The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Engine (3), Fuel Propulsion System (2).
CX-9 reliability snapshot
78/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$539
Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg
#1/14
Ranking in midsize SUV · better than 93% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Mazda CX-9 before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System4
Engine3
Fuel Propulsion System2
Power Train2
Air Bags1
Back Over Prevention1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Mazda CX-9
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect for excessive oil consumption; check oil levels after 3,000 miles
☐Check for coolant leaks around the cylinder head and signs of overheating
☐Test for uncommanded engine acceleration by braking and observing engine response
☐Verify that all warning lights are off and test drive to check for loss of power or stalling
☐Inspect infotainment screen for 'spider cracks' and opacity issues
☐Test the vehicle's acceleration and braking systems for any malfunctions or warning messages
What owners reported
2020 Mazda CX-9 owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report multiple electrical issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9. A common problem involves the information screen developing "spider cracks," which become opaque and unreadable; some dealers quote repair costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Another frequent issue is the vehicle displaying warnings such as "smart brake system malfunction" and "front radar system malfunction," leading to a loss of acceleration and requiring a complete vehicle restart to clear the warnings. Additionally, several owners describe incidents where the vehicle suddenly loses power or shuts off entirely while driving, posing a safety risk as the car becomes unresponsive in traffic. These issues reportedly occur without warning and have been observed during normal driving conditions, with some owners experiencing them over a period of at least a year.
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners report several issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-9's engine. Excessive oil consumption is noted, with one owner needing to add a quart of oil in less than 3,000 miles. Another complaint highlights a coolant leak at the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold, leading to engine overheating and the vehicle entering 'limp mode,' restricting speed to about 30 mph. Additionally, there is a report of uncommanded engine acceleration while braking, which required the driver to increase brake pressure and shift to neutral to stop the vehicle. These issues are noted at varying mileages and could have safety implications, particularly the uncommanded acceleration incident.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 report issues related to the fuel and propulsion system, with a focus on fuel pump and injector problems. Common symptoms include the vehicle running rough, excessive sputtering, and failing to exceed speeds of 20 mph, sometimes stalling completely. These issues are accompanied by multiple warning lights and a sensation of the vehicle being starved for fuel. One complaint outlines a timeline of repeated repairs, including fuel injector and throttle body replacements, yet the problems persist. Safety implications are noted, as one vehicle stopped in the middle of the road, posing a hazard. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and the need for ongoing repairs.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-9 report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including vehicle overheating and the display of a power reduction message. One owner describes persistent overheating, accompanied by white smoke at startup, which a mechanic attributes to a potential coolant leak at the cylinder head. Another complaint involves a fuel cap light activating at approximately 14,000 miles, leading to vehicle jerking and vibrating at stops, which was resolved by replacing a leaking charcoal box. These issues arise within the first year of ownership and may involve additional repair costs, but no crashes, fires, or loss of vehicle control are reported.
2020 CX-9 recalls (1)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 CX-9. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEATS, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V750000Sep 27, 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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
2020 Mazda CX-9 on the road
27,638 2020 Mazda CX-9 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 Mazda CX-9 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 demonstrates solid reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. With just one recall, the recall count is limited, suggesting robust initial quality control. Complaints are relatively few and dispersed across various systems, indicating no single systemic issue dominating owner reports.
The distribution of complaints across the electrical system, engine, and other areas suggests that while issues are present, they are not concentrated in one particular aspect of the vehicle. This spread implies that while potential problems may arise, they are not likely to be severe or frequent enough to significantly impact overall reliability.
Overall, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 presents a low to moderate risk for buyers seeking a reliable midsize SUV.
What you get in a 2020 Mazda CX-9 report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2020 Mazda CX-9 now
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2020 Mazda CX-9 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 demonstrates solid reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. With just one recall, the recall count is limited, suggesting robust initial quality control. Complaints are relatively few and dispersed across various systems, indicating no single systemic issue dominating owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?
1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-9 problems?
The most-reported 2020 Mazda CX-9 problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Engine (3), Fuel Propulsion System (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Mazda CX-9?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Mazda CX-9, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
