The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (17), Unknown Or Other (4), Power Train (2).
CX-9 reliability snapshot
77/100
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.
Engine17
Unknown Or Other4
Power Train2
Service Brakes2
Air Bags2
Back Over Prevention1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 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.
☐Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil level and checking for low oil warning lights
☐Verify completion of any valve stem seal repairs under the class action settlement
☐Inspect brakes for persistent clicking or squeaking noises, even after recent replacements
☐Test the airbag system functionality and inspect for any previous deployment issues
☐Ensure the vehicle does not exhibit unexpected acceleration or loss of power during test drives
What owners reported
2021 Mazda CX-9 owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 6 crashes and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints17
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2021 Mazda CX-9 frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with many noting the need to add approximately one quart of oil every 2,500 to 3,500 miles. Complaints often mention the low oil warning light activating and the discovery of low oil levels upon inspection. Some owners attribute the issue to defective valve stem seals, as referenced in technical service bulletins and a class action lawsuit. The majority of these issues are reported around 10,000 to 50,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents such as crashes or fires are described, the potential for engine damage or failure due to oil loss is a concern for owners. This information is particularly relevant for used car buyers considering this model.
Owner complaints4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 report several issues related to vehicle malfunction and unexpected behavior. Multiple complaints describe sudden vehicle stops due to malfunctions in systems such as i-ACTIVESENSE, Dynamic Stability Control, and the engine, with incidents occurring at least twice for one owner. Another owner reports excessive oil consumption beginning after the first oil change. Additionally, there are concerns about the vehicle's auto-locking feature, which can engage unexpectedly, potentially locking occupants or items inside without warning. These issues present potential safety risks, including the risk of collisions from sudden stops and the danger of being unable to access the vehicle in emergencies.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 report issues related to the powertrain, specifically involving cylinder compression loss and unintended acceleration. One complaint involves a loss of compression in a cylinder, attributed to a valve stem seal issue, with the owner noting this occurred at approximately 60,083 miles. Another complaint describes the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating forward while in reverse, resulting in a crash that caused injury, with no prior warning indicators or brake assist activation. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and injury risk, particularly in parking scenarios. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially regarding the valve stem seal settlement and its coverage limitations.
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 report persistent issues with the service brakes. One complaint describes ongoing clicking and squeaking noises from the brakes, even after replacement of both front and rear brakes and rotors at around 22,000 miles, with the issue persisting up to 49,000 miles. Another report details a failure of the brakes to maintain pressure during a hard stop, leading to a crash when the brakes unexpectedly released. This incident also involved a failure of the driver's side airbag to deploy. The complaints highlight potential safety risks, including a crash due to brake malfunction, and suggest that these issues may persist despite dealer interventions.
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 report issues with airbag deployment in crash scenarios. One complaint describes a frontal collision at 10-20 mph where the driver-side airbag failed to deploy, rendering the vehicle undrivable post-collision. Another report highlights that during an airbag deployment, the right curtain airbag caused the rear passenger handle and hook to splinter into sharp projectiles, posing a risk to occupants. These incidents involve crashes, indicating potential safety implications with the airbag system. Such reports may be relevant for used car buyers considering the safety performance of the airbag system in this model.
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 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.
2021 Mazda CX-9 on the road
34,493 2021 Mazda CX-9 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 demonstrates solid reliability with a score of 77 out of 100, surpassing the segment average of 71. This indicates that the vehicle performs well in comparison to its peers, offering a dependable option for potential buyers. The recall count is limited, suggesting minimal widespread systemic issues.
Complaints are relatively few, with a notable concentration in engine-related concerns. This may point to a specific area requiring attention, but the overall distribution of issues across other categories is sparse. As the model is in its sixth year of the current generation, design and manufacturing processes are likely well-refined, contributing to its above-average reliability.
Overall, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 presents a low to moderate risk for buyers, aligning with expectations for a vehicle in its class and generation.
What you get in a 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 now
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2021 Mazda CX-9 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 demonstrates solid reliability with a score of 77 out of 100, surpassing the segment average of 71. This indicates that the vehicle performs well in comparison to its peers, offering a dependable option for potential buyers. The recall count is limited, suggesting minimal widespread systemic issues.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have?
1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-9 problems?
The most-reported 2021 Mazda CX-9 problem areas are: Engine (17), Unknown Or Other (4), Power Train (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Mazda CX-9?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Mazda CX-9, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
