2014
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Mazda CX-9

Unlock Ratings
Almost forgotten by car buyers, the Mazda CX-9 provides a pleasant three-row SUV alternative. Agile handling that masks its size is a nice surprise, as a run down a twisty back road will attest. The ride is firm and steady, proving comfortable on a variety of roads and the quiet cabin contributes to a calm cruise.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2014
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Mazda CX-9

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Poor
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014
2015
NA
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW standard from 2018.
Road Test

Almost forgotten by car buyers, the Mazda CX-9 provides a pleasant three-row SUV alternative. Agile handling that masks its size is a nice surprise, as a run down a twisty back road will attest. The ride is firm and steady, proving comfortable on a variety of roads and the quiet cabin contributes to a calm cruise. The well-finished and functional interior accommodates seven, and even the third-row seat is hospitable compared to most other crossovers. Reliability is above average for this long-running design.

Having been introduced back in 2007, with only minor updates since, the CX-9 is showing its age. There's ample power from the smooth and refined 3.7-liter V6, but its thirsty 16 mpg overall only matches much-larger modern-day leviathans like the Chevrolet Suburban. Most midsized rivals get three to five mpg better. Newer designs also trump the CX-9 in the IIHS small-overlap crash test; the CX-9's Poor performance makes it ineligible for our formal recommendation.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 3.7-liter V6 (273 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Mazda CX-9 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Terrible, terrible entertainment system implementation. A HUGE step backwards from our 2007 model. IPOD and telephone integration is terrible"

Edward D., NC (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Playback through USB stick is very inconsistent"

Anonymous, LA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"usb port does not work. Mazda wanted $360 to fix"

Anonymous, DE (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"The in-dash nav system is practically useless. The default map is tiny and has no street names. When I tried to pair my phone (multiple times) to the music and nav system, it kept flipping back and forth, losing the connection to the phone and was very annoying. We've tried it with multiple phones and always the same problem. Eventually gave up. Also a few years back when Mazda did a system upgrade, the map thought we were in Times Square all the time (we're in California). The dealership did re-set it when we complained. However, the nav system is not very useful. When you zoom in to actually see street names, it will only stay zoomed for a few seconds. It's dangerous to have to keep fiddling with it while driving."

Anonymous, (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Settings of Tom Tom not as intuitive as stand alone Garmin system. Some display functions not there; lockout function prevents passenger from using the unit"

Anonymous, NJ (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Tom Tom supplied GPS was FREQUENTLY LOST and gave grossly incorrect directions. This nav system does not include a COMPASS !!!!!!!"

James S., NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"OEM TomTom navigation system is inferior to a $125 Garmin from Costco"

Edward D., NC (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"The GPS is unreliable. It sometimes does not go to the right address and frequently the display starts going sideways. It's very frustrating because we paid an extra $1,000 for the GPS and we end up not being able to use it"

Stuart S., NJ (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

"ditto what I said before: I lumped this issue with my previous comments"

Anonymous, (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Unit did not work and was replaced by dealer"

Anonymous, NJ (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Bluetooth would fail to initialize when switching on ignition and then would not pair"

Anonymous, IA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Quirky pairing....inconsistencites, won't process text messages the way it is supposed to"

Anonymous, LA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"just never stopped squeaking nor rattles could not find cause, but more than just a distraction."

Anonymous, PA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

"makes a rattling noise at start up, dealer has been unable to identify cause"

Anonymous, IN (2014 Mazda CX-9 Sport 3.7-L V6)

"Heat shield rattle that can't be completly quited"

Anonymous, IN (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Rattle from engine compartment when starting a cold engine"

Anonymous, WA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"The breaks squeak when I go in reverse first thing in the morning. The dealer says this is normal and not a problem with the breaks but it seems odd. I've never had this happen with a car before. If it is normal for a mazda, it's not a good thing"

Michael C., NJ (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)
Wind noise

"Excess wind noise around driver and passenger side windows at speeds greater than 40-45mph"

Anonymous, MI (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"It's a combination of wind and road noise at highway speeds, the car is simply not a quiet ride, but we knew about it and the excellent performance of the vehicle more than makes up for the noise"

Anonymous, CA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Sport 3.7-L V6)
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Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Differential

"The transfer case was leaking. It was replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)
Driveline vibration

"Consistent rattling sound from drivetrain when slowly accelerating from stop"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
Driveshaft or axle

"Right front bearing failed at 12,000 miles, replaced under warranty"

Samuel W., VA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
Traction control

"was not working, would not work"

Anonymous, PA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)
Transfer case

"Consistent rattling from drivetrain of vehicle. Dealer has replaced transfer case twice but sound persists"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

"Transfer case made noise. Was told it was going bad. Mazda replaced it"

Anonymous, VA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Vehicle has a tendency to drift or pull to the left. This seems to be a problem with some CX9's going back to at least 2007. Dealer tried to fix the problem by tweaking the alignment and rotating the tires. Vehicle still drifts left and a slight righ"

James S., WA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
Ball joints

"Recalled to replace front ball joints"

Anonymous, AL (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Glass defects

"large crack in the windshield. will need total replacement"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)
Heated or cooled seat controls

"Sometimes, seat doesn't get warm when heater is turned on"

Anonymous, KY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"The rear brakes occasionally made noises, then the calipers got stuck on both rear brakes. This required a 5 hour delay in a road trip to replace the calipers at 30,000 miles."

Aviv H., MA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)
Premature brake wear

"The brakes become less and less effective in this car over time this is happened on both models this when we least and off the last one at leased"

Anonymous, NY (2014 Mazda CX-9 Sport 3.7-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"Front blower motor failed. Replaced motor myself."

Anonymous, MA (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Two weeks and two thousand miles after the 100,000 mile tune up when the dealership required a radiator flush and refill, the engine light came on They told my wife the engine was shot because this was shot and this was and this and this and it would cost 9,500 for a new engine. She ask about what about Mazda or the Dealership and what they were going since it was just two weeks since they had done all this work on the. Car and a Mazda should last longer than 100,000 miles. The GM talked to both of us separately and together saying they would give us 750 for being loyal Mazda buyer's since that was our fourth Massah on a new 2020 CX-9@ 45,500. We said we didn't want another Mazda this was the beginning of February and they are still sending me text messages!"

Anonymous, MD (2014 Mazda CX-9 Touring 3.7-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint chips on the car frequently."

Anonymous, DE (2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 3.7-L V6)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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