The Lemon Index2011 Mazda CX-9.
The 2011 Mazda CX-9 is better than average by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 82, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-9 year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 170 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-9 year. 2011 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 53K to 103K miles on the car (137 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 52K–97K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 52K–110K miles
Recalls 4
- 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
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- suspension 2015
The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
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 296 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Clunk/bang noise during first forward movement after sitting
- Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle
- One or more of the following concerns: engine surging concern when the vehicle
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedInadvertent curtain air bag deployment2019–2021
- ClosedLower ball joint separation2015
- ClosedBrake booster failure2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Our 2011 cx 9 brakes are failing. The power brake booster will at times not work making the brakes very hard to depress and without the ability to quickly and safely stop the car.
2011 Mazda CX-9 owner · NHTSA complaint 10575714
More owner reports
Without warning, the brakes failed. They seemed locked to the floor, impossible to press. No signal indicators no warning. Just suddenly no brakes. Very critical problem and accidents involving loss of life is probable.
NHTSA complaint 10610085
Brakes makes a hissing sound when you step on it and it is hard. Updated 03/4/2015
NHTSA complaint 10609106
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 82; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-9 year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2011 Mazda CX-9 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (79%), transmission & drivetrain (9%) and traction control system (3%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda CX-9 have?
4 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 2011 Mazda CX-9 get?
19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Mazda CX-9 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 53,300 and 103,000 miles. The middle report was at 74,000 miles, from 137 complaints.
Does the 2011 Mazda CX-9 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Mazda CX-9 cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Mazda CX-9 have?
3.7L 6-cyl.
What Mazda CX-9 year is better than the 2011?
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