Last updated: 2026-10-10

2023 Mazda CX-9
RELIABILITY SCORE: 81/100 (EXCELLENT)

2023 Mazda CX-9 Reliability Report

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 has excellent reliability and no recalls. The few complaints center on steering and brakes.

Recalls

0

Complaints

12

Complaint Rate

6.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$539

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Excellent standing and no recalls, with a small set of steering and brake complaints that includes one crash report.

Top Issues to Watch

  • Chest Clip (2)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (2)
  • STEERING (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 8)

2023 is year 8 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.

2023: This Model Year

2023 is year 8 of the Second generation (TC; 2016).

Should You Buy the 2023 Mazda CX-9?

Buy with confidence on reliability. This model year rates excellent and sits well above average among 2023 SUVs. It is also among the stronger of the six scored CX-9 years. The 2022 model rates about the same, with 9 complaints to this year's 12, and neither year has a federal recall. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair costs at $539, against $784 for the class.

Complaints are few, but two areas deserve attention. In one steering report, the wheel seized at 30 mph while the brake pedal went stiff, and the car ended up in a ditch against a tree. The airbags did not deploy, and no injuries were reported. Another owner heard a thud from the wheel just past 36,000 miles, and the dealer found a failed u-joint shaft that it called non-serviceable. One brake report describes a pedal that sank nearly to the floor unless pumped, and four dealer visits did not fix it.

Ask the seller for steering and brake repair records, and test the pedal feel on a drive. If the records look thin, the 2022 is a close alternative.

See also the 2022 Mazda CX-9 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Strong reliability score
  • +$245 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUV
  • +Low major repair risk (10%)
  • +No recalls issued
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (3 complaints)

Compare 2023 Mazda CX-9 With

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
  • Chest Clip (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 11.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

3

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Mazda CX-9? Check its history first

Chest clip problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Mazda CX-9, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 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, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)
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 MPG

Running cost: $3,150/yr

Fuel + repair

20 city / 26 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 2023 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
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 2023 Mazda CX-9.

  • Press the brake pedal firmly several times at a stop and reject the car if the pedal sinks toward the floor.

  • Check that the traction control button is labeled and switches the system off, not a blank button.

  • Turn the steering wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for a thud or clunk.

  • Inspect the sunroof glass closely for chips, cracks, or signs of replacement.

  • Confirm the dash shows no parking brake malfunction warnings and the engine starts without hesitation.

  • Ask for service records covering brake repairs, battery replacement, parking brake alerts, or steering shaft work.

  • Take a long test drive and confirm steering, brakes, and throttle respond normally throughout.

2023 Mazda CX-9 Common Problems by Component

12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

3
2
2
2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)Chest Clip (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)STEERING (2)TIRES (1)STRUCTURE (1)AIR BAGS (1)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaintsSafety-related

Total loss of steering, brakes, and throttle response while driving appears in one report, and the car crashes into water with one person injured. Separately, sunroof glass shatters at highway speed and sprays glass over the occupants. The dealer says glass is not typically covered under warranty. A third filing concerns traction control that cannot be turned off because the switch position is a blank button. The car bogs down and stops while climbing snowy grades, and the dealer says other vehicles on its lot also lack the switch.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury

Chest Clip

2 complaints

Both filings describe a problem with Graco car seats, not with the vehicle. The crotch buckle on the Graco TrioGrow and TriRide 5-point harnesses releases with too little force. A toddler can unbuckle at highway speed even with the harness tight and the chest clip placed correctly. Graco customer support dismissed the concern. Nothing in these reports points to a fault in the vehicle's own seats, belts, or child-seat anchors.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

The brake pedal sinks almost to the floor unless it is pumped first in one report. The dealer fails to fix it after 4 attempts and 4 months in the shop, despite replacing multiple parts. A second complaint describes engine power dropping to idle when the brake and gas pedals are pressed together, even by accident, which leaves the driver coasting off a freeway. An independent shop found that the system is designed to behave this way.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaintsSafety-related

The wheel seizes at 30 mph in one report while the brake pedal goes stiff at the same moment. The vehicle runs into a ditch and hits a tree, and the airbags do not deploy. No injuries are reported. A second report describes a thud from the steering wheel just past 36,000 miles. The dealer traces it to a failed u-joint shaft and calls the part non-serviceable. That report follows repeated parking brake malfunction alerts and a weak battery that took several dealer visits to resolve.

2 complaints total1 crash
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2025-08-05

I recently purchased a 2023 Mazda CX9 with factory installed tires, Falken Ziex CT50 A/S p255/50R20 104V M+S. I was driving on the freeway on Tuesday [XXX] going around 65-70MPH. My tire pressure light came on all of a sudden, I started to slow down and make my way over to the right lane and then shoulder to check it out and all of a sudden the tire tread completely ripped away from the rest of the tire. Some of the sidewalls stayed intact, which ultimately protected my wheel from damage. But other than the tire pressure light coming on 30 seconds before the failure, there was no warning, no obvious defect or anything in the tire. Had it been one of my front tires it potentially could have been way worse of an outcome as I was driving on a bridge and next to a semi. The shop where I ended up replacing all 4 tires because I did not feel safe using this brand any longer said he has never seen the tread just rip right off of the sidewalls. I searched the tire make and model and there was an open recall on this specific brand and size tire, but my date stamp did not match. However, it was the same exact reason for the recall in the first place. So clearly this company has not changed their manufacturing methods and is putting people's lives in danger with these tires spontaneously detaching from the wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint
2023-12-22

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Automated liftgate failure with risk of crushing. When pressing the automatic liftgate button, if there is an obstruction, the liftgate has unreliable/ineffective sensors ("jam-safe equipment") to prevent items and body parts from being crushed. In my instance, items in the trunk were crushed until the fuse blew for the liftgate. I believe this could have caused serious harm if a body part was accidentally wedged between the liftgate and preventing it from closing. **The fuse has been replaced and liftgate is now operational. It is available for inspection upon request. **Upon inquiring with Mazda, the dealer stated that "Mazda does not publish any data pertaining to your question “what strength of resistance is the specification for the Jam-safe equipment”. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Liftgate automatic closure fails to sense items/body parts in pathway or stop upon contact/resistance, crushing them until fuse blows. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Fuse was replaced and dealer indicated it was operating normally, however Mazda allegedly has NO TEST / SPECIFICATION for Jam-Safe equipment! Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Mazda dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? **No.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2023-03-31Crash reported

I was approaching Breezewood, Pa coming south on 70 into town from Hagerstown. Traffic comes to a stop awaiting a light that stops the highway traffic before allowing people to proceed through Breezewood and then continue on 70 out of town. I had plenty of warning as traffic slows first from 55 to 45, then to 35 before the light. As I applied pressure to the brakes the vehicle would not slow down. I released them once and reapplied and it felt as if they were doing nothing to slow me down. There were a lot of cars ahead of me and around me and the car did hold its lane thank goodness, but I ended up colliding with a stopped pickup/trailer (Ram with a car carrier/flatbed trailer). None of the vehicles collision avoidance warnings or safety features seemed to assist in the warning of the impending collision or deployed upon contact. No air bags, beeping of warning light - nothing. The vehicle is only months old - and tires are even newer than the vehicle as I had winter tires on it up until about two weeks before this trip. The weather was gray, it had rained lightly for several hours before - but it was 50 degrees.

Best & Worst Mazda CX-9 Years

Best Mazda CX-9 Years to Buy

Top Pick
81
Excellent

2023

(Current Model)

0Recalls
12Complaints
81
Excellent

2022

0Recalls
9Complaints
78
Good

2020

1Recalls
19Complaints

Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid

Mazda CX-9 Reliability Score Trend

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
2023(selected)81/1000Excellent012
202281/100+4Excellent09
202177/100-1Good135
202078/100+5Good119
201973/100+7Good252
201866/100—Good2125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Yes, it rates excellent for reliability and well above average among 2023 SUVs. Owners filed 12 complaints, and federal records list no recalls. It also earns a 5 of 5 star federal crash-test rating. Independent repair-cost data shows lower yearly costs than the class average.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
Steering, service brakes, and child-seat complaints each drew two filings. The steering reports include a seized wheel and a failed u-joint shaft. The brake reports include a pedal that sinks and power that drops to idle. The child-seat filings blame Graco seats, not the vehicle.
Does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 have steering problems?
A few owners reported them. One said the wheel seized at 30 mph and the car hit a tree. Another heard a thud past 36,000 miles, and the dealer found a failed u-joint shaft it called non-serviceable. Two complaints is a small number, but ask for steering repair records.
Does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
No. Federal recall records show zero recalls for this model year. The 2022 CX-9 also has none. Complaints mention steering and brake trouble, but those reports do not show a recall. Check the VIN with the manufacturer before buying to confirm the record is still clean.
How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 cost to maintain?
Independent repair-cost data estimates $539 a year for the CX-9 model-wide, against $784 for its class. That figure covers the whole model, not only 2023. It suggests ownership costs run well below those of similar midsize SUVs.

Don’t buy a 2023 Mazda CX-9 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2023 Mazda CX-9

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 does best on recall impact (100/100) and worst on complaint severity (71/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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