2016 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
26/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× 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.
- 12 of its 107 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Coolant leak and cracked cylinder head (47 complaints, median 134,000 mi).
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
- 107filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-9 are dominated by engine coolant leaks traced to cracks at the cylinder head, often noticed as a sweet smell, low coolant, or overheating and in several cases leading to cylinder head or engine replacement. A smaller share of owners describe the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, brake concerns including the rear brakes dragging or locking, and electronic warnings that come on together with the vehicle entering a reduced-power mode. Reports appear at a wide range of mileages, from a few thousand miles to well past 100,000.
- Engine
Coolant leak and cracked cylinder head
- 47 complaints (44%)
- median 134,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $6,000 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe a sweet coolant smell inside the cabin or around the engine bay, coolant dripping under the rear of the engine, a low coolant level that keeps dropping, and overheating. Several say a dealer or independent shop diagnosed a crack at the cylinder head or a failed head gasket, and that the repair meant replacing the cylinder head or the whole engine. Some complaints note the repair was quoted at several thousand dollars and that warranty coverage had expired; a service bulletin and a warranty extension for coolant leaks at the cylinder head exist for this engine, and complaints describe the symptom and the bulletin together. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 25,000 to over 140,000 miles, with many mentions between about 50,000 and 75,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether any coolant leak at the cylinder head was repaired, and check the coolant reservoir level and look for residue or drips at the rear of the engine. Ask a mechanic to pressure-test the cooling system and check for a sweet smell around the engine bay.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“15 minutes after getting a wheel bearing replaced at the dealer, my engine coolant high temperature warning came on (never before seen). This occurred while I was on the interstate with no safe place to stop. When I was able to safely stop, I called the dealer. They said bring it back. I was unwilling to drive that far so chose the closest Mazda dealer. They informed me I have a cracked cylinder and the coolant is leaking into exhaust system. I was told the only option due to the mileage on the car (134,000) is to replace the engine for $8,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11465133, filed 2022-05, 134,000 miles“Cylinder head crack/failure required the replacement of the entire engine on my 2016 Mazda cx9, the odometer was only at 85,000km. The crack Resulted in loss of coolant and overheating, the indicator on dash stating to pull over and shut the car off. This could have resulted in engine seizing if I was unable to safely pull over. This is a know issue by Mazda, the dealership has seen this issue before, there is lots of documentation online for this as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11537889, filed 2023-08 - Engine
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 16 complaints (15%)
- median 27,200 mi at 3.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the engine shutting off or cutting power without warning, sometimes at a stop and sometimes at highway speed, with accelerator input having no effect. In some cases multiple dashboard lights or warnings such as vehicle system malfunction appeared at the same time, and restarting after a short wait brought power back. Complaints describe dealers finding stored codes, replacing or reflashing modules, or looking into aftermarket electronics installed in the vehicle; more than one owner says the cause was not clearly pinned down. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 100,000 miles, with several cases in the first 40,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any stored diagnostic codes were found and what was replaced, and whether any aftermarket electronics were installed and since removed. A scan-tool check for stored codes before purchase is worth doing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“With no warning the smart brake system malfunction and the front radar system malfunction warnings come on and I am unable to use the cruise control. In addition the parking brake light comes on and the parking brake is not on as I am driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11289823, filed 2019-12, 67,000 miles“Driving to work in the morning at 5:45am on 06/05/2018 going 65 MPH and my car cuts engine power and starts lowly declining pressing gas did nothing and multiple notifications flashing such as vehicle system malfunction, forward smart city brake support malfunction, smart brake system malfunction. I had to pull off to the side of the highway I can't even say I can pull off safely because all power was cut. So let the car sit for 5 minutes while off and then restarted and was able to make it work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118501, filed 2018-08, 6,000 miles - Brakes
Brakes dragging or engaging on their own
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 32,500 mi at 3.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2020
Owners describe the rear brakes locking or dragging while driving at highway speed, with smoke, a very hot wheel, and in one case a rotor that warped and had to be replaced; toggling the electronic parking brake and restarting sometimes cleared it. Other complaints describe the vehicle slowing and stopping on its own with a brake message on the display at 35-50 mph, and the dealer reporting nothing found after repeat visits. Owners also mention a hard brake pedal and parking brake or TPMS warning lights appearing together. Reported from about 9,000 to 67,000 miles, mostly on the highway or at steady speeds.
What to check: Test-drive at highway speed and feel for drag, heat, or noise at each wheel afterward, and check whether the electronic parking brake applies and releases cleanly. Ask whether the brake-related service bulletin was ever applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“One mile from home the smart brake system malfunction & front radar system malfunction was displayed. Car was shaking and acting as if the emergency brake was active while the car was in motion. Car was slow to accelerate. Had I been on the interstate I could have been rear-ended. Pulled over to turn the car off and back on. Car was okay the remainder of my 20 mile drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10954069, filed 2017-02, 9,102 miles“When driving at 35-50 MPH, my 2016 Mazda CX-9 periodically brakes suddenly while driving to a scrubbing forceful stop tossing things off the back seat, placing me in danger of a rear-end collision. Sometimes a very quick beeping sound is made, b-r-a-k-e appears on the panel in large letters --- then the car automatically comes to a sudden stop or it occurs with no notice. I have taken it to the dealer 3 or 4 times only to be told that they could find nothing wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #11091416, filed 2018-05, 16,000 miles - Electrical system
Dash warnings and reduced-power mode
- 9 complaints (8%)
- median 40,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2025
Owners report several warnings appearing at once, such as smart brake system malfunction, front radar system malfunction, stability control, ABS, and check engine lights, sometimes with a parking brake light while driving. In some complaints the vehicle then limited power or slowed despite accelerator input, and turning the car off and back on cleared the warnings for a while. Complaints describe the dealer being unable to reproduce the condition or finding no fault codes, and one owner linked the setting to aftermarket devices installed in the car. Reported between about 6,000 and 92,000 miles, often while driving at highway speed.
What to check: Ask whether any of these warning lights have appeared and what was diagnosed, and check whether aftermarket accessories were installed and removed. Have a scan tool read stored codes and confirm the driver-assist systems are functioning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This incident happened on 31st july, when my wife was driving this car on highway 4 martinez, ca at around 5.00 pm with our daughter (2 years old) returning from daycare. She was driving at approx 60 mile/hr, when the car started giving audio visual warnings on multiple failures and the car started slowing down without responding to the gas pedal and engine propulsion reduced to 'zero'. My wife panicked and was luckily able to pull over on the curb side safely, even though traffic was very high. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118566, filed 2018-08, 40,000 miles“The vehicle has tire pressure monitoring system malfunction warnings and parking brake malfunction warnings even after taking to dealership to be fixed. Was told it’s a known problem by Mazda, should be recalled, but there were not any current recalls for the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11559545, filed 2023-12 - Fuel system
Stalling or power loss with fuel gauge reading
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine stalling or refusing to restart after the fuel gauge still showed fuel remaining, in one case running out of gas on a highway with the gauge near half and a range estimate of many miles left, and in another stalling shortly after a low-fuel warning. Complaints say the dealer traced the problem to software in the control module and updated it, or replaced fuel system components after a fault code. A separate complaint describes a strong fuel odor after filling the tank. Reported between about 34,000 and 55,000 miles, typically right after a fuel stop.
What to check: Ask whether the PCM or fuel gauge software update was performed, and compare the gauge reading against the actual amount added at a fill-up. Check for fuel odor around the filler neck and under the hood after filling the tank.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Mazda CX-9 ran out of gas on a major highway (route 90 in boston) and the gas gauge read half full. No 'out of gas' light went on and range (under information) said 191 miles remaining. My Mazda dealer told me the software needed to be reset (not done yet as of this writing). It is a major issue if the gas gauge is not reading properly and this is a software issue (a bug?). Mazda needs to fix this for all Mazda's and issue a recall so it does not happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #11311330, filed 2020-02, 43,500 miles“I just purchased my vehicle about 3 months ago. I was running errands about a week after purchase and was heading home on the highway when the gas notification came on displaying 27 miles left and advised me to get gas. I was about half mile from the exit and the vehicle check engine light came on and it started stalling. Thank fully I was able to get over to the median just in time when it shut down completely. I called roadside and the dealer and explained what happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322582, filed 2020-04, 55,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the cooling system: check coolant level and condition, look for residue at the rear of the engine, and pressure-test it, and ask for records of any cylinder head work since these repairs are costly. Also ask about stored diagnostic codes, brake drag, and whether software updates for the fuel gauge and electrical concerns have been applied.
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 107 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-9. 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 66% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 613 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 26 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Engine68 64%
- Electrical system14 13%
- Brakes11 10%
- Fuel system8 7.5%
- Other or unknown6 5.6%
- Body and structure4 3.7%
- Engine cooling3 2.8%
- Seats3 2.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 2.8%
Also reported: Wheels (3), Air bags (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “In 2017, my car shut off two times, without warning, one time at a stop light and again on the highway going 70mph. We were accelerating at the stop light when it shut off and then driving on the highway. Took the car to the dealership and 72 codes came up. They said it was the dvd players (that they sold and installed!!!) that were causing the issue. They supposedly 'fixed' the issue. Now in july 2019, the car shut off an additional five times. Three times while driving and twice in a parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234063, filed 2019-07, 30,400 milesElectrical system: “Immediately upon making a sharp right turn into a parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated at a very fast pace without me pushing the gas pedal. My immediate reaction was to press on the brake, but it did not stop. The car slammed into a planter in front of me. The car moved so quickly that it was lodged into the bushes and had to be pulled out by a tow truck. I immediately called the dealer service department and told them what happened. The service manager's immediate reaction was to scoff at the idea that the car accelerated on it's own. …”
NHTSA complaint #11057465, filed 2017-12, 24,000 milesBrakes: “I was driving on the interstate and the TPMS warning came on. I pull off the interstate and park. There is smoke coming from the right rear wheel and the center of the wheel is extremely hot, too hot to touch. I can feel the heat from about a foot away. There is metal pining and groaning as it cools down, the tire is warm, but not as hot as the center a the wheel. The left rear wheel is cool to the touch, as are the front wheels. I toggle the electronic parking brake a few times and after the wheel has cooled down I drive on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11164856, filed 2019-01, 41,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The push button on/off switch does not protect against turning the vehicle off if transmission is accidentally left in any position other than 'p'. For example its possible to put the transmission in 'r' and turn the vehicle off. For a busy parent (target demographic of this vehicle), this is very dangerous. If on an incline, the vehicle will start rolling forward or backward (depending on incline/slope and r/d transmission position). …”
NHTSA complaint #11029996, filed 2017-09, 1,700 milesMileage when problems were reported
66% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,061 and 55,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 613 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…
- 11032003May 1, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and…
- 11032104Apr 30, 2026Body and structure, Other or unknown. DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left…
- 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…
- 11032101Apr 16, 2026Engine. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a…
- 11028133Jan 26, 2026Other or unknown. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to…
- 11028127Jan 5, 2026Other or unknown. Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet.
- 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…
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 2016 Mazda CX-9?
Complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-9 are dominated by engine coolant leaks traced to cracks at the cylinder head, often noticed as a sweet smell, low coolant, or overheating and in several cases leading to cylinder head or engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Coolant leak and cracked cylinder head; Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Brakes dragging or engaging on their own.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 107 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 68 complaints (64% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2016 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda CX-9 (CX-9 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 17,061 and 55,000 miles; 66% 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. 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.