Mazda CX-9 Best and Worst Years (2010–2023)
Avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2018 Mazda CX-9 model years, which carry complaint index scores of 92, 85, 100, and 77 versus a low of 0 for the 2020. Brakes drive the early-year problems and engine complaints dominate 2018; 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 rate Best.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2018Best 2017Best 2020Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 14
- 2010–2023
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,170
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 48
- Fires reported
- 12
- Top problem area
- Brakes
CX-9 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mazda CX-9 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 92 | 195 | 7 | 5 | 6 ! | Brakes | 17.5 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 85 | 170 | 7 | 3 | 4 ! | Brakes | 19 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 100 | 221 | 9 | 0 | 4 ! | Brakes | 19 | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 62 | 68 | 3 | 1 | 4 ! | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Good | 31 | 54 | 1 | 1 | 3 ! | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Good | 46 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 2 ! | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 69 | 105 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 23.5 | — |
| 2017 | Best | 15 | 61 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 23.5 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 77 | 128 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 23.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 38 | 53 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 23.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 0 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 23.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 54 | 39 | 7 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 23.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 23 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 23 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 23 | 5★ |
CX-9 years to avoid: what went wrong
2012 Mazda CX-9 Index 100 · 221 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2012 CX-9 has the highest complaint index of any year, at 100. Brakes represent 65% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,622 miles, and owners describe repeated loss of power-assisted braking. Engine complaints follow at a median of 57,000 miles, including reports of accelerators sticking. NHTSA lists four recalls, three do-not-drive campaigns for Takata airbag inflators. Among all CX-9 years, 2012 ranks worst overall in this data.
2012 brakes problems →2012 engine problems →2012 airbags problems →
2010 Mazda CX-9 Index 92 · 195 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2010 CX-9 has a complaint index of 92, the second-worst of all 14 model years. Brakes make up 48% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 83,600 miles, and owners describe sudden loss of power-assisted braking. Engine and transmission/powertrain issues follow, including reports of transfer case failure and stalling. NHTSA lists six recalls for this year, four of them do-not-drive campaigns tied to Takata airbag inflators. Compared to other CX-9 years, 2010 stands out for its high share of brake-related complaints.
2010 brakes problems →2010 engine problems →2010 transmission & powertrain problems →
2011 Mazda CX-9 Index 85 · 170 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2011 CX-9 carries a complaint index of 85. Brakes account for 59% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,224.5 miles; owners report sudden grinding noises and brake failure while approaching stops. Transmission and powertrain complaints, at a median of 87,000 miles, include reports of fire linked to transfer case failure. NHTSA lists four recalls, three of them do-not-drive Takata airbag inflator campaigns. Relative to other CX-9 years, 2011 remains one of the worst for brake-system reports.
2011 brakes problems →2011 transmission & powertrain problems →2011 airbags problems →
2018 Mazda CX-9 Index 77 · 128 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2018 CX-9 has a complaint index of 77. Engine problems dominate, making up 61% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles; owners describe abrupt stopping while driving and dashboard warning lights. Electrical system complaints follow, with a median failure mileage of just 10,352 miles, including reports of wiring harness issues disabling airbags and turn signals. NHTSA lists two recalls, covering the fuel pump and wiring harness. Compared to other CX-9 years, 2018 stands out for its engine and electrical complaint volume.
Most common Mazda CX-9 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Brakes399 (34%)
- Engine380 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain119 (10%)
- Other110 (9%)
- Airbags85 (7%)
- Electrical System79 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires76 (6%)
- Structure & Body43 (4%)
- Fuel System39 (3%)
- Steering32 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Mazda CX-9 years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2018 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint index scores of 92, 85, 100, and 77 respectively, compared to the best year, 2020, at 0.
- What is the worst Mazda CX-9 year overall?
- The 2012 CX-9 has the highest complaint index of all 14 model years, at 100, driven mainly by brake complaints that make up 65% of its reported issues.
- What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX-9?
- Across all years, brakes account for 399 of 1,170 total complaints (34%), followed by engine issues at 380 complaints (32%).
- Which Mazda CX-9 years are considered the best?
- NHTSA data rates 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 as Best, with complaint index scores of 15, 0, 8, and 23 respectively.
- Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2018 CX-9, covering a fuel pump impeller defect and a wiring harness that could disable the airbag, turn signals, or engine starting system.