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Mazda CX-9Model year report

2010 Mazda CX-9 Problems

Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 3.8× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
195filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
77,312miles, 146 complaints with mileage
Recalls
64 do-not-drive
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 22 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe loss of power braking assistance — a brake pedal that goes hard or sinks, often with a hissing sound, and requires heavy pressure to stop. The second most common theme in the sample is engine coolant loss and overheating traced to the water pump, and several complaints describe transfer case noise and leaks on all-wheel-drive models. Reports in the sample are spread widely in mileage, with the brake-booster complaints showing up from roughly 40,000 to over 160,000 miles.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal goes hard or sinks; loss of power assist

    • 76 complaints (39%)
    • median 85,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (67 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $919 (median of 10 quotes)
    • filed 2012–2024

    Complaints describe the brake pedal becoming rock-hard or sinking toward the floor, sometimes with a hissing sound when the pedal is pressed, and the vehicle taking much longer to stop or not stopping at all. Several owners say a dealer or mechanic diagnosed a failed brake booster and, in some cases, a master cylinder as well. Some owners report being told the repair was covered under an extended warranty program for this part, while others say their vehicle fell outside that coverage and they paid for the work themselves. In the sample these reports range from about 40,000 to over 160,000 miles, with many in the 40,000–100,000 range; some describe the change happening suddenly over a short drive.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the brake booster or master cylinder has been replaced and whether any extended warranty coverage applied. During a test drive, press the pedal lightly and listen for a hiss, and check that the pedal feel is firm and consistent.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The brakes on our 2010 CX-9 are hissing upon brake engagement and have a hard feel to them for the first half or so. The brakes are slow to engage during this time. After the half way mark the brakes engage quickly and forcefully. It is consistent with the other complaints for the brake booster failure. I am having it looked at this week at a Mazda dealership.”

    NHTSA complaint #10916374, filed 2016-10, 85,000 miles

    “I have been experiencing issues with my brakes. Very hard to push, not coming to a stop, sounds like air & makes a hissing sound when brake are applied.the 1st time I noticed I was driving straight on a 2 lane st. A car was coming from the off ramp on the right of me & cut me off. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11414722, filed 2021-05, 166,900 miles
  2. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transfer case noise, leak and rumble

    • 18 complaints (9%)
    • median 76,600 mi at 6.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,797 (median of 6 quotes)
    • filed 2013–2021

    Complaints on all-wheel-drive vehicles describe a rumbling or grinding noise like driving over rumble strips, sometimes with vibration and a burning or gear-oil smell entering the cabin. Owners say the transfer case was diagnosed as the source, and some had it replaced more than once. Some also describe harsh shifting or shuddering from the transmission. In the sample these reports cluster from roughly 29,000 to 137,000 miles, often appearing first while holding a steady speed at low engine rpm.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: On a test drive, listen for rumble or grinding at steady low-speed acceleration and check for fluid leaks or smells underneath. Ask about transfer case or transmission fluid service history and any prior replacement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Power transfer unit leaking oil, I may lose my 4wd if this is not fixed soon. It will cost $1150.00 to fix. There is a horrible smell from the leak that is coming into the vehicle. I have had 4wd vehicles for years and never ran into an incident where something like this had to be replaced. Dealer made this seem like this is a wear and tear issue not covered under any warranty.”

    NHTSA complaint #10520840, filed 2013-06, 76,000 miles

    “Tell us what happened: transfer case is bad. Dealer says this is a known problem and that Mazda has this issue with cars directly from the factory. Known issues should be recalled! I bring my vehicle in for regular maintenance, I should not have to break down with children in the car for a problem that Mazda knows my car has! The failure is so widespread there is a nation wide shortage.”

    NHTSA complaint #10492189, filed 2013-01, 98,000 miles
  3. Engine

    Coolant loss, overheating and coolant in the oil

    • 13 complaints (7%)
    • median 109,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • filed 2018–2022

    Owners describe the coolant reservoir running empty, the engine overheating and the air conditioning losing cooling, with coolant later found mixed into the engine oil. Several say a mechanic or dealer attributed this to the water pump and told them the engine needed replacement. Some complaints note the vehicle shut off or lost power while driving after the coolant loss. Reported in the sample from roughly 100,000 to 160,000 miles, often noticed first as a low coolant level or an overheating episode.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the coolant level and condition and look for a milky or contaminated appearance in the oil. Ask whether the water pump has been replaced and whether any coolant loss or overheating has been reported.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Me and my husband were on our way home from work. The car suddenly overheated and we lost power on I-35, we were able to get the car to an exit and was nearly hit by another car due to loss of steering and power. We had the car towed to a Mazda dealership. There is engine coolant in the oil and we are told it needs a new motor.”

    NHTSA complaint #11255475, filed 2019-09, 134,000 miles

    “We were sitting in a parking lot waiting on a pizza. We noticed the A/C wasn't cooling, and then noticed the car was starting to overheat. (this was the first time ever). We checked the radiator, it was empty. We purchased coolant and filled up the reservoir. Never saw any leaks. Car started but seemed sluggish like the battery was low. We got our pizza and drove about 6 miles where we parked till we took it to the dealer on monday. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11394287, filed 2021-02, 108,000 miles

Buying note. Have any prospective purchase inspected with attention to the brake booster and pedal feel, coolant and oil condition, and the all-wheel-drive transfer case. Ask for recall and warranty repair records, since several of the commonly reported problems are tied to service programs and recalls rather than a single fix.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 195 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mazda CX-9. 146 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,312 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns (4 marked do-not-drive) and 279 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 12 Mazda CX-9 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Exterior lighting (4), Steering (4), Wheels (4), Seats (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Braking inconsistently - sometimes easy to stop, sometimes hard. I had brakes looked at, and the man said it was the brake booster. He googled it, and found a recall online and told me to take it to my dealer. It doesn't look like there's an active recall - but a lot of complaints. What's going on? This is going to be expensive. My college age daughter drives that car. Do they have to have a severe accident to get that fixed? I can't afford to fix it right now.”

NHTSA complaint #11517304, filed 2023-04, 120,000 miles

Engine: “Takata recall I have a Mazda cx9 2010, I got no indication that there was a problem with my water pump. The care did not over heat, it did not stall and I was no steam coming from the car. I drove my vehicle to the other side of the water more than 20 miles from my home, so that I could go to work. If it were not for the pharmacist at my job I would have gotten in my car and drove off. He notice a puddle under my car and asked me to come outside so he could investigate the situation further. …”

NHTSA complaint #11039779, filed 2017-10, 15,600 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Car was making grinding sounds when the vehicle was in motion, especially when I turned left/right as well as when I was stopping the vehicle. Most noticeable on city streets. Needed to replace transfer case and transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #10790609, filed 2015-11, 113,400 miles

Air bags: “Takata recall - I was informed of a recall on the passenger side front airbag in july 2016 and instructed until this repair is performed, do not allow passengers to ride in the front passenger seat. This has been an extraordinary inconvenience not to mention I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with my 3 year old toddler in the backseat. In just over a week, it will be 4 months since this notification was made. I live in houston, texas, with high humidity with a 2010 vehicle - this makes the vehicle more susceptible to this failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10918153, filed 2016-10, 90,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

29% of the 146 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 106,000 miles.

5%0–106%10–2518%25–5018%50–7521%75–10027%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (146 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 77,312 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’11’13’1527’17’19’21’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Mazda CX-9. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
CX-9 · hatchback FWD/AWDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 14.3% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2010 Mazda CX-9 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
CX-9 2WD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162218$3,700
CX-9 4WD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic152117$3,950

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2010 Mazda CX-9 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 279 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 279 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mazda CX-9

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20231312,1000523—Too new
20221153,0000523—Not enough data
20214051,093152450 · TypicalRising
20201914,0001524—Stable
20195326,500252431 · FewerRising
201812827,000252454 · TypicalRising
20176133,5000—240 · FewerRising
201610740,0000—2426 · FewerRising
20153560,500241925 · FewerFalling
20145456,294341946 · TypicalFalling
20136855,011441967 · MoreFalling
201222158,0004—19100 · MoreFalling
201117174,0004—1993 · MoreFalling
201019577,3126—18100 · MoreFalling
20095985,0006—1841 · TypicalFalling
200817299,5005—1881 · MoreFalling
20078694,0005—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Mazda CX-9 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mazda CX-9?

Owners of this model year most often describe loss of power braking assistance — a brake pedal that goes hard or sinks, often with a hissing sound, and requires heavy pressure to stop. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes hard or sinks; loss of power assist; Transfer case noise, leak and rumble; Coolant loss, overheating and coolant in the oil.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Mazda CX-9 have?

NHTSA recorded 195 consumer complaints for the 2010 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 91 complaints (47% of the total), followed by engine with 23.

Has the 2010 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Mazda CX-9 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Mazda CX-9 (CX-9 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Mazda CX-9 reported?

Among the 146 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,312 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 106,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.