2021 Mazda CX-9: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (59% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 4 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The vehicle was parked stationary in the driveway with the engine running for 3-5 minutes with the A/C on. The vehicle then accelerated forward into my garage causing damage. Once I entered the vehicle, both the dash and shifter displayed park. Current TCU system internal failures have been reported from the pulling of data from Mazda.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“Check engine light comes on and error P0303 comes on. Had an independent mechanic do the following and after each one, error P0303 still came on 1. Swap the ignition coils from 2 to 3 2. Swap spark plugs from 2 to 3 3. Swapped injectors 4. Compression test 5. Leak down test 6. Changed the spark plug, coil and injectors 7. Looked for vacuum leaks. Mechanic believes that it is related to the cracked cylinder head in the recall, MC-10232269-0001.pdf. My vehicle is just outside of the recall range and has 87k miles on it. Other research online shows other people with the same vehicle and similar milealge are also having this problem.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“Backup camera shows three to four feet before red collision line is not accurate causing severe damage to my garage door.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“My MazdaCx9 engine consumes (burns) an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs between oil changes.This issue started after the first oil change and continued since then.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2024
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning, there was a popping sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The front-end popping sound also occurred while driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,811.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2024
“I just purchased this vehicle 2 months ago. Yesterday my oil light came on, I pulled over and checked the oil it was completely low. I had to put a quart of oil in it. After that I did some research and learned this seems to be an issue with some 2021 models the cx9 included. There needs to be a recall on this and Mazda needs to fix this issue. These cars cost way to much to have to put a quart of oil every month.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2024
“Please add the 2021 CX9 model to the following bulletin. [XXX] This is exactly what is happening with my car and is extremely frustrating that a recall has not been issued to fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2023
“The oil light keeps coming on before your initial oil change. Also, the oil is actually low. They have already changed it and I'm having the same problem in less than 2 months.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
“2021 Mazda CX-9 Frontal collision at a speed between 10-20 mph. Car shut down after collision and was not drivable. Concern is the driver side airbag did not deploy. (Neither did passenger but there was no person in the passenger seat)”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2023
“2021 Mazda CX-9 Low Oil Light came on at around 18,900 miles (2/10/2023 and 2/11/2023). Took to Mazda, and they said there was defective valve stem seals that can allow oil to leak into the engine's combustion chamber. Vehicle is currently with Mazda service department to be fixed.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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."
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact CX-9 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. The most complained-about area is engine (59% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Mazda CX-9 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 51,093 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats:mid/rear assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.