Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Mazda CX-9 Reliability Report
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 19 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
19
Complaint Rate
6.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$539
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- ENGINE (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 5 of the Second generation (TC; 2016).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation CX-9 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Second generation (TC; 2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 5 of the Second generation (TC; 2016).
Should You Buy the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
At 78/100, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 5 of the Second generation (TC; 2016).
Owners log 19 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2019 Mazda CX-9 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$245 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUV
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Multiple electrical issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9 (4 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Several issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9's engine (3 complaints)
Compare 2020 Mazda CX-9 With

2020 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 59/100

2020 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 60/100

2020 KIA Telluride
Reliability: 55/100

2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 57/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- ENGINE (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Mazda CX-9 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS, SEAT BELTS
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
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. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
Buying a used 2020 Mazda CX-9? Check its history first
Every 2020 Mazda CX-9 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Mazda CX-9 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.1%
Safety Technologies
Mazda CX-9Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$539
vs $784 avg for midsize SUV
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,050–$3,150/yr
Fuel + repair
20–22 city / 26–28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,500 |
| CX-9 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 26 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Mazda CX-9.
Inspect for excessive oil consumption; check oil levels after 3,000 miles
Check for coolant leaks around the cylinder head and signs of overheating
Test for uncommanded engine acceleration by braking and observing engine response
Verify that all warning lights are off and test drive to check for loss of power or stalling
Inspect infotainment screen for 'spider cracks' and opacity issues
Test the vehicle's acceleration and braking systems for any malfunctions or warning messages
2020 Mazda CX-9 Common Problems by Component
19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners report multiple electrical issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9. A common problem involves the information screen developing "spider cracks," which become opaque and unreadable; some dealers quote repair costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Another frequent issue is the vehicle displaying warnings such as "smart brake system malfunction" and "front radar system malfunction," leading to a loss of acceleration and requiring a complete vehicle restart to clear the warnings. Additionally, several owners describe incidents where the vehicle suddenly loses power or shuts off entirely while driving, posing a safety risk as the car becomes unresponsive in traffic. These issues reportedly occur without warning and have been observed during normal driving conditions, with some owners experiencing them over a period of at least a year.
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9's engine. Excessive oil consumption is noted, with one owner needing to add a quart of oil in less than 3,000 miles. Another complaint highlights a coolant leak at the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold, leading to engine overheating and the vehicle entering 'limp mode,' restricting speed to about 30 mph. Additionally, there is a report of uncommanded engine acceleration while braking, which required the driver to increase brake pressure and shift to neutral to stop the vehicle. These issues are noted at varying mileages and could have safety implications, particularly the uncommanded acceleration incident.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 report issues related to the fuel and propulsion system, with a focus on fuel pump and injector problems. Common symptoms include the vehicle running rough, excessive sputtering, and failing to exceed speeds of 20 mph, sometimes stalling completely. These issues are accompanied by multiple warning lights and a sensation of the vehicle being starved for fuel. One complaint outlines a timeline of repeated repairs, including fuel injector and throttle body replacements, yet the problems persist. Safety implications are noted, as one vehicle stopped in the middle of the road, posing a hazard. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and the need for ongoing repairs.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including vehicle overheating and the display of a power reduction message. One owner describes persistent overheating, accompanied by white smoke at startup, which a mechanic attributes to a potential coolant leak at the cylinder head. Another complaint involves a fuel cap light activating at approximately 14,000 miles, leading to vehicle jerking and vibrating at stops, which was resolved by replacing a leaking charcoal box. These issues arise within the first year of ownership and may involve additional repair costs, but no crashes, fires, or loss of vehicle control are reported.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owned a 2020 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, a second vehicle crashed head-on into the front of the vehicle. During the head-on crash, no air bags inside the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained a concussion and right eye injury and later received medical attention. A Police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a local storage facility. No information was available concerning the second vehicle's occupants. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintWarning signal front camera sensor system malfunction Forward Smart City Brake Support malfunction When this initial happen the steering wheel becomes hard to maneuver than releases The front and back cameras are clear from any debris or obstructions What should I do next?
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintAll 4 of my BH255/50R20 XL 109v NOKIAN WR G4 vehicle tires are exhibiting abnormal tread degradation and excessive sidewall cracking. The tire defect includes a circumferential crack along the top of all 4 tires, where the top of the tire's sidewall and tread base meet. Upon tire inspection, the structural integrity and safety of these tires with continued usage is questionable. The tires in question are only 26 months old and have approximately 31K miles of usage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintThe vehicle will hesitate/stall while driving down the road. The vehicle has done this multiple times and has actually shut off on 2 different occasions while at a stop. on 2 occasions now the vehicle has not wanted to start. I have taken vehicle to Mazda dealership and they can never duplicate it. When they check for any codes, the vehicle computer does not give accurate times when happened. This last date I took it to them 6/9/25, the computer said it happened 4000 miles ago. The time before, I took it in the morning it happened, 5 min after it happened and the computer said it happened 10 starts ago. The last time, 6/9/25 they said they suspect fuel pump going bad, but until the vehicle gives a "check engine" light or dies all together they are not 100% sure. The vehicle is unsafe if it dies in the middle of the freeway/road with no warning to myself or the other vehicles around me. This has been going on for at least 1 year now, maybe longer Dealership has all records. Seeing how the 2018 & 2019 Mazda CX-9 had fuel pump recalls makes me wonder if the 2020 should have been included in this recall. This has been an on going problem.6/7/25 was most recent incident.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintI've had it repaired for over 30+ times. I'm tired of the car not being fixed. The last visit I was told maybe its the way I drive.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintWhile driving at freeway speed in Oregon, with 85 degrees ambient temperature and A/C inside set to 74 degrees, our CX-9 sunroof exploded outward. The sound was close to a very loud pop, and not the sound of rock/debris impact. At the time of explosion, there were no vehicles nearby and no overpasses from which an object could have dropped. The vehicle had been washed the day before and there was no visible damage to the sunroof. At the time of explosion, the sunroof and interior cover were closed. Upon stopping the vehicle (within less than one mile) inspection showed that nearly no glass fell downward, and approximately 50% of the total sunroof area had blown upward and out of the vehicle. The remainder of the shattered glass was still contained within the frame, with the edges visibly curved upward as though the glass had been pulled away from the car. There were three people in the vehicle at the time (driver, front seat passenger, and middle row passenger behind the driver). The two passengers were asleep and woke abruptly thinking we had been hit by something, as the explosive bang was followed by the sound of air rushing past the hole. There was no sound of glass rattling in the area over the sunroof cover, which seems to indicate glass had not broken inward and then blew out before stopping. I (driver) kept the cover closed and promptly pulled off the freeway to assess damage. I was unable to visit a dealer for warranty assessment due to vacation travel. A phone call to my local dealer did indicate it should be covered under warranty but it has not been inspected, this has not yet been confirmed. I rarely open the sunroof cover and have only opened the sunroof itself 3-4 times since purchase two years prior (2020). I did open the sunroof to give my son fresh air on curvy roads approximately one hour prior. No injuries, but if the cover had been opened we may have had glass falling into the cabin. No other visible or audible warnings occurred.
When Do 2020 Mazda CX-9 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda CX-9 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mazda CX-9 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mazda CX-9 year is 2023 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2020 (78/100).
2023
2022
2020
(Current Model)
Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda CX-9 year is 2018 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to engine (60) issues.
Mazda CX-9 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda CX-9 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 80/100 compared to 72/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Mazda CX-9 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Mazda CX-9 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
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