VehicleVerdict

2015 Mazda CX-9 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is among the quieter years of the CX-9 on NHTSA's books: 45 complaints (42% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (18 of 45), far ahead of other at 9. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other CX-9 years?

See all CX-9 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Mazda CX-9 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1840%
Other920%
Transmission37%
Brakes37%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Electrical System24%
Lighting24%
Airbags24%
Seats12%
Steering12%
Fuel System12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2015 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V717000AirbagsOctober 12, 2018 · 155,436 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

16V203000SteeringApril 11, 2016 · 578 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Consequence

If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Water pump failed and leaked coolant into oil. Known issue by Mazda but they have failed to warn consumers. Repairs roughly 4000 dollars. Luckily I caught before engine failed due to lubricant dilution from coolant. Potentially a very dangerous flaw.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2023

I'VE HAD MY MAZDA FOR ONLY 3 YEARS. I WAS DRIVING UP THE HILL TOWARDS MY HOUSE TO PARK MY CAR AND IT JUST QUIT WORKING. IT SHUT OFF AND NOW IT WILL NOT START. NOW I'M STUCK PAYING $400 A MONTH FOR A CAR THAT DOESN'T EVEN WORK. IT'S VERY DISAPPOINTING. I THINK THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 12, 2019

MY BRAKE PEDDLE BEGAN HISSING AND MY VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP WHEN IN MOTION, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT WAS THE BRAKE BOOSTER WHICH IS A PROBLEM MAZDA HAS BEEN HAVING, BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN THE YEARS SPECIFIED IN THE WARRANTY EXTENTION. THE DEALERSHIP STATED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 23, 2018

I was driving into the highway and my vehicle just shut off. I was in the car with my children and I was scared that we were going to be rear ended. I had my mechanic look at the car and he advised me that the water pump leaked and the coolant leaked into the oil. I’m having another mechanic…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2021

The wiring harness on the headlight for my Mazda CX-9 has and continues to melt, causing the bulb to be useless. The only issue that will seem to correct this issue is installing new headlights. According to my research this is a problem that is common to Mazda CX-9 vehicles.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 12, 2021

2015 Mazda CX-9 — common questions

Is the 2015 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 45 NHTSA complaints, below the typical CX-9 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2015 CX-9 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), other (9 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2015 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Mazda CX-9. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-9 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-9 years to avoid are 2012, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2007. The cleanest record among CX-9 years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2015 Mazda CX-9?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Mazda CX-9 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.