Last updated: 2026-07-26
Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9: Reliability Compared
Ford Explorer
Mazda CX-9
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-9? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-9 currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9 Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Mazda CX-9 is more reliable than the Ford Explorer, scoring 76/100 vs 67/100.
The Mazda CX-9 outshines the Ford Explorer in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to the Explorer's 67/100. The CX-9's lower estimated annual repair cost of $539 versus the Explorer's $732 further underscores its reliability advantage. While the Mazda has a higher owner complaint rate at 15 per 10,000 sold, the Explorer's significantly higher recall count of 117 over nine years compared to the CX-9's six recalls in six years highlights a key differentiator in long-term dependability. Despite both models sharing common issues like power train and electrical system problems, the CX-9's overall metrics position it as the more reliable choice for midsize SUV buyers.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-9 costs $193 less per year to repair
- 2Mazda CX-9 has 111 fewer total recalls
- 3Mazda CX-9 scores 9 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 76/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 117 | 6 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.8 | 15 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $732/yr | $539/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.2/yr | 0.6/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 14% | 10% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2023 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 0 | 6 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9?
The Ford Explorer shows a significantly higher volume of complaints across multiple categories, with the most notable issues in the power train (618 complaints) and structure (413 complaints), both of which have a notable number of crash-linked incidents, particularly in the power train with 12 such reports. Additionally, the Explorer's service brakes category also presents concern with 11 crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Mazda CX-9's most prevalent issue lies with the engine, accounting for 95 complaints, yet it maintains a relatively low number of crash-linked incidents across issues. However, the CX-9's air bags category, though only comprising 4 complaints, is entirely crash-linked, which could indicate a critical safety concern despite the low frequency of reports.
| Component | Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-9 |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.4Very Low | 5.7Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.1Low | 2Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.6Low | 1.2Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 1.5Low |
| STRUCTURE | 1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| Chest Clip | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Explorer or Mazda CX-9?
How Does Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-9 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 71/10012R / 84C | 81/1000R / 12C | Mazda CX-9 |
| 2022 | 65/10021R / 208C | 81/1000R / 9C | Mazda CX-9 |
| 2021 | 62/10022R / 354C | 77/1001R / 35C | Mazda CX-9 |
| 2020 | 54/10029R / 1066C | 78/1001R / 19C | Mazda CX-9 |
| 2019 | 69/1004R / 252C | 73/1002R / 52C | Mazda CX-9 |
| 2018 | 64/1005R / 651C | 66/1002R / 125C | Mazda CX-9 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Ford Explorer scored 71/100 and the 2023 Mazda CX-9 scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Ford Explorer vs the Mazda CX-9?
Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9: Common Questions
- Is the Ford Explorer more reliable than the Mazda CX-9?
- Based on our data, the Mazda CX-9 is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Mazda CX-9?
- The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) compared to the Mazda CX-9 (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Explorer or the Mazda CX-9?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Explorer has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15 for the Mazda CX-9. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Explorer or the Mazda CX-9?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-9 is cheaper to maintain at $539/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.
- Is the Ford Explorer or Mazda CX-9 safer?
- Both the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue