2016 Mazda CX-9 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 141 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median CX-9 year — the 2016 model ranks #6 of 17 CX-9 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (67 of 141), far ahead of electrical system at 15.
141
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2016 compare to other CX-9 years?
What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-9 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67 | 48% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 15 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Driver Assistance | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“IMMEDIATELY UPON MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A VERY FAST PACE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. MY IMMEDIATE REACTION WAS TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT DID NOT STOP. THE CAR SLAMMED INTO A PLANTER IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR MOVED SO QUICKLY THAT IT…”
“IMMEDIATELY UPON MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A VERY FAST PACE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. MY IMMEDIATE REACTION WAS TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT DID NOT STOP. THE CAR SLAMMED INTO A PLANTER IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR MOVED SO QUICKLY THAT IT…”
“ONE MILE FROM HOME THE SMART BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION & FRONT RADAR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WAS DISPLAYED. CAR WAS SHAKING AND ACTING AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ACTIVE WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. CAR WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. PULLED OVER TO…”
“Our head gasket is needing to be replaced and sounds like this is an apparent Mazda problem how wide spread it is. The cost is over $5,000 for this single repair, possibly over $6,000 if head is cracked. I only have a parts list showing $1,700 in parts. Service manager said about 18 hours at $189hr…”
“MY MAZDA CX-9 RAN OUT OF GAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (ROUTE 90 IN BOSTON) AND THE GAS GAUGE READ HALF FULL. NO 'OUT OF GAS' LIGHT WENT ON AND RANGE (UNDER INFORMATION) SAID 191 MILES REMAINING. MY MAZDA DEALER TOLD ME THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE RESET (NOT DONE YET AS OF THIS WRITING). IT IS A MAJOR ISSUE…”
2016 Mazda CX-9 — common questions
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 141 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 17 CX-9 years. It is one of the CX-9 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2016 CX-9 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (67 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Mazda CX-9.
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.
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.