VehicleVerdict

2018 Mazda CX-9 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 165 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median CX-9 year — the 2018 model ranks #5 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 45% of all reports (74 of 165), far ahead of other at 19. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

165

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other CX-9 years?

CX-9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted263 complaints2007: 121 complaints2008: 234 complaints2009: 66 complaints2010: 229 complaints2011: 209 complaints2012: 263 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 73 complaints2015: 45 complaints2016: 141 complaints2017: 78 complaints2018: 165 complaints2019: 70 complaints2020: 25 complaints2021: 42 complaints2022: 13 complaints2023: 17 complaints
CX-9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-9 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-9 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7445%
Other1912%
Electrical System159%
Transmission138%
Brakes117%
Driver Assistance95%
Fuel System85%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Seats32%
Steering32%
Airbags21%
Child Seat11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

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

21V875000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2021 · 121,038 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

19V403000Electrical SystemMay 30, 2019 · 7,854 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.

Consequence

The passenger frontal air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Inoperable turn signals prevent the driver from signaling to other drivers, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3419E.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Engine is leaking coolant apparently due to a cracked engine block caused by a manufacturing defect in the casting. Mazda has a Technical Service Bulletin, subject:Leaks at cylinder head and the number is 01-013/21. But they refuse to help cover their mistakes and now we owners are stuck with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 29, 2024

“I was resting my foot on my brake in the middle of sealed traffic and when I eased up to move forward when traffic my brakes did stop causing me to bump the car ahead of me. After that what came next was that my car then accelerated forward with my foot still on the brake. By then 2 other vehicles…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 13, 2022 · crash

“Passenger seat heater either had a grounding issue or shorted out, causing to seat to start smoldering and catching fire, destroying the seat. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this specific issue on this model in other years, but not for this model year.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 27, 2026 · fire

“Engine is leaking coolant apparently due to a cracked engine block caused by a manufacturing defect in the casting. Mazda has a Technical Service Bulletin, subject:Leaks at cylinder head and the number is 01-013/21. But they refuse to help cover their mistakes and now we owners are stuck with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 29, 2024

“I'M CONSTANTLY HAVE A FRONT WINDSHIELD ERROR : CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO JUST AUTOMATICALLY STOPING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND STREETS. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN I WAS I A ACCIDENT . I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES ALREADY AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE A DIFFERENT EXCUSE OR REASON”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 2020 · crash

2018 Mazda CX-9 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 165 complaints put the 2018 model at #5 of 17 CX-9 years. It is one of the CX-9 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 CX-9 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (74 complaints), other (19 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Mazda CX-9?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 earned an overall rating of 5 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.