Mazda CX-9 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,173 complaints about the Mazda CX-9 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about brakes and engine. Mazda has filed 8 warranty extensions and 4 service campaigns for it, and there are 12 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Mazda CX-9? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the CX-9 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,173
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 8
- Filed by Mazda
- Service campaigns
- 4
- Filed by Mazda
- Safety recalls
- 12
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the CX-9 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | Other or unspecified (31%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 10 | Exterior lights (20%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 39 | Engine (51%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 19 | Engine (26%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2019 | 53 | Engine (43%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2018 | 128 | Engine (59%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2017 | 61 | Engine (70%) | 0 | 8 |
| 2016 | 107 | Engine (64%) | 0 | 7 |
| 2015 | 35 | Engine (49%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2014 | 54 | Engine (35%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2013 | 68 | Engine (25%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2012 | 221 | Brakes (63%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2011 | 170 | Brakes (57%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2010 | 195 | Brakes (45%) | 6 | 3 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single CX-9 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Mazda
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Mazda filed with NHTSA for the CX-9, in its own words. A warranty extension means Mazda pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2016–2020
CSP13 - CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM - MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION As a result of a Mazda Connect Infotainment Class Action settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to implement a Customer Service Program (CSP13).
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Engine· model years 2016–2020
CSP11 - COOLANT LEAKS AT CYLINDER HEAD WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2019-2020MY CX-5, 2016-2020MY CX-9, 2018-2020MY Mazda6 that are equipped with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, the warranty coverage for specific repair of the coolant leak at cylinder head is extended to: 10 years…
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2017–2019
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM CSP12 - DENSO LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM WARRANTY EXTENSION: Attention ALL Mazda Dealers: This is a Warranty Extension and not a recall campaign.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Engine· model years 2021
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertrain warranty related to excessive oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionMay 2021· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced.
- Warranty extensionJun 2020· Mobility equipment· model years 2016–2017
SSPB9 - 2016-2017 CX-9 INTERNAL CRACKS IN MAZDA CONNECT CENTER DISPLAY.Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific concern in the Mazda Connect Center Display on certain 2016-2017 CX-9 vehicles…
- Warranty extensionMay 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2015
In relation to on-going warranty extension program SSP92 (effective from April 2014), which extended the warranty coverage for power transfer unit (PTU) replacement on certain 2010-2014 CX-9 vehicles with AWD, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to additionally include certain…
- Warranty extensionApr 2014· Brakes· model years 2010–2013
Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repairs for vacuum power brake booster units on 2007-2013 CX-9 vehicles produced from October 24, 2006 through April 26, 2013.
- Service campaignFeb 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2020
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CSP05).
- Service campaignFeb 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2020
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CSP05).
Manufacturer reference CSP05d: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignJan 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2016–2020
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.
- Service campaignNov 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2019
MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every CX-9 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Brakes383 (33%)
- Engine351 (30%)
- Transmission and drivetrain119 (10%)
- Other or unspecified99 (8%)
- Airbags77 (7%)
- Electrical system56 (5%)
- Suspension55 (5%)
- Fuel and propulsion26 (2%)
Safety recalls
12 recalls cover at least one CX-9 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash.
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing, allowing the tread to separate and detach.
The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas,…
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of…
Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware,…
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment.
The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2010 CX-9 vehicles equipped with electrically heated front seats.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE19006Preliminary evaluation· opened May 2019, closed Jan 2021· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment
- PE15022Preliminary evaluation· opened Jun 2015, closed Aug 2015· Suspension· model years 2010–2014
Lower ball joint separation
Led to recall 15V451000.
- PE14005Preliminary evaluation· opened Feb 2014, closed Jun 2014· Brakes· model years 2010–2011
Brake Booster Failure
NHTSA's own page for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Mazda CX-9 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,173 owner complaints, 8 warranty extensions and 4 service campaigns Mazda filed, and 12 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2012 (221), 2010 (195), 2011 (170). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Mazda CX-9?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name brakes (33%), engine (30%), transmission and drivetrain (10%). Mazda has filed 8 warranty extensions covering the CX-9, listed on this page.
Which CX-9 model years have the most complaints?
2012 (221), 2010 (195), 2011 (170). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the CX-9 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Mazda extended the warranty on the CX-9?
Yes: other or unspecified (model years 2016–2020); engine (model years 2016–2020); fuel and propulsion (model years 2017–2019), and 5 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a CX-9?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 12 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.