VehicleVerdict

2021 Mazda CX-9 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is among the quieter years of the CX-9 on NHTSA's books: 42 complaints (46% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 41% of all reports (17 of 42), far ahead of other at 6. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

42

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other CX-9 years?

CX-9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-9 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-9 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1740%
Other614%
Driver Assistance512%
Brakes410%
Transmission25%
Airbags25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Electrical System12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V750000SeatsSeptember 27, 2021 · 8,648 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“the vehicles experience excessive oil consumption because the defective valve stem seals allow engine oil to leak into the combustion chambers. This concern usually occurs when the mileage reaches approximately 2,000 – 3,000 miles (5,000 - 7,500km) and may also occur again after replacing or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2023

“REAR PASSENGER HANDLE AND HOOK ABOVE SEAT IN ROOF SPLINTERED INTO SHARP PROJECTILES FLYING THROUGH CABIN WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOPYED I SHOWED THE SHARP PIECES TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER THE POWER OF THE RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BROKE THE HANDLE TO PIECES AND IF ANYONE HAD BEEN IN THE BACK SEAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 6, 2022 · crash

“Backup camera shows three to four feet before red collision line is not accurate causing severe damage to my garage door.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 8, 2025 · crash

“AS I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL WITH MINIMAL SNOW ON THE GROUND, I TAPPED MY BRAKES ABOUT 7 TIMES BEFORE THEY LOCKED UP. I WENT TO TURN TO STAY ON THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD, INTO AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10MPH WHEN THIS OCCURED ON A CITY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 10, 2021 · crash

“REAR PASSENGER HANDLE AND HOOK ABOVE SEAT IN ROOF SPLINTERED INTO SHARP PROJECTILES FLYING THROUGH CABIN WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOPYED I SHOWED THE SHARP PIECES TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER THE POWER OF THE RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BROKE THE HANDLE TO PIECES AND IF ANYONE HAD BEEN IN THE BACK SEAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 6, 2022 · crash

2021 Mazda CX-9 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 42 NHTSA complaints, below the typical CX-9 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 CX-9 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), other (6 complaints), driver assistance (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.