The Lemon Index2018 Mazda CX-9.
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is better than average by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 56, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 23 to 24 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-9 year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 128 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-9 year. 2018 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 10K to 67K miles on the car (16 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- electrical 2019
The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
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 470 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Due to a change in the 2017 Mazda3, Mazda6 and 2018 CX-9 A-pillar wiring harness, the EC…
- Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0171 (Fuel Trim too Lean) and possibly DTCs
- Lack of power
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving the vehicle the car to an abrupt stop and I had no control. The dashboard lit up with all types of warnings and heat was coming from the front of the car.
2018 Mazda CX-9 owner · NHTSA complaint 11142801
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 56; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-9 year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-9 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (38%), electrical (31%) and engine (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 get?
23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda CX-9 year is better than the 2018?
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