Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Mazda CX-9
RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • ENGINE (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

21V7500002021-09-27

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.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Mazda CX-9 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mazda CX-9Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

CX-9
$539
Category Avg
$784
All Vehicles
$652

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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
CX-9 2WD 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)222824$2,500
CX-9 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)202623$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.

4
3
2
2
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)ENGINE (3)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)POWER TRAIN (2)AIR BAGS (1)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)TIRES (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)Other (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2026-05-26Crash reported1 injury

The 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 complaint
2026-03-09

Warning 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 complaint
2026-02-17

All 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 complaint
2025-06-07

The 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 complaint
2025-05-01

I'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 complaint
2022-07-09

While 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.

14,000–31,000 milesFuel system issues

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

The 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).

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.

Mazda CX-9 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201866/100Good
201973/100Good
202078/100Good
202177/100Good
202281/100Excellent
202381/100Excellent

Mazda CX-9 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202381/1000Excellent012
202281/100+4Excellent09
202177/100-1Good135
2020(selected)78/100+5Good119
201973/100+7Good252
201866/100Good2125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 19 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-9 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), ENGINE (3 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has estimated annual repair costs of $539/year, which is $245 less than the midsize SUV average of $784. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Mazda CX-9 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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