Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mazda CX-9 model year (2007–2023) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid
1 recall · 131 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 152
3 recalls · 118 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 129
1 recall · 106 complaints
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 109
Best Mazda CX-9 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 9
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 14
0 recalls · 11 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 15
Found the right year? Verify that specific CX-9 with a free VIN report.
Mazda CX-9 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 11 | 2 | — | 15 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 7 | 1 | — | 9 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 28 | — | — | 28 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 12 | 1 | — | 14 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 43 | — | — | 46 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 91 | 4 | — | 102 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 0 | 47 | — | — | 47 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 70 | — | — | 70 | Caution |
| 2015 | 1 | 22 | 2 | — | 29 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 46 | — | — | 49 | Good |
| 2013 | 1 | 28 | 1 | — | 33 | Good |
| 2012 | 1 | 131 | 9 | — | 152 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 0 | 97 | — | — | 97 | Caution |
| 2010 | 1 | 106 | — | — | 109 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 3 | 33 | — | — | 42 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 118 | 1 | — | 129 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 2 | 48 | — | — | 54 | Caution |
All 17 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mazda CX-9 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2022Recent CX-9 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2022 stands out with just 9 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade CX-9 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder CX-9 models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year CX-9 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2012 Mazda CX-9 if possible. It has 1 recall, 131 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 152 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year CX-9 to buy?+
The 2022 Mazda CX-9 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 9. It has only 0 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CX-9 has the fewest problems?+
The 2022, 2020, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mazda CX-9 Research
Check a Specific Mazda CX-9 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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