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2007-2023 · 17 model years

Mazda CX-9 Problems by year

Owners have filed 1,488 complaints about the Mazda CX-9 across 17 model years, and it has 14 recalls. The 2012 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (221), while 2020, 2022 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the brakes, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age2012221 complaints · 4 recallsSee the 2012
Complaints
1,488
Recalls
14
Crashes
62
Fires
14
Injuries
40
Deaths
0

CX-9 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202313030BrakesB
202211011Body, doors & structureA
202141170Engine & coolingC
202019110Engine & coolingA
201954210Engine & coolingC
2018128241Engine & coolingD
201762000Engine & coolingB
201699031Engine & coolingC
201535210Engine & coolingB
201454311Engine & coolingB
201368431Engine & coolingC
2012221490BrakesF
2011171473BrakesF
2010195675BrakesF
200959720BrakesC
20081726100SuspensionF
200786521SuspensionC

Most common CX-9 problems

Mazda CX-9 recalls 14

Tires: tread / belt

19V770000146 vehicles affected

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 CX-9 vehicles equipped with Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires, size P255/50R20 104V, having date code 1619. An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing...

Latest CX-9 complaints

2017 Mazda CX-9Engine & cooling

This model has a Company know defect with its cylinder block involving hairline cracks near the exhaust manifold . Mazda knows the problem and has failed to fix the problem , let alone inform people about the problem. I have been going to this dealership for the last 3 years and was not warned about the problem and now they have confirmed my car has a failed cylinder head crack. They are trying to charge me $7500 for the fix after i asked for goodwill fix since i came to them before the problem was confirmed but...

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was told , the "heads were fine, and coolant was not leaking" . I would never buy Mazda again because they are told to turn people away even tho this issue is going through litigation now.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11777146
2019 Mazda CX-9Engine & cooling

We recently noticed a coolant smell upon cold start up of our 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature. Upon further investigation, we found that there is a Service Bulletin (TSB-01-013/21) issued by Mazda for a manufacturer's defect in the cylinder head causing coolant leaks into and around the exhaust manifold. This is a known and widespread issue, but our car's warranty has lapsed due to mileage (187K miles).

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11776242
2021 Mazda CX-9Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P0303, for a cylinder #3 misfire. The vehicle was taken to a local Mazda dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The dealer found a coolant leak and performed a system cleaning and replaced the spark plugs and fuel injectors. However, the failure reoccurred. While the contact's wife was driving the vehicle, the check...

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engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer by the insurance company. The contact requested that the dealer inspect the cylinder head gasket and coolant system in his presence. The dealer informed the contact that the repair warranty would be limited to one year or 12,000 miles. The contact also contacted the manufacturer customer service but was not provided any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11775584
2011 Mazda CX-9Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 109,000. A mileage discrepancy was discovered when a Been Verified report indicated that the mileage was 294,000 in 2024. The contact stated that the seller informed him that she and her fiancé had replaced the cluster gauge.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11772658
2022 Mazda CX-9Seats & seat beltsFire

The front passenger seat heating element in my 2022 Mazda Model, CX-9 malfunctioned, failing to regulate temperature and creating an immediate thermal safety and fire hazard. While operating the vehicle normally with the passenger side seat heater turned on, the system rapidly reached temperatures far exceeding normal comfort parameters. The heat became intense enough to cause smoke to fill the car, a flame to appear on the seat, and a giant burned hole in the seat. To prevent an active vehicle fire, I had to...

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immediately turn off the control switch, unplug the seat and put out the fire that caused a pillow to ignite in flames. A localized failure of this nature presents an active electrical and fire risk while driving, which could lead to a crash or severe personal injury. No prior warning lights or error codes were triggered on the dashboard before the thermal event. The seat heater is currently disconnected, unusable and the seat cannot be used, and the vehicle interior has sustained permanent thermal damage. I am filing this complaint to request that NHTSA formally investigate this recurring thermal safety defect in modern Mazda vehicles.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11771434
2021 Mazda CX-9Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

2021 Mazda CX-9 (VIN: JM3TCBDY3M0538768 / 72,400 mi) Vehicle has suffered complete, sudden loss of motive power at high freeway speeds on four separate occasions. Without warning, the engine loses all propulsion, essentially stalling mid-traffic and forcing me to dangerously coast across active freeway lanes to the shoulder. This creates an extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. No crash or injuries have occurred yet, but the car is entirely unsafe to drive. The authorized Mazda dealership has been...

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completely unable to diagnose or fix this intermittent failure. Due to the persistent danger, the vehicle is currently at the shop with the same problem, where it has been since Oct 8, 2026. This is not an isolated issue. As you will see from the pictures, there are several dates where the same situation has occurred in the vehicle goes into limp mode. Mazda corporate has been contacted case 00503976. I am requesting a buyback. I request an urgent NHTSA investigation into 2021 CX-9 power loss defects for a potential recall.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11771132

Questions about the Mazda CX-9

Which Mazda CX-9 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2012 (221), 2010 (195), 2008 (172). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2012 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Mazda CX-9 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2020, 2022, 2015 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other CX-9 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Mazda CX-9 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (448), engine & cooling (375), transmission & drivetrain (165) most often.

How many recalls does the Mazda CX-9 have?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls across all Mazda CX-9 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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