CarModelProblems.com

2018 Mazda CX-9 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
124Complaints
2Recalls
4Crashes
1Fires
2Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (58.1% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 4.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine72 · 58.1%not available
Electrical System15 · 12.1%RecalledRecall 19V403000
Power Train13 · 10.5%not available
Service Brakes11 · 8.9%not available
Fuel/propulsion System5 · 4%RecalledRecall 21V875000
Steering3 · 2.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE72 · 58.1%
Unspecified / other19 · 15.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15 · 12.1%
POWER TRAIN13 · 10.5%
SERVICE BRAKES11 · 8.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5 · 4%
STEERING3 · 2.4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER3 · 2.4%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3 · 2.4%
AIR BAGS2 · 1.6%

Percentages are the share of the 124 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · 2021 · reported 11/12/2021

Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 19V403000 · 2019 · reported 05/30/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“. In January 2024, I purchased a used 2018 Mazda CX-9. The vehicle ran well until [XXX], when I discovered an engine coolant leak. My…”NHTSA complaint 11674928 — filed 07/21/2025 · ENGINE
“Our Mazda CX-9, having roughly 86,000 miles, had catastrophic engine failure while driving. This is caused by coolant leaking at the cylinder head and around…”NHTSA complaint 11657829 — filed 04/30/2025 · ENGINE
“Fan is not working and car is overheating when driving in traffic or low speeds - from forums this seems to be a common issue…”NHTSA complaint 11624426 — filed 11/10/2024 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

2201732018920195202082021292022442023362024192025102026

Frequently asked questions

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

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 72 of 124 NHTSA complaints (58.1%), followed by unspecified/other issues (19), electrical system (15), power train (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have?

124 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V875000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Mazda CX-9's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.