Mazda CX-9: best & worst years

No Mazda CX-9 model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Below is every year (2007–2023) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Mazda CX-9 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Recommended 8 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 8 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 7 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.; Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.; Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.; Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks. Full report ↗

Mazda CX-9 problems by year

2023 Mazda CX-9 Recommended

Final-year CX-9 pairs a class-above interior and engaging handling with strong reliability and very few complaints; the turbo engine's coolant-loss risk is largely behind it by now. Low severe-repair rate; mid-pack insurance.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2022 Mazda CX-9 Recommended

Refined late-generation CX-9 with premium cabin, agile handling and very low complaint volume. Above-average reliability and modest running costs make it one of the stronger used three-row buys.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Recommended

Well-sorted CX-9 with upscale interior and sharp dynamics; complaint volume is low. Watch for the 2.5T cylinder-head/coolant-loss issue on any high-mileage example, but it is much rarer than on 2016-2018 cars.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2020 Mazda CX-9 Recommended

Strong late-gen-2 year with the fewest complaints of the generation. Premium feel, good handling, above-average reliability; the turbo head-crack risk is present but uncommon. Reasonable maintenance and mid-pack insurance.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2019 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Mature gen-2 CX-9 with far fewer engine complaints than 2016-2018. Upscale cabin and fun handling; still verify cooling-system health for the cylinder-head issue. Reliability rates above average for the class.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2018 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Peak year for cracked-cylinder-head / overheating engine complaints on the 2.5L turbo. Lovely interior and dynamics, but inspect cooling-system history and service records closely before buying.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2017 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Early gen-2 CX-9 with notable cylinder-head/coolant-loss engine complaints. Class-leading cabin and handling offset by the engine risk; a documented service history is essential.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2016 Mazda CX-9 Caution

First year of the turbo CX-9: premium interior and engaging drive, but a meaningful share of cracked-cylinder-head and electrical complaints. Buy only with strong cooling-system and maintenance evidence.

  • Turbo 2.5L can lose coolant from a cracked cylinder head / failing head gasket, leading to overheating and catastrophic engine damage, often with no warning light. Most reported on 2016-2018 cars.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: random warning lights, screen/connectivity faults, and backup-camera or sensor errors.

2015 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Most refined first-generation CX-9 with the lowest complaint count of its era. Strong V6 and sporty handling, but the water-pump coolant-into-oil failure remains the key risk on any example.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2014 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Late first-gen CX-9 with relatively few complaints. Roomy, good-handling V6 SUV; budget for the known water-pump risk and confirm it has been addressed. Thirsty fuel economy.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2013 Mazda CX-9 Caution

First-gen CX-9 with moderate complaint volume. Capable V6 and pleasant dynamics, but the water-pump engine-failure risk and aging tech weigh on it. Inspect cooling and brake systems.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2012 Mazda CX-9 Caution

High brake-booster/master-cylinder complaint year on top of the generation's water-pump engine risk. Strong V6 and handling, but reliability and braking concerns make a thorough inspection essential.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2011 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Elevated brake-booster failures and the ongoing water-pump coolant-into-oil risk define this year. Good V6 power and handling, but treat braking and cooling history as deal-breakers if undocumented.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2010 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Refreshed first-gen CX-9 (273-hp 3.7L V6) but a peak year for brake-booster and water-pump complaints. Sporty and roomy, yet reliability and braking risks demand careful inspection.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2009 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Lower-complaint first-gen year with the strong 3.7L V6. Engaging handling and useful space, offset by the water-pump engine-failure risk and Takata-era airbag recalls. Verify recall completion.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Caution

Highest complaint volume of the first generation, spanning suspension, brakes and powertrain. Capable V6 SUV but the water-pump risk, corrosion and airbag recalls call for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

2007 Mazda CX-9 Caution

First-year CX-9 (263-hp 3.5L V6) with suspension, brake and airbag-recall complaints plus the generation's water-pump engine risk. Fun to drive and roomy, but buy only a well-documented, inspected example.

  • Brake booster and master cylinder can fail, causing a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power assist. Heavily reported on 2010-2012 cars.
  • Internally driven water pump can leak coolant into the engine oil, destroying the engine with little or no external warning. The defining reliability risk of this generation.
  • Front lower control arms and suspension components corrode and can separate in salt-belt climates; some owners report wheel shimmy and clunks.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mazda models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.