Mazda CX-9 problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 596 owner complaints and 12 recalls on file for the Mazda CX-9 (2007–2023). The 2018 CX-9 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 596
Recalls: 12
Model years: 17
Worst year: 2018

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Mazda CX-9 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Mazda CX-9 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2018 Mazda CX-9 — 120 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
2016 Mazda CX-9 — 87 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
2021 Mazda CX-9 — 39 complaints, 7 crashes; top problem: Engine
2012 Mazda CX-9 — 39 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Brakes
2017 Mazda CX-9 — 58 complaints; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2007 (5 complaints).

Every Mazda CX-9 model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2023 CX-9	13	3	0	1	0	Brakes
2022 CX-9	10	1	0	2	0	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2021 CX-9	39	7	0	1	1	Engine
2020 CX-9	19	1	0	1	1	Engine
2019 CX-9	50	1	0	0	2	Engine
2018 CX-9	120	3	1	1	2	Engine
2017 CX-9	58	0	0	0	0	Engine
2016 CX-9	87	0	1	0	0	Engine
2015 CX-9	20	0	0	2	2	Engine
2014 CX-9	26	0	0	0	3	Engine
2013 CX-9	24	1	1	0	4	Engine
2012 CX-9	39	3	0	3	4	Brakes
2011 CX-9	26	2	0	0	4	Brakes
2010 CX-9	33	0	0	0	6	Brakes
2009 CX-9	10	0	0	0	5	Brakes
2008 CX-9	17	2	0	1	4	Suspension
2007 CX-9	5	0	0	0	4	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

Most common Mazda CX-9 problem areas (all years)

Engine
298 complaints
Brakes
90 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
64 complaints
Electrical System
39 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
31 complaints
Suspension
29 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
27 complaints
Airbags
21 complaints
Wheels & Tires
18 complaints
Steering
18 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Mazda CX-9 received by NHTSA each month.

Mazda CX-9 recalls

Recall 21V875000Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V750000Sep 27, 20218,648 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 19V782000Oct 31, 201969,879 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2007–2012
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 19V770000Oct 28, 2019146 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: A detached tire tread can decrease vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V403000May 30, 20197,854 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: The passenger frontal air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Inoperable turn signals prevent the driver from signaling to other drivers, increasing the risk of crash.
Recall 18V717000Oct 12, 2018155,436 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2010–2015
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V018000Jan 9, 201870,227 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2009–2013
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V457000Jul 18, 201779,402 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2007–2012
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V429000Jun 29, 2017205,377 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2007–2011
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 16V203000Apr 11, 2016578 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 15V451000Jul 20, 2015193,484 vehiclesModel years 2007–2014
Risk: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 10V051000Feb 19, 201012,300 vehiclesModel years 2010
Risk: This may cause burn damage of the seat cushion surface, or a risk of smoke/fire.

Other Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology