Is the 2013 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mazda CX-9?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Mazda CX-9

● Typical for this model

2013 Mazda CX-9
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:03:34.596Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 68
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 68 complaints

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	107
2017	61
2018	128
2019	53
2020	19
2021	39
2022	11
2023	13

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

25% · 17 reports

Service brakes

24% · 16 reports

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

13% · 9 reports

Air bags

13% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing air bag/restraint control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Lost control of vehicle coming down a ramp in a parking garage, causing me to strike pole in garage, or would have careened over 6TH fl railing down 6 stories to street. Vehicle in motion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-13

Also filed under Structure

Apparently, my car has a safety recall from Mazda as of January 2018 in reference to the Takata airbags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-10

Takata recall am I entitled to being part of the class action lawsuit

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-19

Power train

7% · 5 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down the interstate and my Mazda CX9 caught fire! I didn't realize it since it was under the car and the car beside informed me of it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-07

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2015-06-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-08-20 Lower ball joint separation
R

2015-09-14Suspension15V451000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-05-10Steering16V203000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured...

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-02Air bags18V018000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and 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 March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-11-09Air bags18V717000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-01-15 Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Mazda CX-9 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V451000 · Suspension
Recall 16V203000 · Steering
Recall 18V018000 · Air bags
Recall 18V717000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Mazda CX-9 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mazda CX-9?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.