Last updated: 2026-07-25

Mazda CX-9

1 Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mazda CX-9 average of 76/100

The Mazda CX-9 years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Mazda CX-9 year to buy is 2023 81/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 66/100 due to engine (60) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 78/100.

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

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 125 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mazda CX-9. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (60), Unknown Or Other (17), Electrical System (13).

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?

Top reported issues across all Mazda CX-9 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

95 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

STEERING

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

Best Mazda CX-9 Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Mazda CX-9

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Engine (3), Fuel Propulsion System (2).

Score: 78/100 (Good)1 recalls19 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Mazda CX-9 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mazda CX-9 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Mazda CX-9 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2023 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mazda CX-9 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mazda CX-9 years: 2018 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Mazda CX-9 average of 76/100.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-9?
The best year for the Mazda CX-9 is 2023, with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 12 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-9 have?
Across all years in our database, the Mazda CX-9 has a total of 6 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mazda CX-9 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 81/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mazda CX-9 problems?
The most common Mazda CX-9 problems are engine (95 complaints), unknown or other (33 complaints), electrical system (26 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mazda CX-9 reliable long-term?
The Mazda CX-9 has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Mazda CX-9 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mazda CX-9 generation is the Second generation (TC; 2016) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda CX-9?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Mazda CX-9 is $539 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-9 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 12 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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