2018 Mazda CX-9 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#5 most-complained of 17 CX-9 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has 128 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #5 highest of 17 CX-9 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (78 complaints, 61% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.
- Complaints
- 128
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 21 city / 27 hwy
Top 2018 Mazda CX-9 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine78 (61%)
- Other20 (16%)
- Electrical System16 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (10%)
- Brakes11 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (5%)
- Fuel System7 (5%)
- Steering3 (2%)
- Structure & Body3 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
2018 Mazda CX-9 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V875000Nov 12, 2021Fuel System121,038 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
- NHTSA 19V403000May 30, 2019Electrical System7,854 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3419E.
2018 Mazda CX-9 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,750
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other CX-9 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 ranks #5 of 17 among CX-9 model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 128 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (78 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (13 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 27,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mazda CX-9, most recently reported 2021, covering fuel system and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
- EPA rates the 2018 Mazda CX-9 at 23.5 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,750. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.