Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21 | 53% | 53,000 miles |
| 2020 | 5 | 26% | 2,000 miles |
| 2019 | 23 | 43% | 63,000 miles |
| 2018 | 78 | 61% | 76,000 miles |
| 2017 | 43 | 70% | — |
| 2016 | 71 | 66% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 51% | 85,000 miles |
| 2014 | 20 | 37% | 81,000 miles |
| 2013 | 17 | 25% | 89,000 miles |
| 2012 | 26 | 12% | 58,000 miles |
| 2011 | 15 | 9% | 81,000 miles |
| 2010 | 21 | 13% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% | 120,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 4% | 120,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 6% | 97,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while accelerating quickly and entering the highway, there was no motive power to the vehicle. While crossing the highway in the right lane, driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle in front moved over; there was a parked vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle before causing a crash. The driver was starting to accelerate, but there was no motive power when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The smart brake system malfunction message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,186.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH or exceeding 60 MPH, the vehicle would lose motive power and stall without warning. The contact stated that he would coast to the side of the road and the vehicle would restart after 2-3 attempts and regain normal functionality. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
The vehicle will hesitate/stall while driving down the road. The vehicle has done this multiple times and has actually shut off on 2 different occasions while at a stop. on 2 occasions now the vehicle has not wanted to start. I have taken vehicle to Mazda dealership and they can never duplicate it. When they check for any codes, the vehicle computer does not give accurate times when happened. This last date I took it to them 6/9/25, the computer said it happened 4000 miles ago. The time before, I took it in the morning it happened, 5 min after it happened and the computer said it happened 10 starts ago. The last time, 6/9/25 they said they suspect fuel pump going bad, but until the vehicle gives a "check engine" light or dies all together they are not 100% sure. The vehicle is unsafe if it dies in the middle of the freeway/road with no warning to myself or the other vehicles around me. …
Some vehicles may have coolant leaks at the cylinder head around the exhaust manifold. There may be cracks at the stud bolt hole or at the outside of the exhaust manifold - from Mazda's TSB. Excessive coolant leak leading to engine-overheating and going into 'limp mode' couldn't drive faster than around 30 mph. Mazda has repeatedly declined help with goodwill requests and any further assistance. ref. https: [redacted]
The contact's husband owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a diagnostic test, she was informed that the head gasket was cracked, and fluids were leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the message "Excessive Engine Temperature - Engine Output Will be Limited" was displayed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,756.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started overheating within approximately 15 minutes of driving. The contact had to pull over and wait for a while to let the engine cool down before continuing to drive. The contact stated that there was a message that the engine was overheating and to stop driving the vehicle displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the cylinders due to a fracture in the cylinder head. The contact was unsure of the cylinders with the failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact found a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the cylinder head failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation under the engine compartment and on the top of the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the cylinder head and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-9 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (78), 2016 (71), 2017 (43), 2012 (26) and 2019 (23) model years. Engine complaints make up 61% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-9 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mazda CX-9 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-9 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system › pump (1 mentions), followed by the engine (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.