The Lemon Index2013 Mazda CX-9.
The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is about average by owner complaints: 26 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 85, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, 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 68 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-9 year. 2013 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 23K to 86K miles on the car (44 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- steering 2016
The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
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 319 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- 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
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.7L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
A truck swerved into my lane and I tried to brake. The pedal didn't immediately depress so I had to serve. Jumped a curb and hit a sign. More than $11,000 of damage. The brake is very difficult to depress quickly.
2013 Mazda CX-9 owner · NHTSA complaint 10885005
More owner reports
Lost control of vehicle coming down a ramp in a parking garage, causing me to strike pole in garage, or would have careened over 6th fl railing down 6 stories to street. Vehicle in motion.
NHTSA complaint 10781545
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
About 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 85; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-9 year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2013 Mazda CX-9 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (31%), brakes (27%) and airbags (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 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 2013 Mazda CX-9 get?
19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Mazda CX-9 safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Mazda CX-9 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 23,000 and 86,000 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 44 complaints.
Does the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Mazda CX-9 cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have?
3.7L 6-cyl.
What Mazda CX-9 year is better than the 2013?
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