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.

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 19 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-9 year. 2020 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.
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.
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

Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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