2011 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
57% of complaints: service brakes — 97 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 13 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARDER THAN USUAL TO DEPRESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200102
BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE 3 TIMES THIS MORNING, THE FIRST TIME FAILED TO STOP THE SUV SO HAD TO SWERVE TO THE CENTER MEDIAN AND SLIGHTLY HIT THE METAL BARRIER. THEN GOING BACK HOME MAKING A TURN, BRAKES FAILED AGAIN TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140331
APPROACHING A RED LIGHT ON A DRY SUNNY DAY, MY BRAKES FAILED HALFWAY THROUGH COMING TO A STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130515
15% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2011 MAZDA CX-9. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, IT WAS PUT OUT BEFORE ANY EXCESSIVE DAMAGE WAS DONE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130626
13% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250801
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX9. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 13 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARDER THAN USUAL TO DEPRESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200102
TAKATA INFLATORS RECALL? NO INCIDENT TO REPORT
NHTSA ODI report, 20171029
9% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Driving kids to school a few months ago. Car started to smell like burning rubber. I thought it was the garbage truck ahead of us. As we turned the corner 2 blocks later, the car dead stopped and we all went flying forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230926
4% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Brake Booster Failure
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 American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American...
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4.
Campaign 18V717000 — check if this car was fixed
Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment
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
2011 Mazda CX-9 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (97 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V451000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V429000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V717000 (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 2011 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mazda CX-9 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda CX-9 have?
4 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.