modified and grease application has been added to prevent the stick-slip.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10170655?
Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following noises from the front suspension: 1. A creaking noise from under the front of the vehicle (front lower arm bushing) when driving over bumps at approximate 12 - 25 mph (20 - 40 Km/h). The noise occurs when the road surface is wet or after the vehicle has been washed. The noise becomes more noticeable as the bumps get higher. The creaking noise is caused by the.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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