CX-9 (2nd)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
PY
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
L3T Turbo Federal
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda CX-9, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9
On a used 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (232), the electrical system (47) and the transmission and drivetrain (38). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 about the engine.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 37 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 about the brakes.
Recalls (4)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
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, allowing the tread to separate and detach.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 complaints?
Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA has 421 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda CX-9?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 421 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.