The Lemon Index2009 Mazda CX-9.
The 2009 Mazda CX-9 has too few complaints to score: 4 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about lights, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 17 to 18 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-9 year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 59 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Mazda CX-9 year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 48K to 125K miles on the car (39 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 45K–135K miles
Recalls 7
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 7 recalls
- airbags 2017
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment.
- suspension 2015
The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
- equipment 2009
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- electrical 2009
MAZDA IS RECALLING 30,600 MY 2007-2009 CX9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT WITH POSITION MEMORY FUNCTION.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 260 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dsc activation while turning at slow speeds
- Tpms warning light illumindated
- Clunk/bang noise during first forward movement after sitting
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLower ball joint separation2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2009 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 4 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2009 Mazda CX-9 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (50%), speed control (25%) and tires (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mazda CX-9 have?
7 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mazda CX-9 get?
17 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Mazda CX-9 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,000 and 125,000 miles. The middle report was at 85,000 miles, from 39 complaints.
Does the 2009 Mazda CX-9 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 Mazda CX-9 cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Mazda CX-9 have?
3.7L 6-cyl.
What Mazda CX-9 year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2022 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works