Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2018–2023) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2018 CX-9. Owners report cracked cylinder heads that leak coolant, often with no warning light, and dealers usually recommend a full engine replacement. The 2023 model year is the one to buy, with excellent reliability and no recalls on file.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 66/100
Buy
2023 81/100
Model average
76/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mazda CX-9 average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201866/100Good2125Engine (60)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda CX-9

Engine trouble dominates, with 60 of 125 complaints. Cracked cylinder heads leak coolant, sometimes into the oil, and failures are reported from about 50,000 to 135,000 miles. Many owners saw no warning light first. Dealers usually quote a full engine replacement near $11,000, and owners say Mazda often refuses help past warranty.

2 recalls125 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (60), Unknown Or Other (17), Electrical System (13), Power Train (12), Service Brakes (5), Steering (3)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Mazda CX-9 Problems?

ENGINE

95 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Cracked cylinder heads that leak coolant are the dominant problem.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Most of these reports describe the center touchscreen cracking from the inside.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Spider cracking of the infotainment screen makes up the largest share.

POWER TRAIN

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Coolant leaks at the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold dominate this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2021

2018: The most serious report involves the electronic parking brake.

STEERING

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2019

2018: Knocking noises start suddenly when the wheel is turned, with no damage to explain them.

Best Mazda CX-9 Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Mazda CX-9

The 2023 rates excellent and has no recalls in federal records. The 2018 has two recalls and far more owner complaints, led by cracked cylinder heads that leak coolant. The 2022 also rates excellent. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so check the 2023's brake and steering reports before buying.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)0 recalls12 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Mazda CX-9 has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

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

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mazda CX-9 Years by Generation

Mazda CX-9 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mazda CX-9 year is the worst?
The 2018 is the one to avoid. It has 125 owner complaints and two recalls, and about half the complaints concern the engine. Cracked cylinder heads leak coolant, often without a warning light, and owners report dealers recommending full engine replacement.
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-9 also a bad year?
Not to the same degree. The 2019 is among the lowest-rated years but still rates good, with 52 complaints and two recalls. Engine is again the top complaint area. Check its coolant history and look for leaks before buying.
Which Mazda CX-9 years have transmission problems?
The data shows no transmission pattern for any year. The power train complaints are about coolant leaking at the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold, and in some cases the damage spreads to the turbocharger or catalytic converter.
Which Mazda CX-9 years have the fewest complaints?
The 2022 has 9 complaints and the 2023 has 12. Both rate excellent and have no recalls. They are the newest years tracked, so they have had less time on the road to collect complaints than the 2018 and 2019.
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 trouble free?
No. The 2023 has reports of a steering wheel seizing, a thud traced to a failed u-joint shaft, and a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor. Two chest clip complaints concern Graco car seats, not the vehicle. It is still the site pick.

How we score every Mazda CX-9 model year

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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