2019 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
31/100 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.
- 8 of its 53 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Coolant leaks, overheating, and cracked cylinder heads (20 complaints).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 53filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,500miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 most often describe coolant leaks, overheating messages, and cracked cylinder heads, and several describe engine replacement quotes. Other frequent reports describe infotainment screens with internal spider cracks, unexpected braking or camera and driver-assist faults, and front-end or electrical problems. Mileage is stated in only some complaints and ranges widely, and some engine warnings were absent or came and went.
- Engine
Coolant leaks, overheating, and cracked cylinder heads
- 20 complaints (38%)
- typically at 5.7 yrs old
- owner-quoted repair $12,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe coolant leaking from the engine, sometimes into the combustion chamber or onto the ground, with temperature warnings that come and go or never appear before damage occurs. Several complaints describe overheating, smoke from the tailpipe or exhaust, a loss of power, and a cracked cylinder head or head gasket found at inspection. According to complaints, dealers quoted engine replacement, and some owners say the manufacturer denied a claim or offered little help. Stated mileage ranges from about 30,000 to 124,000 miles, and some complaints say warnings were absent or came on only briefly.
What to check: Ask whether the coolant system, cylinder heads, and engine temperature history have been checked, and whether any cooling-related warranty extension applies to this VIN. On a test drive or inspection, look for coolant residue or leaks, check the temperature gauge and warning messages, and ask for a leak or compression test.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a coolant leak that I have not been able to locate. Despite replacing the radiator, the leak persists. When I contacted the dealer to inquire about estimates for changing the water pump and timing chain, they advised that it would be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine, which would require removing the existing engine at a starting cost of $5,000, with a new engine costing approximately $6,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11597741, filed 2024-06“Mazda has an open TSB Technical Service Bulletin for this and many other Mazda's with the same engine- TSB-Collant Leaks at Cylinder Heads, Bulletin # - 01-013/21 issued 10/15/21 (CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS) My 2019 Mazda is right here on the list: Mazda Dealer claims I have to replace the engine at a cost estimated at $12,000 us dollars no offer or solution to repair the cylinder head which is upward of $5,000.00 us dollars. cars under there warranty are covered. …”
NHTSA complaint #11564776, filed 2024-01 - Other or unknown
Infotainment screen internal spider cracks
- 12 complaints (23%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe internal spider cracks in the center display that cannot be felt by touch and spread over time, sometimes affecting the rear camera image or changing on their own. According to complaints, a dealer confirmed the problem in some cases, and the manufacturer has pointed to service alerts or extended coverage for earlier model years. Some owners say the manufacturer or dealer declined to repair or replace the display, citing warranty status or service history. Stated mileage is about 28,000 to 45,000 miles, and some owners say the cracks began in cold weather and kept growing.
What to check: Ask whether the center display has been inspected for internal cracks, and whether any service alert or Mazda Connect warranty extension applies to this VIN. On a test drive, check the display for cracks, distortion, or random changes, and confirm the rear camera image appears clearly in reverse.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Severe spider cracking on infotainment screen - the same as a recall for earlier Mazdas but worse than any of the pictures I've seen online. the entire left edge and both corners on the right side. It started when the weather turned cold in December 2022 and grew throughout the Winter. I'm worried it will continue to grow this Winter.”
NHTSA complaint #11558783, filed 2023-12“I entered my vehicle one day to find what looked to be cracks in the top left hand corner of my center display infotainment screen. However, they appeared to be internal and could not be felt. After doing some research, I came across Service Alert SA-008/18 from Mazda which covered this issue on 2016-2018 CX-9s, among other models. I also found a memo dated May 6, 2020, which detailed an extension of warranty service for these internal display cracks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11569260, filed 2024-02 - Back-over prevention (rear camera)
Unexpected braking or camera and driver-assist faults
- 11 complaints (21%)
- median 34,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe automatic braking that applied with no vehicle ahead, and front radar or camera warnings that appear every time the car starts. Some describe a backup camera image that froze or was distorted, and in a report the frozen image was followed by a collision with a parked car. A complaint describes lane assist disengaging and steering toward oncoming traffic, while the blind spot warning did not alert the driver. Stated mileage ranges from about 100 to 40,000 miles, and a front radar warning is described as appearing every time the car starts.
What to check: Ask whether the forward camera, radar, automatic braking, and backup camera have been scanned for stored codes and checked for software updates. On a test drive, confirm that driver-assist warnings stay off after startup and that the backup camera image is clear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the street with my foot in the gas going about 35mph. No cars in front or behind me. All of the sudden my car brakes for no reason. It was a hard brake. My foot was on the gas pedal when this happened. Then a bunch of warnings displayed on my screen: forward smart city brake malfunction, front camera sensor system malfunction, brake override system malfunction and smart brake malfunction. My check engine light, traction control light and parking brake light also came on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11513294, filed 2023-03“I was backing out of a parking spot while watching the backup camera when I felt a bump as if I hit something but the camera was showing I have enough space to the cars behind me. It turns out the backup camera image was frozen on the display and I had hit a car parked behind my car. Please investigate and make the manufacturer solve problems with the hardware or the software. Make sure the display shows a warning when the camera fails and the vehicle drives backwards. There may be children behind the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627211, filed 2024-11 - Suspension
Front suspension, steering, or axle parts failing
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 10,600 mi at 1.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe front-end noise from the control arms and ball joints that persists after repeated dealer visits, and the steering is described as looser than usual. Another report describes an aftermarket lower control arm failing during a hard brake, with loss of steering control and a wheel collapsing. A separate report describes a front axle fracture during a reverse parking maneuver, with a tie rod found failed. A clicking noise when turning the wheel is traced to a loose bolt in the steering column. Mileage is stated in only some of these complaints, including about 10,600 miles, and some complaints say the noise persisted after repeated dealer visits.
What to check: Ask whether the front suspension, steering column, and tie rods have been inspected, and whether any aftermarket suspension parts were installed. On a test drive over bumps and during low-speed turns, listen for clunks or clicks and check that the steering feels firm and centered.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2019 Mazda CX9 when you turn the steering wheel it makes a clicking noise. I brought car to a mechanic and was told there is a loose bolt in steering column. Mazda has a TSB bulletin on this issue TSB# 06-001/24 dated 01/23/2024. When I brought car to Palisades Mazda two other customers on line with me have the same issue. I looked on internet and found alot of people are having the same issue. Mazda is aware of this problem and it is a defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #11616793, filed 2024-09“The front end especially on the drivers side front suspension. The noise seems to be coming from the control arms and ball joints area. I have reported this to the dealership many times since purchasing the vehicle new. They continue to say that there is no issue but the noise is not going away. I believe it is associated with this TSB but no recall has been made. I am very concerned as the steering feels looser than usual and may cause an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11449850, filed 2022-02 - Electrical system
Electrical faults: shutdowns, no-start, or wipers
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 48,099 mi at 2.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe sudden shutdowns and no-start conditions after the car sat, and some report batteries replaced without a lasting fix. A report describes flames and smoke from the rear of the car after it was parked, following dashboard warning lights while idling. Another report describes windshield wipers turning on by themselves with the switch off. Stated mileage is about 56,000 to 61,000 miles, and several events happened while idling, after the car sat for a day, or in rain.
What to check: Ask whether the battery and charging system were tested with proper equipment, and whether any aftermarket devices were installed. On a test drive or inspection, confirm the dashboard warnings stay off, the wipers respond only to the switch, and the car starts reliably after sitting.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have been making repairs back to back since I bought it had to do four oil changes within that year then tires were completely worn electrical problems kept freezing spark plugs completely burnt discs were really rust car automatically turned off even though the battery is still good and still had gas had that happen twice and did more of a history search in it has had more complaints before every time try to take it to Mazda always be something with their system”
NHTSA complaint #11589375, filed 2024-05“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red light the dash board warning lights suddenly activated and illuminated and while driving the vehicle would not properly accelerate. Shortly after parking in the driveway and exiting the vehicle moments later flames and smoke was present coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The husband used water to extinguish the flames and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11477407, filed 2022-08, 61,000 miles
Buying note. For a 2019 CX-9, ask the seller for records of any coolant, cylinder head, or engine work, and whether any service alert or warranty extension for cylinder heads or the infotainment screen applies to the VIN. A pre-purchase inspection that checks coolant level and leaks, scans for temperature codes, and tests the center display and rear camera can help you judge the vehicle's condition.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 48 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 53 consumer complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-9. 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 79% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 394 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 31 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.
- Engine23 43%
- Other or unknown14 26%
- Electrical system7 13%
- Suspension4 7.5%
- Body and structure3 5.7%
- Brakes2 3.8%
Also reported: Fuel system (2), Steering (2), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The car has only 41k miles on it and the engine warning light came on. I had the car towed to Mazda and now it won’t start and it needs a new engine. (Which is on back order for months). It is covered under the powertrain warranty but does me no good if I’m without a vehicle, and making car payments on a vehicle that isn’t running.”
NHTSA complaint #11561805, filed 2023-12Other or unknown: “Mazda smart braking system, front radar warning lights come on after car is started. Windshield and front emblem is clean. No intense heat. Comes on every time when started. Will not allow cruise control to be set. Sometimes a funny brake pedal feel when applied but does not brake by itself....yet. There have been tsbs on earlier models with a replacement front camera(fsc) fix. My car does have the 'new' camera but is obviously not functioning properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11375991, filed 2020-11, 40,000 milesElectrical system: “Hi, I have a 2019 Mazda CX-9. It is a certified pre-owned vehicle we purchased in October 2020. Upon going out to our car yesterday, June 12th, 20212, I noticed that the top left of the center console screen appeared to be damaged. I was perplexed because the car was locked and it wasn't there previously. As I touched the screen, I realized that cracks/peeling were all internal within the screen. I immediately decided to Google the issue to see if others have had similar experiences, and I found dozens and dozens of examples. …”
NHTSA complaint #11469053, filed 2022-06Transmission and drivetrain: “2019 CX-9 GT, 30K miles, in August found coolant leaking under the car. This was 5 months past the warranty (but only 30K miles!). After doing research online, I found this is a massively common issue with all engines from several years encompassing 2019, where the coolant leaks due to a cracked cylinder head. There is a TSB from Mazda, which requires replacement of the engine, once the crack is developed. I immediately called Mazda corporate on 8/15/2024 and opened the case with them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11620217, filed 2024-10Mileage when problems were reported
79% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,600 and 40,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 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 | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| CX-9 · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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
- 21V875000Nov 12, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Mazda CX-9 2018–2019, CX-5 2018–2019, MX-5 2018–2019 +4 more
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to…
- 19V770000Oct 28, 2019Tires › Tread/beltCovers: Mazda CX-9 2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 CX-9 vehicles equipped with Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires, size P255/50R20 104V, having date code 1619. An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing…
Recall details for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 → · Check a 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. 394 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…
- 11030636Mar 11, 2026Engine. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being…
- 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…
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 2019 Mazda CX-9?
Owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 most often describe coolant leaks, overheating messages, and cracked cylinder heads, and several describe engine replacement quotes. The issues reported most often: Coolant leaks, overheating, and cracked cylinder heads; Infotainment screen internal spider cracks; Unexpected braking or camera and driver-assist faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 23 complaints (43% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 14.
Has the 2019 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Mazda CX-9 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Mazda CX-9 5 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 2019 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2019 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 2019 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,500 miles and the middle half falls between 10,600 and 40,000 miles; 79% 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.