2017 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× 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.
- 3 of its 61 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Cracked cylinder head causing coolant loss and overheating (36 complaints).
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
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 33,500miles, 5 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 2017 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report coolant loss traced to a crack in the cylinder head on the turbocharged engine, frequently described as appearing with little or no warning before the temperature gauge climbs. Many complaints describe the repair as a full engine or cylinder head replacement, and some owners say coverage was declined once the vehicle passed the powertrain warranty mileage. Smaller groups of complaints cover front and rear suspension clunking over uneven pavement, fuel pump or fuel pressure faults that cause stalling or a no-start, and infotainment screen failures.
- Engine
Cracked cylinder head causing coolant loss and overheating
- 36 complaints (59%)
- typically at 7.1 yrs old
- owner-quoted repair $6,977 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2022–2025
Owners describe finding the coolant reservoir empty, coolant on the ground or a sweet smell after driving, and then a temperature warning or overheating while in motion. Many say no warning light came on beforehand, and dealers or independent shops diagnosed a crack in the cylinder head, often near the exhaust manifold studs. Repairs described range from a cylinder head replacement to a full engine replacement, and several owners report the work was quoted at several thousand dollars. Some say a service bulletin covers the symptom but that warranty coverage was declined after the vehicle passed the powertrain mileage limit. Commonly reported between roughly 50,000 and 90,000 miles, with several owners noting the problem surfaced shortly after the powertrain warranty expired.
What to check: Check the coolant reservoir level and look for dried coolant residue or staining around the back of the engine and the heat shield, and ask whether any cylinder head or engine work has been done. Owners of this model year may also ask a dealer whether the powertrain warranty extension described in the service program applies to the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car gave me a warning that it was overheating... and gave me a warning to pull to the side of the road because of safety and turn off my car engine because the engine is overheating. I was on the highway when this occurred. The engine coolant light was well into the red zone. I had my two kids in the car and my service animal... …”
NHTSA complaint #11550744, filed 2023-10“There was a coolant leak on my Mazda CX9 Signature with a 2.5T engine, and when driving the engine temperature started increasing slightly before taking off and turning red. I had to pull off to the side of a busy interstate road very quickly and shut the vehicle down before it overheated any more. …”
NHTSA complaint #11589218, filed 2024-05 - Engine
Coolant or oil leak reported as engine fluid loss
- 5 complaints (8%)
- typically at 7.0 yrs old
- filed 2022–2024
A smaller group of owners describe puddles of coolant or oil under the vehicle, or oil pressure warnings with normal-looking oil level, after which a shop traced the leak to the rear of the engine. Some reports say the leak was first misdiagnosed as a radiator cap or hose problem and the overheating returned. In a few cases owners say the fluid loss progressed to a running-rough or stalling condition before diagnosis. Reported across a wide mileage range, often alongside a longer history of routine dealer servicing.
What to check: Look under the vehicle and on the undertray for coolant or oil residue, check for a sweet smell after a long drive, and ask whether any leak diagnosis or pressure test has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Technician noticed coolant leak around turbo during routine maintenance. Sometimes after long drives we would smell hot coolant but didn't think it was an issue. Dealership took it in for repair under power train warranty and was advised that the engine needs to be replaced. From my understanding, the turbo is too heavy for the engine and has caused it to warp. The coolant leak is a symptom of a damaged engine block.”
NHTSA complaint #11471878, filed 2022-06“I noticed my 2017 CX-9 Touring was leaking coolant. It wasn't much but then checked the reservoir which is nearly empty. The car was overheating. I had it checked out by the dealer and initially I was told that it was bad radiator cap. This was fixed and resolved the initial overheating problems. The overheating issues resurfaced and took it a certified mechanic which indicated it was leaking from the engine block. The quote for repair was over $6000 See: Service Bulletin: 01-002/23”
NHTSA complaint #11596268, filed 2024-06 - Fuel system
Fuel pump or fuel pressure fault causing stall or no-start
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine cutting out while driving, sometimes on a highway or uphill, with a check engine light and codes pointing to the fuel pressure sensor or fuel pump control circuit. Some report difficulty starting or a no-start condition, rough running, or a loss of power during acceleration. One owner reports a fuel smell inside the vehicle before the pump failed, and another says the pump failed twice. Reported at varied mileages, including on vehicles used for long-distance trips; several complaints do not state mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump or fuel pressure sensor has been replaced, and have a pre-purchase scan check for stored fuel system codes; a fuel smell in the cabin or around the filler area is worth investigating before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is the second time my car mazda -2017 had problem with fuel pump. I only saw recall for 2019 Mazda CX-9 in internet. Before the fuel pump fail, I smelled gas inside the car which I was told my mechanic later from the shop where I bought my car for immediate diagnose was considered dangerous. The first time happened 2 years ago when we were on the trip 250 miles from where we live. This time we were about 200 miles away. So the fuel pump it seemed became the problem for Mazda. …”
NHTSA complaint #11603669, filed 2024-07“While driving in normal, operating conditions, the engine cut off and had to pull off to the side of the road. After checking the OBD two error code from the check engine light, there was an error with the fuel pressure rail sensor. Apparently the fuel pump in these vehicles has been failing with regularity on many other models.”
NHTSA complaint #11546488, filed 2023-09 - Suspension
Knocking or clunking noise from the suspension
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners report a knocking or clunking sound from the front, and in some cases the rear, when driving over uneven pavement, over bumps, or when pulling away from a stop. Some say tires, brakes and rotors were replaced without resolving the noise. Others describe a rough ride or wobble at highway speed that a dealer attributed to the tires even after repeated replacement. Mostly reported under about 35,000 miles, including vehicles still on their original tires and brakes.
What to check: Drive the car over broken pavement and over a speed bump at low speed with the windows down to listen for clunks, and ask whether any suspension components have been inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Every time I stop I hear a clunk sound from front suspension and also when I'm at a dead stop them I go I hear the clunk sound .I also here that noise in the rear suspension I'm worried cause I don't want something bad happen to my wife and my 8month old daughter and 9 yr old daughter while I'm deployed”
NHTSA complaint #11157180, filed 2018-12, 24,000 miles“I bought a used 2017 Mazda CX-9 from west shore honda in tampa in july of 2020. They screwed me financially and I'll handle that separately. There has been an ongoing issue since the first few days after buying the car. I've complained multiple times via email and phone. I've been trying the service department countless times. They keep stating it's a tire issue. To the point they have replaced the tires 3 times. After the second time I had already decided it's not tires. The car has a very rough ride when I'm motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #11402740, filed 2021-03, 33,500 miles - Other or unknown
Infotainment screen cracks, blackouts and lost backup camera
Mentioned in 4 of 57 sampled complaints
Owners describe small cracks appearing in the infotainment display that spread over time, and in other cases the screen going black intermittently so that the backup camera and audio controls are unavailable until the vehicle is restarted. One owner says a dealer found no point of impact and no external damage to the screen. Complaints also describe sudden activation of the automatic braking system at low speed with no obstacle in the path. Reported from a few years old onward and recurring over years of ownership; mileage is not stated in most of these complaints.
What to check: Inspect the display for hairline cracks and confirm the backup camera, audio and forward-sensing warnings work during a test drive; ask a dealer whether the infotainment warranty extension applies to the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My infotainment screen goes black 10-12 times a year, and therefore I lose access to my backup cameras. I have to turn the car off, and then back on, in order for the screen to function again. This has been happening for the full 8 years I have owned the car. I also have video of this happening, but the file is too large to attach so including photo only.”
NHTSA complaint #11674499, filed 2025-07“Spider crack screen on the infotainment system. I got the vehicles pre-owned at Major world. When we got the vehicles there were small cracks already showing not bigger than the size of a dime but the cracks got bigger and I'm afraid that the whole screen will complete not work in time.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11419452, filed 2021-06
Buying note. The main thing to verify on this model year is the cooling system: check coolant level and look for residue around the rear of the engine, and get any service history showing cylinder head or engine work. A pre-purchase scan for stored fuel system, camera and infotainment codes, plus a test drive over rough pavement, will also surface most of the other reported concerns.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 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 61 consumer complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-9. 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 80% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 33,500 miles. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 513 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 0 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.
- Engine43 70%
- Other or unknown9 15%
- Fuel system6 9.8%
- Suspension4 6.6%
- Electrical system2 3.3%
- Steering2 3.3%
- Wheels2 3.3%
Also reported: Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My 2017 Mazda Cx9 was stalling and jerking while driving almost causing an accident but glad I was able to drive it home without causing an accident. Took the car to the dealership and was advised that it needs a new engine due to coolant leak. The coolant was going inside the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11611806, filed 2024-08Other or unknown: “After driving for approximately 1 hr, warning message for frint camera and auto brake malfunction illuminated. Power was decreased quickly, not even enough tine to pull off the road. Vehicle was disabled in fast lane of 4 land highway. While waiting for tow truck, after about an hour the vehicle restarted, check engine light was illuminated but vehicle was operating normally. Called Mazda dealer to cancel tow and advise I would drive to dealership. Headed to dealership, about 45 minutes away, car did same thing, just cut out leaving me stranded in slow lane of 6 lane highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172860, filed 2019-01, 40,069 milesFuel system: “My Mazda 2017 CX 9 apparently had a coolant leak. When we had our oil changed, we were told it looked like it was leaking from behind the turbo booster. As I was driving it yesterday, the car slowed to an almost complete stop on the interstate and a warning sign on the screen showed that it was overheating to a dangerous level. I immediately pulled over and allowed the car to cool down. I checked the coolant level and it was not very low at all, although I did add some coolant at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11601259, filed 2024-07Suspension: “I purchased this vehicle with 19K miles on July 31, 2020. I noticed on April 12, 2022, that there was a knocking noise coming from the left front suspension after leaving a Mazda dealership for an oil change. I called Mazda service and was told they only did an oil change. I have put 4 brand new tires and have replaced the front/back brakes, rotors and still hear noise going over uneven pavement. I brought it to my own mechanic twice and he hears the noise but informed me that he cannot order any suspension parts at all for Mazda CX9. …”
NHTSA complaint #11474277, filed 2022-07Mileage when problems were reported
80% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 40,069 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 2017 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 | 20 | 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 2017 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. 513 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 2017 Mazda CX-9?
Owners of this model year most often report coolant loss traced to a crack in the cylinder head on the turbocharged engine, frequently described as appearing with little or no warning before the temperature gauge climbs. The issues reported most often: Cracked cylinder head causing coolant loss and overheating; Coolant or oil leak reported as engine fluid loss; Fuel pump or fuel pressure fault causing stall or no-start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 43 complaints (70% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 9.
Has the 2017 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 2017 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 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 2017 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 33,500 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 40,069 miles; 80% 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.