Last updated: 2026-07-26

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9: Reliability Compared

KIA Telluride reliability comparison

KIA Telluride

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableMazda CX-9 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-9

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the KIA Telluride 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 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA Telluride and Mazda CX-9 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the KIA Telluride is in its first generation, which launched in 2019 and received a significant facelift in 2023. Being relatively early in its lifecycle, the Telluride has benefitted from initial teething issues being addressed, making it a more reliable choice as the platform matures. The Mazda CX-9, on the other hand, is in its second generation, which began in 2016 and continued until 2024. This generation enjoyed a long production run, indicating that many early issues were likely resolved, contributing to a reputation for reliability. The CX-9's mature platform, especially in its later years, tends to be well-sorted, offering peace of mind for buyers.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-9 is more reliable than the KIA Telluride, scoring 76/100 vs 66/100.

The Mazda CX-9 demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 76/100 compared to the KIA Telluride's 66/100. The CX-9 also has a significantly lower recall count with only 6 recalls over six years, versus the Telluride's 27. Additionally, owner complaints per 10,000 sold are more favorable for the CX-9 at 15, compared to the Telluride's 23.3. While both models have similar estimated annual repair costs, the Mazda CX-9's stronger reliability metrics make it the more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mazda CX-9 costs $34 less per year to repair
  2. 2Mazda CX-9 has 21 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Mazda CX-9 scores 10 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1KIA Telluride
—
4Mazda CX-9
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencySafety Rating

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricKIA TellurideMazda CX-9
Reliability Score66/10076/100
Years Tracked66
Total Recalls276
Complaints per 10k Sold23.315
Annual Repair Cost$573/yr$539/yr
Repair Frequency0.4/yr0.6/yr
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2025 NHTSA
2023 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins04

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA Telluride and Mazda CX-9?

The KIA Telluride exhibits a higher overall volume of complaints compared to the Mazda CX-9, with significant issues in the visibility/wiper and electrical system categories, the latter of which includes three crash-linked incidents. The Telluride's power train problems are notable with five crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Mazda CX-9's most frequent issues are concentrated in the engine category, but it has fewer overall complaints and crash-linked incidents across all areas. Notably, the CX-9's air bag component, despite having only four complaints, all resulted in crashes, suggesting a critical safety concern.

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9 common problem areas comparison
ComponentKIA TellurideMazda CX-9
ENGINE1.9Low5.7Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4.4Average2Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER4.2Average0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.8Low1.5Low
POWER TRAIN1.7Low1.2Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2.5Low—None
STRUCTURE0.9Very Low0.3Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.5Very Low0.7Very Low
STEERING0.3Very Low0.4Very Low
SUSPENSION0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY0.3Very Low—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.2Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
Chest Clip—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
SEATS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA Telluride or Mazda CX-9?

Based on independent repair cost data, the KIA Telluride has an annual repair cost of $573, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year. In contrast, the Mazda CX-9 costs slightly less at $539 annually but requires more frequent repairs, averaging 0.6 visits per year. Over five years, the Telluride will cost approximately $170 more in repairs, yet it visits the shop less often. The Mazda CX-9 presents a 10% risk of major repairs, which may concern cost-conscious buyers. Despite the Telluride's marginally higher annual repair cost, its lower repair frequency and lack of major repair risk make it a more appealing choice for those prioritizing reliability and lower long-term costs.

How Does KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9 Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9 year-by-year reliability scores
YearKIA TellurideMazda CX-9Edge
202368/1005R / 161C81/1000R / 12CMazda CX-9
202263/1006R / 280C81/1000R / 9CMazda CX-9
202163/1004R / 280C77/1001R / 35CMazda CX-9
202055/1006R / 667C78/1001R / 19CMazda CX-9

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 KIA Telluride scored 68/100 and the 2023 Mazda CX-9 scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA Telluride vs the Mazda CX-9?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Mazda CX-9 may be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 76/100 and only 6 total recalls, it offers a more dependable experience compared to the KIA Telluride. The CX-9 also has fewer owner complaints at 15 per 10,000 sold and a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $539. However, be mindful of its 10% risk for major repairs and a higher repair frequency of 0.6 times per year. On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with a lower repair frequency, the KIA Telluride might suit you better. Despite a lower reliability score of 66/100 and 27 recalls, it has a repair frequency of only 0.4 times per year, suggesting fewer trips to the mechanic. While the estimated annual repair cost is a bit higher at $573, this could be offset by the potential convenience of fewer repairs. Consider the specific issues reported, such as visibility/wiper and electrical system concerns, when making your decision.

KIA Telluride vs Mazda CX-9: Common Questions

Is the KIA Telluride 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 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the KIA Telluride or the Mazda CX-9?
The KIA Telluride has more recalls (27) 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 KIA Telluride or the Mazda CX-9?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-9 has a lower complaint rate at 15 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 23.3 for the KIA Telluride. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the KIA Telluride or the Mazda CX-9?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-9 is cheaper to maintain at $539/year versus $573/year for the KIA Telluride.
Is the KIA Telluride or Mazda CX-9 safer?
Both the KIA Telluride 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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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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