Mazda

CX-9 (1st)

2007-2015 · Midsize SUV · 5 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
1,050 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
41 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mazda CX-9 → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (14.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

CAV Federal / Canada

3.7L
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
258 complaints 26.1 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
125
engine
43
safety systems
32
other
24
transmission
20

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (125 complaints)
Engine Issues (43 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (32 complaints)

Mazda CX-9 Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.7)
98 complaints 12.2 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
49
suspension
14
transmission
13
engine
10
other
8

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (49 complaints)
Suspension Issues (14 complaints)
Transmission Issues (13 complaints)

CAV Federal

3.7L / 270 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.5)
308 complaints 69.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
88
suspension
62
safety systems
56
transmission
41
engine
27

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (88 complaints)
Suspension Issues (62 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (56 complaints)

CAV California

3.7L
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
308 complaints 51.3 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
143
engine
54
transmission
41
safety systems
32
suspension
22

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (143 complaints)
Engine Issues (54 complaints)
Transmission Issues (41 complaints)

CYV Federal

3.5L / 263 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
78 complaints 56.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
33
safety systems
18
transmission
10
brakes
8
steering
8

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (33 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (18 complaints)
Transmission Issues (10 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mazda CX-9 regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (405 complaints)
brakes critical
Safety Systems Issues (138 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (134 complaints)
engine critical
Suspension Issues (131 complaints)
suspension critical
Transmission Issues (125 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (10)

19V782000Oct 30, 2019critical
Air Bags

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

18V717000Dec 9, 2018critical
Air Bags

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. 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, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

18V018000Aug 31, 2018critical
Air Bags

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. 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 Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

17V429000Jun 28, 2017critical
Air Bags

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. 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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

17V457000Jul 17, 2017critical
Air Bags

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. 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, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V203000Nov 3, 2016serious
Steering

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

15V451000Jul 19, 2015serious
Suspension

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.

10V051000Feb 18, 2010serious
Seats

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CX-9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRICALLY HEATED FRONT SEATS. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS FOR THE SEAT HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUNDING.

09V066000Feb 22, 2009serious
Electrical System

MAZDA IS RECALLING 30,600 MY 2007-2009 CX9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT WITH POSITION MEMORY FUNCTION. THE SEAT HARNESS ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT CUSHION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT COVER BRACKET WHICH IS ATTACHED ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. DUE TO THIS THE COVERING OF THE SEAT HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED, THE CORE WIRE OF THE HARNESS MAY TOUCH WITH THE BRACKET AND RESULT IN SHORT CIRCUIT.

09E011000Feb 3, 2009serious
Equipment

THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 problems?

The 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 has accumulated 1,050 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mazda CX-9 engine is most reliable?

The 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.7L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 a good used car?

The 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,050 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 have?

The 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 has 1,050 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9?

There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mazda CX-9?

Before buying a used Mazda CX-9, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CX-9?

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,050 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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