2008 Mazda CX-9
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 67 |
| 2008 | 172 |
| 2009 | 59 |
| 2010 | 162 |
| 2011 | 170 |
| 2012 | 221 |
| 2013 | 68 |
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 35 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 61 |
| 2018 | 124 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: suspension — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
LOST CONTROL BRAKES FAILING AND STEERING AND WHEEL LC ABOUT TO FALL OFF DEALERSHIPS SAYING RECALL WAS COMPLETED BUT IT'S DEFINITELY NOT
NHTSA ODI report, 20210311
Once you get to 70mph it starts shaking like if a the wheels will fall off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231011
16% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Once you get to 70mph it starts shaking like if a the wheels will fall off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231011
13% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
O WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES BECAME SPONGY AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNLESS I INCREASED THE EFFORT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN. FOOT HAS SLIPPED ON OCCASION CAUSING MY ANKLE TO BE STRUCK ON THE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190716
10% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
LOST CONTROL BRAKES FAILING AND STEERING AND WHEEL LC ABOUT TO FALL OFF DEALERSHIPS SAYING RECALL WAS COMPLETED BUT IT'S DEFINITELY NOT
NHTSA ODI report, 20210311
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100819
Once you get to 70mph it starts shaking like if a the wheels will fall off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231011
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT HARNESS AND FASTEN THE SEAT FRAME WITH A CABLE TIE. THE HARNESS COVERING WILL BE REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16, 2009. OW
Campaign 09V066000 — check if this car was fixed
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, MODEL
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-8
Campaign 09E011000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake master cylinder leak
Lower ball joint separation
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015.
Campaign 15V451000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge.
Campaign 17V429000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge.
Campaign 17V457000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019.
Campaign 19V782000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mazda CX-9 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V066000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V451000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V429000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V457000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V782000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda CX-9 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.