Owners have filed 142 complaints
about the 2016 Mazda CX-9 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 66
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-9. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 89
52% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
715.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
817.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1839.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
817.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
36.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2016peak 8Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Mazda CX-9
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016152220 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle may not have been tightened properly during the manufacturing process. Over time, this could cause the strut assembly to separate from the knuckle, resulting in a loss of steering control which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction : Dealers will inspect and replace the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle if found loose.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Milton, MAFire
SEATS
My seat warmer caught fire and burnt a hole through the seat.
NHTSA complaint #11582514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My seat warmer caught fire and burnt a hole through the seat.
NHTSA complaint #11582514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesOAK Creek, WI1 injured
POWER TRAIN
DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH MINIMAL SLOPE, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND EXITED. DRIVER PROCEEDED TO REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO RETRIEVE 1 YEAR OLD FROM CAR SEAT. AFTER RETRIEVING CHILD FROM CAR SEAT, DRIVER FELT REAR PASSENGER DOOR PUSHING INTO HER LEG, BACK AND HEAD. VEHICLE PROCEEDS TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY BACKWARD WHILE IN PARK. DRIVER AND CHILD ESCAPE VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, WHICH IS PUSHING THEM ALONG IN THE VEHICLE'S PATH TOWARD RESIDENTIAL STREET. VEHICLE CONTINUES ROLLING IN PARK BACKWARD DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET, THROUGH A 3-WAY STOP INTERSECTION, UP A CURB, THROUGH A YARD AND INTO A BUSH ON A PRIVATE PROPERTY. A WITNESS WHO HELPED RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER NOTED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK WHEN HE TRIED TO REMOVE IT FROM THE BUSH. NO ONE WAS SEVERELY INJURED BUT DRIVER HAS SUSTAINED BRUISING ON LEG AND SEVERE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.
NHTSA complaint #11268666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesOAK Creek, WI1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY WITH MINIMAL SLOPE, SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND EXITED. DRIVER PROCEEDED TO REAR PASSENGER DOOR TO RETRIEVE 1 YEAR OLD FROM CAR SEAT. AFTER RETRIEVING CHILD FROM CAR SEAT, DRIVER FELT REAR PASSENGER DOOR PUSHING INTO HER LEG, BACK AND HEAD. VEHICLE PROCEEDS TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY BACKWARD WHILE IN PARK. DRIVER AND CHILD ESCAPE VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, WHICH IS PUSHING THEM ALONG IN THE VEHICLE'S PATH TOWARD RESIDENTIAL STREET. VEHICLE CONTINUES ROLLING IN PARK BACKWARD DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET, THROUGH A 3-WAY STOP INTERSECTION, UP A CURB, THROUGH A YARD AND INTO A BUSH ON A PRIVATE PROPERTY. A WITNESS WHO HELPED RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER NOTED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK WHEN HE TRIED TO REMOVE IT FROM THE BUSH. NO ONE WAS SEVERELY INJURED BUT DRIVER HAS SUSTAINED BRUISING ON LEG AND SEVERE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.
NHTSA complaint #11268666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesHigh Springs, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS T-BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MAZDA CX9 AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK ON MY MAZDA.OTHER VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID GO OFF.I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN OTHER CAR PLOWED INTO MINE.
NHTSA complaint #11149815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesHigh Springs, FLCrash2 injured
SUSPENSION
I WAS T-BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF MY MAZDA CX9 AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK ON MY MAZDA.OTHER VEHICLE AIR BAGS DID GO OFF.I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN OTHER CAR PLOWED INTO MINE.
NHTSA complaint #11149815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Euless, TX
ENGINE
Engine revs or surges while in park, possibly faulty throttle box
NHTSA complaint #11757879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olympia, WA
ENGINE
The cylinder head (which involves the engine cooling system) has a known manufacturer defect that affects all year/models of the Mazda CX-9 with turbo. The manufacturing defect poses a risk to motor vehicle safety in a group of vehicles or equipment of the same design and/or manufacturer. Specifically, the overheating and failure of the engine can occur at any time, without warning. This puts my family at risk of being stranded on a roadway, particularly because my car is often driven in rural areas. The manufacturing defect is significant and is acknowledged by Mazda: Mazda has offered owners a voluntary, limited, warranty extension (CSP11) of 10 years or 120,000 miles. The voluntary warranty extension is not sufficient because it is limited in duration while the safety risk can happen at any time after the warranty extension expires. The warranty extension essentially only applies to about half of the expected lifetime of the car. NHTSA should determine that a recall and repair should be issued by Mazda that does not expire. The engine is defective, poses a safety hazard, and Mazda has fixed the engine for subsequent models (starting in 2021), so a repair is available.
NHTSA complaint #11734209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FL
ENGINE
I own a 2016 Mazda CX9 Touring FWD (180k miles). Today my car was diagnosed with cracked cylinder head, resulting in coolant and oil leak from the head gasket. While there is a class action settlement about it where Mazda accepted the manufacturing defect, they do not cover the engine repair/cylinder head replacement because my car's mile is over 120k. If it is a manufacturing defect, why year/mile make a difference on the responsibility of the manufacturer? Mazda obviously sold defect vehicles to their customers, and driving these vehicles under this condition is very dangerous! Now, they are expecting me to pay more than $10,000 for a vehicle priced around $6,000!
NHTSA complaint #11706610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanton, TX
ENGINE
In June of 2022 I started having a strong antifreeze/engine coolant smell inside the cab of my vehicle and also outside the vehicle. I had the car checked for a radiator leak, but there wasn’t one. I took my car into my local Mazda where they found that the engine coolant was leaking into the heads of the engine. Mazda kept my car for 5 months and repaired the problem, it cost me $4000 and they had added a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty for the parts. My car is a 2016 Mazda cx-9 at the time of the repair it had 70,430 miles on it. Now a few years later I am having the same issue with the coolant smell inside the cab and outside my vehicle, it goes into the shop for diagnosis on Monday November 10,2025. The car now has 118,000 miles on it. I had purchased an extended warranty for the car at the time of purchase but it had timed out a month before I took my car in for the first repair….please Mazda stand behind your vehicles I am a senior woman with very little income and I will not be able to pay out of pocket for this repair and I CANNOT afford a new car… I would like to get reimbursed for my out of pocket on the first repair and get my car repaired this time as well under a warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11697196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Habra, CA
ENGINE
Cylinder head crack. Combustion gasses leaking into coolant causing overheat. Combustion gasses bleeding into oil causing excessive crankcase pressure.
NHTSA complaint #11695620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesOrlando, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact was able to get to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and became aware that there was coolant splattered all over the engine compartment. The failure had occurred twice. The “WRENCH” symbol was displayed with the “Service Vehicle” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the coolant pump and water pump were leaking, and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer opened for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11687565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Smart City Break Malfunction warning light appears while driving. Simultaneously the tire pressure warning appears. Also, at the same time, the temperature reads -20 to -40 degrees. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Fearful that car could randomly break while driving putting myself and family in danger since there is a malfunction. Mazda service center says the problem can’t be reproduced so there’s nothing they can do. The problem seems to appear when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
NHTSA complaint #11656449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smart City Break Malfunction warning light appears while driving. Simultaneously the tire pressure warning appears. Also, at the same time, the temperature reads -20 to -40 degrees. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Fearful that car could randomly break while driving putting myself and family in danger since there is a malfunction. Mazda service center says the problem can’t be reproduced so there’s nothing they can do. The problem seems to appear when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
NHTSA complaint #11656449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bahama, NC
ENGINE
Engine failure with crack in the engine after a loss of coolant fluid.
NHTSA complaint #11632664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
ENGINE
Head gasket leaking and caused major engine issue at 89,000 miles. Mazda has known of this issue, but refuses to recall it.
NHTSA complaint #11626600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ENGINE
While my wife was driving her 2016 Mazda Cx-9 Grand Touring on the freeway, many of the dashboard indicator lights came on warning her the engine was over heating and to pull over immediately. While she was attempting to move over to the shoulder, smoke appeared from underneath the engine hood which made it difficult to safely move over to the shoulder. She believed the car was on fire so immediately exited the vehicle along with her sister whom was pregnant. I arrived within minutes and noticed the engine compartment was smoking and coolant/engine oil leaking underneath the car. The car was towed to my local Mazda dealership where I was advised days later the engine needed to be replaced due to blown head gaskets. They advised the vehicle over heated causing oil and coolant leaking from cylinder head that is warped. This repair would cost $11, 179.29. Mazda service advisor also mentioned the radiator and lower/upper radiator hoses needed to be replaced. This repair would cost $2691.28. This incident could've resulted in serious injuries or death from a known issue with these engines by Mazda. It's only a matter of time before this failed engine turns into a fatality. Do the right thing Mazda and fix these engines. Your reputation is on the line.
NHTSA complaint #11625077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Disputanta, VA
ENGINE
Sudden and dramatic loss of engine coolant. Received a warning that engine was overheating, and to shut off engine. Quickly obeyed the prompt and found that most of the engine coolant had been lost due to a catastrophic failure of either the head gasket or head itself.
NHTSA complaint #11622599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmonds, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle failed to turn off the engine while in park and I was unable to lock vehicle while engine was still running. The ignition button failed to work.
NHTSA complaint #11621833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
ENGINE
Cylinder head coolant leak. No warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11617629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
STEERING
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.
NHTSA complaint #11613534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.
NHTSA complaint #11613534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.
NHTSA complaint #11613534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williston, FL
POWER TRAIN
August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as well. I am a single mother and have work but I cannot afford that repair especially since Mazda is not going to honor there vehicle and what they stand by. With this issue with the coolant leak and the cracked cylinder the vehicle could have overheated and go into limp mode and come to a sudden stop with my children in the car while driving on the road. I could be hit as this puts my family at risk of injury while we go to school or work. Mazda has done nothing but tell me to submit a claim with customer service which I have. I had my case manager call me once and left a voicemail and I have called multiple times and have not heard back. There was no warning of this until I found forums and other stories that this unfortunately has happened to hundreds of Mazda owners.
NHTSA complaint #11611282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williston, FL
ENGINE
August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as well. I am a single mother and have work but I cannot afford that repair especially since Mazda is not going to honor there vehicle and what they stand by. With this issue with the coolant leak and the cracked cylinder the vehicle could have overheated and go into limp mode and come to a sudden stop with my children in the car while driving on the road. I could be hit as this puts my family at risk of injury while we go to school or work. Mazda has done nothing but tell me to submit a claim with customer service which I have. I had my case manager call me once and left a voicemail and I have called multiple times and have not heard back. There was no warning of this until I found forums and other stories that this unfortunately has happened to hundreds of Mazda owners.
NHTSA complaint #11611282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dumfries, VA
ENGINE
Coolant sprayed on top of engine
NHTSA complaint #11603263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coyle, OK
ENGINE
Our 2016 Mazda CX 9 began leaking coolant and we took it to a shop who diagnosed it as coming from the cylinder head, requiring a very expensive repair or new engine. Luckily our engine did not sieze up while driving, but it easily could have with our baby and toddler in the car. Upon searching the internet I found countless reports from other CX 9 owners who experienced the very same issue at similar mileage ~50k-70k. There is a technical service bulletin for this issue, but they have not issued a recall. This very expensive repair is going to set us back significantly and is a financial burden we were not expecting from our well cared for vehicle. It seems Mazda knows about the issue and is unwilling to address it.
NHTSA complaint #11601041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shuddering and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to a cracked head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with the Technical Service Bulletin: 01-03/21; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, RI
ENGINE
Cracked cylinder head causing coolant to leak.
NHTSA complaint #11593707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenel, SC
ENGINE
2016 Mazda CX-9 is leaking coolant from exhaust side of engine cylinder head. This issue has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership in North Charleston, South Carolina. The issue first appeared shortly after replacing the water pump (performed by the same dealership). The issue is known and documents on Mazda TSB 01-002/23 - COOLANT LEAKS AT CYLINDER HEAD. The safety of my family was put at risk as there was no indication of a cracked head until there was coolant leaking on the driveway. Should the car have overheated without the indication of a coolant leak, the car would have been placed in to limp mode. Prior to the leak, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating the issue. Further, the Mazda dealership did not detect the issue at the time of replacing the water pump.
NHTSA complaint #11592348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Cloud, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated after the vehicle cooled off, the was able to be restarted. The contact checked under the vehicle and stated that there was coolant leaking on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak behind the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 01-002/23. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11591593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.