2014 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
Typical for this model
46/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Mazda CX-9 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 54 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Water pump failure, coolant in oil, and engine damage (16 complaints, median 102,350 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 3 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015, 2016, 2017
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
- 54filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,294miles, 28 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 31 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 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 water pump failures, in which coolant mixes with the engine oil and the engine stops or is damaged, often without warning. Brake complaints center on hard, soft, or failing brakes, often tied to the brake booster or master cylinder, and suspension complaints describe corroded ball joints and wheel bearing noise. Engine failures are usually described as sudden, while brake and suspension problems often build up over time, and mileage is listed for only some complaints, ranging from under 1,000 miles to about 118,000.
- Engine
Water pump failure, coolant in oil, and engine damage
- 16 complaints (30%)
- median 102,350 mi at 6.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $4,433 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2019–2024
Owners describe the water pump failing, with coolant leaking into the engine oil and the engine then shutting off or being damaged beyond repair. Several say the failure came without warning, and some were quoted large repair costs or told the engine needed replacement. Others say the water pump sits inside the timing chain cover, and that the dealer confirmed the problem. Where mileage is listed, the reported figures run from roughly 68,000 to 114,000 miles, and some describe the failure with no warning lights.
What to check: Ask whether the water pump has been replaced, and check for coolant loss, low-coolant warnings, or coolant in the engine oil before buying. Ask for service records covering the cooling system and oil changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I noticed a rough noise when I started the 2014 Mazda CX-9. I chose to ignore it thinking it was because of the cold weather. Got to the highway on the way home to kansas city from columbus, oh. Several miles later when filling gas, I noticed a weird smell like that of a burning rubber or coolant. The car got me home same but I noticed slight smoking from the engine when I got home.took it to the mechanic and he advised it was the water pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #11289733, filed 2019-12, 114,000 miles“I purchased a 2014 Mazda cx nine a year and a half ago. The other day I was driving and I don't know where my fan got really loud so I pulled over and turned up the heat and turned off any AC. All the sun steam started coming out of my engine and the car died. After towing it to the local dealership I was told that I had two options. I could either buy a brand new car or pay $13,000 to have it repaired. Apparently the water pump broke and the engine seized up. I had absolutely no warning. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403345, filed 2021-03, 80,000 miles - Brakes
Brakes feel hard, soft, or fail to stop the car
- 14 complaints (26%)
- median 70,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2023
Owners describe brakes that feel hard, spongy, or soft, with hissing or air noises when the pedal is pressed. Others report the car taking longer to stop, brakes that fail to engage, or a complete loss of braking while in motion. Some say the booster or master cylinder was replaced, and the problem returned or continued afterward. Where mileage is listed, the figures range from about 11,000 to 75,000 miles, and some describe the problem returning after a booster or master cylinder was replaced.
What to check: Ask for records of any brake booster or master cylinder replacements, and whether the problem returned after the repair. On a test drive, check for hissing or air noises when the brake pedal is pressed, and confirm the car stops straight without extra pedal effort.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our 2014 Mazda CX-9 power brake booster has gotten progressively worse over the last few months and has now failed at 75,269 miles where the pedal is spongy, pedal travel is long and there is a hissing noise (air leakage) from the power booster, all resulting in severely reduced brake effectiveness - very little. We cannot safely drive the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414560, filed 2021-04, 73,000 miles“This is a Mazda cx9 2014 awd. I needed to stop quickly on a city street in moderate traffic at 3:00pm. I was traveling about 25 mpr north in the inside lane on a dry road. I pushed down on the brake pedal hard and the car did not slow down but, continued on until it impacted with the car in front. The air bag did not deploy and there were no physical injuries to drivers of either involved vehicles. The damage to my car is estimated to be over $2000.00 dollars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10822425, filed 2016-01, 11,000 miles - Engine
Sudden engine shutdown or power loss while driving
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 80,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,834 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners describe the engine stopping or losing power while driving, including at highway speeds, sometimes after a rough noise or vibration. Some say the engine shut off without any warning, and that it would not restart right away. Others report white smoke or a coolant odor along with the loss of power. Where mileage is listed, the figures range from about 29,500 to 118,000 miles, and some describe the failure at highway or freeway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether any water pump or cooling-system repairs have been done, and have the engine's stored fault codes read before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection can include a cooling-system pressure test and a check for coolant in the engine oil.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was slowly approaching a stop light when our 2014 Mazda CX-9 started having vibrations, which at first came from underneath, between the driver's row and the 2nd row passenger. It immediately felt as if the car's engine was about to fail. I managed to make that right turn, carefully stepping on the brakes, and crossed a rail-road crossing. The car was running at a speed of 20 MPH. I slowed down to make another right turn towards my destination, then the engine abruptly died. …”
NHTSA complaint #11102971, filed 2018-06, 81,000 miles“We were on a city road uphill and driving to a friends home. Our Mazda CX-9 grand touring made a rattling noise, released a lot of white smoke, and lost acceleration. I immediately pulled the car on the shoulder and a by passer stopped his car on opposite shoulder and analyzed the situation and shouted move your family out and move from the car since its on fire underneath. We immediately moved out and by passer called 911. All the time while we waited and fire department arrived the car was dripping fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11113446, filed 2018-07, 29,500 miles - Suspension
Corroded ball joints and wheel bearing noise
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 69,394 mi at 6.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2024
Owners describe ball joints and lower control arms corroding, sometimes with a bumping noise from the front suspension or the vehicle drifting to either side. Others report wheel bearing or hub noises, including grinding when turning, and repeated bearing replacements. Some describe a recall for the corroded ball joints where the remedy part was not available, and some say the VIN was not included in that recall. Where mileage is listed, the figures range from about 46,000 to 95,000 miles, and some describe the wheel bearing noise returning after repeated replacements.
What to check: Ask whether the ball joint recall 15V451000 has been completed on this vehicle, and check the front ball joints and lower control arms for corrosion. During a test drive, listen for grinding or humming from the wheel bearings and check whether the vehicle drifts to one side.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle had a loud grinding/growing sound took it to the dealer in october 2018 replaced right front wheel bearing, same issue took to dealer replaced left front wheel bearing in may 2019, same issue replaced left front wheel bearing again december of 2019, same issue replaced right rear wheel bearing march 2020”
NHTSA complaint #11315570, filed 2020-03, 52,789 miles“Heard loud grinding sound from right rear side of vehicle when turning wheel to the right. Brought to mechanic and needed r rear wheel bearing and hub assembly costing $1000.00. Noticed there have been other complaints about this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11343006, filed 2020-08, 86,000 miles
Buying note. For this model year, the most consistent complaints involve water pump failures that can stop the engine, followed by brake booster and master cylinder problems. A buyer may want to ask for cooling-system and brake service records and confirm whether the ball joint recall 15V451000 has been completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 49 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 54 consumer complaints for the 2014 Mazda CX-9. 28 of the complaints include a mileage, and 46% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,294 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 276 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 46 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine19 35%
- Brakes9 17%
- Other or unknown9 17%
- Fuel system5 9.3%
- Suspension5 9.3%
- Air bags3 5.6%
- Seats3 5.6%
- Steering3 5.6%
Also reported: Electrical system (2), Body and structure (2), Engine cooling (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My wife took our 2014 Mazda CX-9 to liberty Mazda for a check engine light that came on the evening before she already and an appointment for another issue. She asked them to check the light as well. After their findings they told sue the car had a catastrophic water pump engine failure. This water pump is located inside the timing chain cover and leaks coolant in to the engine. At this point we were handed over to a sales rep. Who informed us this was a foolish design with the water pump located in the powertrain behind the timing chain cover. …”
NHTSA complaint #11252193, filed 2019-08, 108,000 milesBrakes: “First brakes started failing were soft had to pump them to stop in time as to not hit another vehicle. I took my car to my mechanic. He said we needed to replace the master cylinder. Did this now brakes make a whomp whomp sound and push back some. Was told to drive a few days and see if it gets better. Did this and hubby was driving they were soft again. Then I took car today it was fine until I got home to pick up kids to take them out left car running came in got my kids went back out to car. At this time brakes are now hard and you can't push them down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309735, filed 2020-02, 71,000 milesOther or unknown: “I purchased the car with 7,000 miles and since the beginning there has been a humming noise every time I turn the steering wheel to either side. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was a piece of plastic stuck to the control arm. The car continued making the noise only audible on a quiet night and now the car has 30,000 and humming is more pronounced day and night with only slight turn angle. The other issue is the drivers seat has a little play, felt during turns. And the last issue is the usb just stopped working”
NHTSA complaint #10920079, filed 2016-10, 7,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Noticed burning smell coming from underside of vehicle and oil-like substance on floor of garage after driving. Took to the dealer and was informed that the transfer case failed and was leaking fluid on exhaust system. Research indicates this is a known design issue in multiple year models of Mazda vehicles and I feel due to the significant fire risk of oil/lubricant dripping onto the exhaust system, this should be subject to a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11153485, filed 2018-11, 59,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
46% of the 28 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 80,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 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.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 · 14.3% risk |
| CX-9 · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| CX-9 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mazda CX-9 2010–2015, MAZDA6 2010–2013, CX-7 2010–2012
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa…
- 16V203000Apr 11, 2016SteeringCovers: Mazda CX-9 2013–2015, CX-5 2014–2016, MAZDA2 2013–2014 +1 more
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January…
- 15V451000Jul 20, 2015Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Mazda CX-9 2007–2014
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
Recall details for the 2014 Mazda CX-9 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE15022Lower ball joint separationClosed · Jun 9, 2015
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. 276 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025Electrical system. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any…
- 11026904Dec 10, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
- 11022742Aug 22, 2025Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a…
- 11022727Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer…
- 11020039Jun 19, 2025Other or unknown. Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause…
- 11019097May 22, 2025Other or unknown. Some vehicles may exhibit following symptoms: 1. The rearview mirror (1) rattles up and down (2) while adjusting the mirror. 2. The rearview mirror (1) makes a rattle noise depending on the road…
- 11017699Apr 25, 2025Other or unknown. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in…
Other model years of the Mazda CX-9
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 12,100 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 11 | 53,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 40 | 51,093 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 19 | 14,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 53 | 26,500 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 128 | 27,000 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 61 | 33,500 | 0 | — | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 107 | 40,000 | 0 | — | 24 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 35 | 60,500 | 2 | 4 | 19 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 54 | 56,294 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 68 | 55,011 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 221 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 171 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 195 | 77,312 | 6 | — | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 59 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 18 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 172 | 99,500 | 5 | — | 18 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 86 | 94,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not 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 2014 Mazda CX-9?
Owners of this model year most often describe water pump failures, in which coolant mixes with the engine oil and the engine stops or is damaged, often without warning. The issues reported most often: Water pump failure, coolant in oil, and engine damage; Brakes feel hard, soft, or fail to stop the car; Sudden engine shutdown or power loss while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 2014 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 19 complaints (35% of the total), followed by brakes with 9.
Has the 2014 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Mazda CX-9 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Mazda CX-9 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Mazda CX-9 (CX-9 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 28 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,294 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 80,000 miles; 46% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.