2021 Mazda CX-9
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
50% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL WITH MINIMAL SNOW ON THE GROUND, I TAPPED MY BRAKES ABOUT 7 TIMES BEFORE THEY LOCKED UP. I WENT TO TURN TO STAY ON THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD, INTO AN EMBANKMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210224
9% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was in a parking lot and came to a stop and placed the car in reverse to back into a parking space. The back-up camera was on and I began to back into the parking space when the car suddenly lurched/jerked forward and accelerated on its own.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231016
6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was in a parking lot and came to a stop and placed the car in reverse to back into a parking space. The back-up camera was on and I began to back into the parking space when the car suddenly lurched/jerked forward and accelerated on its own.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231016
6% of complaints: air bags — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
REAR PASSENGER HANDLE AND HOOK ABOVE SEAT IN ROOF SPLINTERED INTO SHARP PROJECTILES FLYING THROUGH CABIN WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOPYED I SHOWED THE SHARP PIECES TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER THE POWER OF THE RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BROKE THE HANDLE TO...
NHTSA ODI report, 20221013
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4.
Campaign 21V750000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Mazda CX-9 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V750000 (seat belts, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.