Best and worst Mazda CX-9 years — which to avoid

Since 2006, the CX-9 has been one of Mazda’s best-selling compact SUV models, and if you are in the market for buying one, you’ll want to know just how reliable it is. We hate to disappoint you, but not all of the years are equally dependable, so it’s crucial to know about the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a decent model, you just need to know where to look. Our team of experts will elaborate on the differences that set apart the best and worst Mazda CX-9 years based on NHTSA’s logs, driver feedback and complaints, and official recalls issued by Mazda to help you identify the bad years and their problems.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Mazda CX-9 years

While ranking the Mazda CX-9 years on best and worst, our team wanted to give you factual details and explain which models you should target and which ones to steer away from. We did it by only relying on prominent automotive sources and verified information found on NHTSA, Edmunds, Car Complaints, and Consumer Reports.

We united our findings on both driver experiences and proven data obtained from driving safety organizations, and here’s how we applied those to rank the CX-9 models:

Most common Mazda CX-9 problems

Owners of CX-9s appear to adore them, and it can be difficult to find a secondhand one. Even the best cars can break down, raising a nagging question in the back of your mind regarding their dependability.

Throughout its 16-year production run, the Mazda CX-9 hasn’t experienced many repetitive issues, but things like that happen so it’s vital to stay informed on recorded cases.

1. Brake problems

The most frequent brake problems are forceful braking or a soft or loose brake pedal. There have been complaints concerning the brake power boost unit’s poor performance and early braking wear.

According to reports, these brake problems can arise at any mileage; some started before 50k miles, while others started having them after reaching over 90k miles. The typical cost of repairs is $1,200. Most complaints centered on the 2012 Mazda CX-9’s brakes.

2. Engine problems

The last thing any driver or car owner wants to deal with is engine issues. In addition to being expensive to fix, they can result in tragic unforeseen events while driving. Numerous Mazda CX-9 owners and drivers have voiced concerns with the SUV’s engine.

Faulty water pumps, coolant leaks, ignition coils, and total engine failure are often reported problems. Also, some drivers have complained about symptoms of rod knock, especially when it comes to CX-9 models equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine.

Additionally, the head gaskets on the 2008 and 2013 Mazda CX-9 are flimsy; they split easily, allowing coolant to leak out. Engine issues with the Mazda CX-9 are expected to cost $4,000 to fix.

3. Transmission problems

Indeed, there haven’t been a lot of complaints about transmission problems with Mazda CX-9s, but there have been enough to warrant mention. Transfer case failure is the most frequent issue, with the Mazda CX-9 transmission transfer case receiving the most complaints from SUV owners. Along with the symptoms of a bad transfer case, drivers have also reported harsh gear shifts and shuddering.

The most frequent transmission- and drivetrain-related issue on the Mazda CX-9 from 2011 and 2012 is transfer case/differential failure.

4. Electrical/internal accessories problems

The Mazda CX-9 SUV has numerous internal accessories, all powered by the electrical current produced by the vehicle’s battery. Owners of the Mazda CX-9 claim that most of the inside components malfunction after a while, typically after 15,000 miles.

Infotainment issues, GPS issues, bad alternators, and dead car batteries are among the most frequent issues reported by Mazda CX-9 owners. Most users found that changing the battery resolved their problems, while a few others required repairs that cost, on average, $700.

Worst Mazda CX-9 years to avoid

If you’re looking to purchase a dependable used SUV, you have a variety of Mazda CX-9 models to choose from. They give you the required interior space, comfort, and handling. Additionally, they only require a little maintenance and repairs.

However, there are a few years you ought to steer clear of while hunting for a Mazda CX-9, so we often get one particular question – what are the worst Mazda CX-9 years? The worst Mazda CX-9 years are 2008 and 2012, but here’s a complete overview:

• 2008
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2016

All of these model years should be avoided if possible, and we’ll also let you know exactly why that’s the case for those particular model years:

First-generation Mazda CX-9 (2008 and 2010-2013 model years)

Car reviewers and consumers alike were pleased with the CX-9 when it was first introduced in 2007. However, the 2008 version of this Mazda SUV had many problems. The broken water pump is the primary reason we wouldn’t recommend buying it. This model has a history of water pump failures, eventually leading to engine failure.

Since it typically manifests around 100,000 miles, Mazda failed to discover this technical defect immediately. Additionally, people had to deal with a variety of engine issues as well as common problems like airbags, suspension, and handling problems. Premature brake wear was frequent, and the brakes had a firm pedal.

Despite the positive reviews for the 2009 model, the 2010 Mazda CX-9 was similar to the 2008 version because many of the same problems remained. In particular, the water pump would eventually fail after 100,000 miles of driving.

Furthermore, brake failure was another issue with the 2010 CX-9. Owners of the cars complained that their brakes would become stiff and unreliable after about 100,000 kilometers. Brake difficulties, engine failure, and a broken water pump present more than enough reasons not to purchase the 2010 Mazda CX-9.

Even though it appeared Mazda had finally found a solution to the infamous water pump problems that the earlier versions suffered. However, the CX-9 had a fresh set of difficulties and reliability issues with the 2011 Mazda cx-9.

Sadly, Mazda did not address many of the fundamental flaws with the 2011 CX-9, and many of the same faults are still present in the 2012 model. Many 2012 CX-9s experienced unstable performance due to brake issues, the same as the previous year.

The company worked very hard to address the problems with the Mazda CX-9 after the 2012 accident. The 2013 Mazda CX-9, however, continued to have troubles while having half as many as the 2012 model.

The brake booster was still malfunctioning, putting everyone on the road in danger. It was the most serious problem facing the company. The airbags kept deploying, and there was a recall in 2011 to sort out this issue and prevent harm to drivers and passengers.

Second-generation Mazda CX-9 (2016 model year)

The second generation of the Mazda CX-9 is generally considered top-tier, with excellent reviews from drivers and critics alike.

However, there were a few issues with the 2016 CX-9 model. The brakes would frequently begin to fail early on, which was the most typical problem observed. Some drivers said their disc brakes had considerably degraded after just 20,000 miles. Drivers would discover it within the first two years after purchasing their 2016 CX-9, which is astonishingly early.

What are the best Mazda CX-9 years to buy?

The Mazda CX-9 has always been a reliable SUV, despite a few mediocre model years. As a result, if you want to buy a dependable SUV, you can do so by purchasing a Mazda CX-9 from one of the following model years:

• 2007
• 2009
• 2014
• 2015
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020

The Mazda CX-9 of 2018 paved the way for the 2019 model. It has four trim levels, excellent handling, a powerful engine, and numerous innovative active safety technologies, such as blind-spot recognition and intelligent brake support, as standard equipment.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a fantastic vehicle, and both owners and drivers agree on that. It has a responsive drivetrain and is simple to operate. Furthermore, some trims’ interiors are luxurious, improving their comfort.

2019 Mazda CX-9

Due to excellent owners’ feedback, the 2019 CX-9 made it into the manufacturer’s history books as one of the most reliable SUVs out there. It set a foundation for flowing models that also didn’t have many issues, especially related to the engine and its cooling which was refreshing after the downfall of the few initial first-gen models.

This time around, Mazda made sure to use new technology and SkyActive engines that proved to be reliable, and there weren’t any cases of engine rebuilds or rod knock as with the first-gen’s DiSi Turbo engine. The transmission also proved to be reliable and sturdy, making this one a great used family SUV.

Is the Mazda CX-9 worth buying? 

Although the CX-9 from Mazda had some disappointing years, most users concur that it is a fantastic midsize SUV that is dependable and worth purchasing. Apart from those problematic years, which you are advised to avoid, the CX-9 is a good car overall.

Almost any second-generation Mazda CX-9 should be fine to purchase in general. But some years stand out above others.

So, you should always correctly inspect any used car you plan to purchase for any potential flaws.

Leveraging firsthand accounts from drivers and exhaustive research, our explorations into the Toyota Highlander years to avoid, Ford Explorer years to avoid, Honda Pilot years to avoid, spotlight the years to give a miss.