This page covers 1 recall, 33 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2021 CX-9 owner reports, with oil consumption being the most frequently described issue. Owners across multiple reports describe the engine burning through oil at a rate that requires topping off between scheduled oil changes, with some noting the problem appeared early in the vehicle's life. Cylinder compression loss is also mentioned by more than one owner, with affected vehicles accumulating significant mileage before the failure surfaces. A smaller number of owners report the engine entering a reduced-power limp mode while driving at highway speeds. Brake complaints appear at a lower volume, with some owners describing persistent clicking and squeaking even after rotors and pads were replaced. A couple of reports flag the backup camera's collision line as misaligned with actual obstacle distances, leading to contact with objects the system appeared to clear.
33
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
At a glance
What can fail
The left-side second-row seat may slide forward unexpectedly during a crash on certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles with 60/40 split bench seating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the internal seat parts at no charge to restore proper seat stability during a crash.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
