2021 Mazda CX-9 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-9 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 21 of its 40 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Engine (21 complaints, median 51,093 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. 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: 2019
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
- 40filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,093miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. The part named most often is engine, with 21 complaints (53% of the total), followed by other or unknown (6) and transmission and drivetrain (5). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,093 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 428 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 40 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 73 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. 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 50 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.
- Engine21 53%
- Other or unknown6 15%
- Brakes4 10%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.5%
- Air bags2 5.0%
- Electrical system2 5.0%
- Steering1 2.5%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The vehicle was parked stationary in the driveway with the engine running for 3-5 minutes with the A/C on. The vehicle then accelerated forward into my garage causing damage. Once I entered the vehicle, both the dash and shifter displayed park. Current TCU system internal failures have been reported from the pulling of data from Mazda.”
NHTSA complaint #11755863, filed 2026-08Other or unknown: “Rear passenger handle and hook above seat in roof splintered into sharp projectiles flying through cabin when air bag deplopyed I showed the sharp pieces to my insurance adjuster the power of the right curtain air bag deployment broke the handle to pieces and if anyone had been in the back seat they could have had an eye put out or been emplailed by the sharp pieces”
NHTSA complaint #11489125, filed 2022-10Transmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle is part of Mazda's 2021-2022 Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. The dealership had yet to call me in for the repair of said valve seal repair as I was on a list. The settlement is suppose to extend out the powertrain warranty on the vehicle 2 years/24,000 to 7 years/84,000. My vehicle has 60,083 miles on it. One of the cylinders on my vehicle lost compression. The dealership and Mazda both say they will not cover the cost for repair as they only are covering things in the powertrain relate to oil consumption. …”
NHTSA complaint #11665046, filed 2025-06Brakes: “As I was driving downhill with minimal snow on the ground, I tapped my brakes about 7 times before they locked up. I went to turn to stay on the road and the steering wheel wouldn't budge causing me to go off the road, into an embankment. Vehicle was going about 5-10mph when this occured on a city street.”
NHTSA complaint #11397703, filed 2021-02, 4,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 53,186 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 2021 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 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 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 2021 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
- 21V750000Sep 27, 2021Seats › Mid/rear assemblyCovers: Mazda CX-9 2020–2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
Recall details for the 2021 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. 428 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037900Sep 17, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Mazda Connected Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text.
- 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…
- 11037634Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any…
- 11037018Sep 4, 2026Exterior lighting, Engine, Other or unknown, Electrical…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the…
- 11037012Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no…
- 11037019Aug 19, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-039/26 06/15/26 Mazda Connect Symptom Troubleshooting DESCRIPTION Customers having MAZDA…
- 11037011Aug 19, 2026Electrical system, Wheels. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment…
- 11037010Aug 18, 2026Other or unknown. DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include…
- 11034448Jul 1, 2026Other or unknown, Engine, Electrical system. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-017/25 12/16/25, 09/08/25, 07/14/25, 05/15/25 and 03/21/25 DESCRIPTION Mazda Connect…
- 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…
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have?
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 21 complaints (53% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 6.
Has the 2021 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Mazda CX-9 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,093 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 53,186 miles; 50% 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.