Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Ariya: Reliability Compared
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Ariya
Choosing between the Mazda CX-9 and the Nissan Ariya? 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 Nissan Ariya currently leads with an average score of 85/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Nissan Ariya is more reliable than the Mazda CX-9, scoring 85/100 vs 76/100.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-9 has 97.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 2Nissan Ariya costs $39 less per year to repair
- 3Nissan Ariya scores 9 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Ariya: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda CX-9 | Nissan Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 85/100 |
| Years Tracked | 6 | 4 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 4 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 15 | 112.8 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $539/yr | $500/yr |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2023 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 1 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Ariya?
| Component | Mazda CX-9 | Nissan Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.5Low | 56.4High |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.2Low | 19.5High |
| ENGINE | 5.7Average | 4.3Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2Low | 4.3Average |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.7Very Low | 4.3Average |
| STEERING | 0.4Very Low | 4.3Average |
| STRUCTURE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| Chest Clip | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Ariya Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda CX-9 | Nissan Ariya | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 81/1000R / 12C | 76/1004R / 39C | Mazda CX-9 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Mazda CX-9 scored 81/100 and the 2023 Nissan Ariya scored 76/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Mazda CX-9 vs Nissan Ariya: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda CX-9 more reliable than the Nissan Ariya?
- Based on our data, the Nissan Ariya is more reliable with an average score of 85/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-9 or the Nissan Ariya?
- The Mazda CX-9 has more recalls (6) compared to the Nissan Ariya (4). 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 Mazda CX-9 or the Nissan Ariya?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-9 has a lower complaint rate at 15 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 112.8 for the Nissan Ariya. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-9 or the Nissan Ariya?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Nissan Ariya is cheaper to maintain at $500/year versus $539/year for the Mazda CX-9.
- Is the Mazda CX-9 or Nissan Ariya safer?
- Both the Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Ariya 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 Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Ariya? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Ariya
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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