guys, just came across this online, 2013 CX-9 AWD with only 28,000 miles and sludge/leaking already ?
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Mazda/CX-9/2013/drivetrain/transfer_case_leaking.shtml
I wonder if "Shawn M., Erie, USA" is a member and if he can chime in and let us know if changing the oil stopped the leaking and burning oil smell.
Almost sounds like the oil needs to be changed before 30,000 miles from a new car (beginning of operational service),
like 15,000 miles or less from new. I had no idea about the transfer case until mine failed and I found this site. Dealer replaced with new transfer case under warranty and now I'm going to change oil every 6,000 miles.
Mazda has known this problem since 2007/2008 and still haven't fixed it, unbelievable!!
shoot, if Mazda wants to play that game, members with high mileage CX-9's should just remove the plug and extract some sludgy oil and wipe it all around the transfer case nice and good and take it in to the dealer and say the transfer case is leaking and demand the dealer replace the transfer case under warranty, then maintain it themselves afterwards with regular transfer case oil changes.
just kidding, who knows if the dealer will even replace it.