The Lemon Index

All cars · Mazda CX-9

2020 Mazda CX-9.

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 8 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 1 recall, and it gets 23 to 24 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-9 year is 2017.

31Lemon Index · 100 = average car

One of the most reliable. 3.2× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2017 · Worst year 2012

Mazda CX-9
Photo shows a 2012 Mazda CX-9. Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints8first 3 years
Fuel economy23–24 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★★NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 19 owner complaints, owners reported:

1crashes
1injuries
0fires
1tows

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

engine25%
electrical25%
transmission & drivetrain12%
automatic emergency braking12%
body structure12%

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.

Transmission problems in every Mazda CX-9 year →

Recalls 1

  • seats 2021

    The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Mazda told dealers about

Mazda sent dealers 327 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the…
  • Guide lines and photos to determine if fluid/oil seepage or leak is severe enough to require…
  • One or more of the following noises from the front suspension: 1

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
NHTSA front crash test of the 2020 Mazda CX-9
Front crash test · NHTSA
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines

About $2700–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.

Quick answers

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-9 year by this measure is 2017.

What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-9 problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), electrical (25%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?

1 safety recall (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 get?

23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2020 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 2020 Mazda CX-9 have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 cost in fuel a year?

About $2700 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?

2.5L 4-cyl.

What Mazda CX-9 year is better than the 2020?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data