2018 Mazda CX-9
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
58% of complaints: engine — 72 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Just noticed coolant leak during oil change. Vehicle has 77,000 miles. Power train warranty is only to 60K. The vehicle is undriveable without major engine work or engine replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230918
The cylinder head cracked and leaked engine coolant at 72K miles. This is a known design flaw IAW TSB 01-007/22. Vehicle overheated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230905
12% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Passenger seat heater either had a grounding issue or shorted out, causing to seat to start smoldering and catching fire, destroying the seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260128
10% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I'M CONSTANTLY HAVE A FRONT WINDSHIELD ERROR : CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO JUST AUTOMATICALLY STOPING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND STREETS. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN I WAS I A ACCIDENT .
NHTSA ODI report, 20200720
4% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 19V403000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V875000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Mazda CX-9 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V403000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V875000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have?
2 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.