Missing towing eyelet?

So, in MB, I need to display a front plate. I don't want to drill into the front bumper, so I wanted to purchase a license plate mount that would be secured to the front tow point. Basically, instead of installing the towing eyelet as shown in the attached picture, I would simply install the license plate mount.




Unfortunately, my car didn't come with a towing eyelet in the tool bag, and I assume this is because I didn't purchase the OEM hitch accessory. Can anyone confirm this fact?

Also, anyone who has the eyelet, please PM me as I'd like to ask for your help in measuring a few things before I order the license plate mount.

The eyelet should be there. It is a recovery item, not an option for towing.

pkthomas said:

The eyelet should be there. It is a recovery item, not an option for towing.

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Is it in your tool bag (by the spare tire)? Because it isn't in mine. I also chatted with a Mazda Service Rep, who confirmed that the eyelet is not included on certain models, and that Mazda stopped including it on all vehicles sometime in 2014. There is a possibility that I overlooked it in the trunk, as I only looked in the bag that the manual references. The eyelet on the CX-5 has a cutout in the foam material surrounding the spare (see picture), so I wonder if it could be the same with the CX-9 (but the CX-9 manual suggests otherwise).




I agree with you, the eyelet should be there regardless of what trim/package the car comes with as it is a recovery item unrelated to towing a load, but the rep had no answers for me. Apparently the part is available for purchase, but I don't know what the P/N is or how much it will cost.

The parts list shows two "tow hooks":
Front KD53-50-EJ1B
Rear KD53-50-EJ2B

I agree with PK, it is for getting your car pulled out of a ditch, not for towing a trailer.

sm1ke said:

I also chatted with a Mazda Service Rep, who confirmed that the eyelet is not included on certain models, and that Mazda stopped including it on all vehicles sometime in 2014.

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This is the information I've been given as well, holds true for both Mazdas I currently have.

You can make the eyebolt. The thread is M20-2.5. I'd use an eye nut plus a threaded stud of a suitable length.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#eyebolts/=1eab32n

PTguy said:

The parts list shows two "tow hooks":
Front KD53-50-EJ1B
Rear KD53-50-EJ2B

I agree with PK, it is for getting your car pulled out of a ditch, not for towing a trailer.

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Thanks for the P/N PT, looks like the same tow hook is also used for the 2017 Mazda CX-5. This helps a lot!

Went to a dealership and picked up the eyelet on Friday. Cost me $30 CAD ($23 USD). Thanks for all the help everyone!