2013 Mazda CX-9 Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Midsize SUV
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$29,785 - $36,375
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Users Opinions on 2013 Mazda CX-9

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Disliked by Users

  • R

    RBZ

    28/05/2022

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... not buy happy dealer. Water pump fails at 110k. Dealer says new engine $10k because engine is not repairable. BS after BS but they would not take responsibility for the problems about which lawsuits have already been filed.it would have been cheaper to communicate and replace the water pump knowing the issue but nope, no care about the customer.Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • DP

    Derek Price

    13/12/2019

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    1st Owner, 136xxx miles, regular oil changes and maintenance. Water pump and timing chain (Po216 code) went out and come to find out, those are very expensive repairs AND doesn't truly reveal how damaged the engine is. When ASE-certified and trustworthy mechanics refuse to do the lucrative work because of the terrible history of the design,Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • TL

    Toyota lover

    15/09/2019

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... drastically (Replaced with Michelin tires ($800). Brake booster and brake master cylinder failed at 104,000 miles.($900.) Gas tank vapor back fill flapper check valve failed at 106,000 miles - Couldn't pump gas without is shutting off every 10 seconds ( New gas tank $2000). A/C doesn't stay cool when car idles for more than 10 minutes on a hot day ($400 and still not fixed). Never had suchRead More

    Source: edmunds

2013 Mazda CX-9 Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

66

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 28, 2024

In the three-row SUV segment, the options seem limited. Yet, the Mazda CX-9 shines in all its glory. While it bears a striking design, is easy to drive, and has an ostentatious setup, a spacious third-row seat allows the Japanese vehicle to draw a distinction. In the current iteration, the 2013 CX-9 gets adequately updated, but its overall performance remains unwavering. Safety scores are class-competing and even reliability remains top-notch. For a vehicle that sells around 25,000 units, 61 recorded complaints seem justifiable. The SUV has been recalled four times and has two investigations listed to its name. A 2013 Mazda CX-9 for sale is available at just under $30,000 and in its segment, it competes against the likes of the Nissan Murano, the Toyota Venza, and the Ford Flex.

The "MaxTheCarGuy" caters you to automotive industry updates and information. "MaxTheCarGuy" has noticed that one can face issues related to jerky transmission and unwanted electrical signal issues at any time. To know more about it, Click on the video below

2013 Mazda CX-9 User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

  • Improper deployment: In several listed cases, buyers of the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have reported that without impact, the airbags of the SUV deploy inadvertently. It has resulted in injuries to the occupants and can distract the driver when the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Failure of engine: The Mazda CX-9 water pump failure is a common problem in the current generation of the SUV. In most cases, complainants have reported the vehicle shuddering and losing speed. This happens due to the antifreeze mixing with the motor oil due to the placement of the engine and water pump. Currently, a class-action lawsuit has been registered by the buyers against Mazdabecause of the issue.

  • Issues with the transmission unit: The Mazda CX-9 transmission problems are not highly rampant. In some cases, buyers have reported the vehicle slipping between gears and failing to engage, consequently. This causes the SUV to deliver an erratic performance, which takes away from the driving experience.

  • Hissing noise from brakes: The 2013 Mazda CX-9 brake problems make for a considerable chunk of all its complaints. When braking, users have recorded the pedal becoming stiff, and the vehicle making a hissing sound. Due to the pedal’s stiffness, the braking capabilities are reduced and the vehicle fails to come to a halt in time. Where a diagnosis has been conducted, an internal failure of the brake booster has been attributed as the underlying concern.

Electric System Complaints

  • Dim headlamps: In one case listed on NHTSA and several others on unofficial forums, buyers of the 2013 Mazda CX-9 have reported substandard performance of the exterior lights. Complainants have recorded the low-beam headlights not illuminating the road properly. This restricts the driver’s visibility and can increase the risk of a crash.

Structural Complaints

  • Explosion of sunroof: In the 2013 Mazda CX-9 problems list, buyers have reported the sunroof of the vehicle shattering unexpectedly. The glass pane explodes, which causes the fragments to enter the cabin or fly outward, increasing the risk of an injury.

2013 Mazda CX-9 Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

12th Oct 2018

18V717000

Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode

Due to propellant degradation, the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment.

Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of cost.

2.

9th Jan 2018

18V018000

Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode

Due to propellant degradation, the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment.

Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of cost.

3.

11th Apr 2016

16V203000

Possible loss of steering assist

Due to the loosening of the lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle might separate.

Dealers will tighten or replace the bolts, free of charge.

4.

20th July 2015

15V451000

Corrosion of front suspension ball joints

Due to a water leak into the fitting, the front suspension ball joints may corrode.

Dealers will replace the left and right lower control arms, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2013 Mazda CX-9?

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is an impressive choice for buyers looking for a family hauler. It comes with a capacious cabin and adds to its practicality with ample cargo space. The comfort levels are unmatched and even in terms of the feature list, the Japanese vehicle carves a niche for itself. It is adequately priced, and keeping the cost-to-functionality ratio in mind, the CX-9 is a viable option. But what about reliability? Well, even in this regard. there is not much to worry about. The user grievances list is constricted and so are its recalls. While there are some issues that might result in an underwhelming performance, the ownership experience of the SUV is hassle-free, and seldom would buyers find themselves regretting their decision.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 25, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11689655

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11689655

Incident Date:
September 25, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TB3CV2D0

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
I was pulling into a parking spot in Brooksville, Florida. It was the last parking spot on the block. As ...

August 27, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11611055

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11611055

Incident Date:
August 27, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TB2DA7D0

Consumer Location:
ROWLETT, TX

Summary
Niece was driving home from college on July 24, 2024 around 7:30 PM. She heard a pop when she was 1 mile ...

March 9, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11511035

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11511035

Incident Date:
March 9, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TB3CA2D0

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The engine in my Mazda blew with no warning. I got in my car after warming it up and noticed my check eng...

January 16, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11502039

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11502039

Incident Date:
January 16, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TB2CA6D0

Consumer Location:
FARMINGTON, NM

Summary
Water pump is cracked and leaking through weep hole, to no fault of the driver. The vehicle has over 214k...

July 14, 2022, NHTSA ID Number: 11473807

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11473807

Incident Date:
July 14, 2022

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TB2CA2D0

Consumer Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC

Summary
Car began shuddering/shaking and check engine light went on. Booked appointment at Mazda dealer. Upon i...

79/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

76/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

77/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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