SUV · Gas
Mazda CX-9 2016–2023 (2nd gen)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $31,500–$47,000
- MPG
- 24
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong reliability
- Strength: Strong driving fun
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
A sharp-handling three-row with a premium, quiet cabin and top safety scores, but tight cargo and a cramped third row are the price for its style.
Recalled far less often than cars of the same model years; none of its 4 recalls were serious. About 5% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -3 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 44% of cars we track.
14.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 6% of other SUVs we track.
Third row is notably tight for adults and cargo behind third row (14.4 cu ft) is smaller than rivals; prioritizes style over max space among 3-row crossovers.
Mazda's driving dynamics are class-leading; the CX-9 handles sharply with a well-tuned chassis and responsive turbo torque despite modest 227 hp rating, making it one of the more engaging 3-row SUVs.
Offered upscale Signature trim with infotainment and driver aids, but the aging 2nd-gen system feels dated by later years. Segment-typical to slightly above for its era.
Praised for premium, quiet cabin with high-quality materials and refined ride, punching above its price class in perceived luxury for a mainstream 3-row SUV.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 3,500 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls6 recalls
6 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2016–2021
- Engine — 61 complaints (2018)
- Recall — Seat belts: rear/other; seats: mid/rear assembly (2021)
- Engine — 47 complaints (2016)
2023
No recorded issues.
2022
No recorded issues.
2021
- RecallSeat belts: rear/other; seats: mid/rear assembly21V750000
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
- Complaint clusterEngine18 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned: On 6/12/2026 While drive on the highway with our daughter in the car and we experienced a high speed stall. The engine failed and we lost power. We barely got the car of the highway and coasted into a parking lot. 2) Life threating for Fathe
2020
- RecallSeat belts: rear/other; seats: mid/rear assembly21V750000
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
2019
- RecallTires: tread/belt19V770000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V875000
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.
- Complaint clusterEngine15 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
My 2019 Mazda CX-9 (VIN [XXX]) suffered catastrophic cylinder head failure on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine at approximately 124,000 miles. The failure is consistent with Mazda TSB 01-013/21 (and successors 01-007/22, 01-010/24), in which Mazda acknowledged that cylinder heads on this engine can crack
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mazda has a current service alert ("SA", SA-001/23) for issues with their Gen 6 Infotainment Center Display, which covers issues (e.g. ghost touch, surface peeling, spider cracks, and white dots) and defects the occur on the primary display of the car. This display provides the driver with essential
- Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off th
- Complaint clusterPowertrain5 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .
2018
- RecallElectrical: wiring19V403000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V875000
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.
- Complaint clusterEngine61 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
I was driving home from work and may car started overheating out of nowhere. I was stuck in traffic and white smoke was exiting my exhaust. I pulled over and all of my coolant leaked out of my car. Took it the shop and they said I had a cracked head and need a whole new engine. I seen that there was
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other17 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. The navigation has a frosted crackle appearance framing the screen. It is difficult to read the navigation when needed. I know this has happened to other models of this vehicle and those were recalled and covered. 2. The brake senor keeps going off stating "SMART BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION".
- Complaint clusterElectrical13 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The liftgate (trunk) opens sporadically. The system keeps trying to open the truck and it's causing a parasitic drain on my battery. I was stranded 2 hours from my home due to this. My trunk would sporadically beep three times, that is the only warning I received. There are safety recalls for other
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
My 2018 Mazda CX-9 with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine has been diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head, cracked exhaust manifold, and cracked turbocharger at approximately 88,000 miles. This is a known design defect documented in Mazda TSB 01-002/23 and addressed by Customer Service Program CSP11, which
- Complaint clusterBrakes5 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
My 2018 Mazda CX-9 experienced catastrophic engine damage after a radiator failure allowed coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle provided no dashboard warning, overheating alert, or coolant warning before the failure occurred. Modern vehicles are designed to alert drivers to overheating or coolin
2017
- Complaint clusterEngine34 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
this is covered under csp11. the problem is my car is a 2017 and they only allow a warranty up to 120,000 miles mine is at 158000 and they will not fix the problem now even thought we just started having problems.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle experienced coolant leak also oil leak from rear of engine. Broken cylinder head due to turbo too close to head
2016
- Complaint clusterEngine47 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
In June of 2022 I started having a strong antifreeze/engine coolant smell inside the cab of my vehicle and also outside the vehicle. I had the car checked for a radiator leak, but there wasn’t one. I took my car into my local Mazda where they found that the engine coolant was leaking into the heads
- Complaint clusterElectrical12 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Smart City Break Malfunction warning light appears while driving. Simultaneously the tire pressure warning appears. Also, at the same time, the temperature reads -20 to -40 degrees. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Fearful that car could randomly break while driving putting myself and fami
- Complaint clusterPowertrain8 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as
- Complaint clusterBrakes5 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Booster damaged. I ended up with no brakes and nearly crashed.
Cost to own$22,900 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$31,500–$47,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,800/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
22
Highway MPG
28
Combined MPG
24
Horsepower
227 hp
Doors
4
Length
199.6 in
Width
77.6 in
Height
67.7 in
Wheelbase
115.4 in
Curb weight
4,381 lb
Cargo volume
14.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
71.2 cu ft
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
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