Japanese vehicles are known for their dirt-cheap maintenance costs and reliable nature. One such manufacturer is Mazda and the CX-9 is their midsize SUV which was one of the more popular choices in 2020. Both families and individual buyers like the vehicle equally as the service coverage was quite extensive. However, the car does not seem to have the best reliability according to J.D.Power, which scored the Mazda CX-9 for its quality and reliability 77, which is regarded to be average. The SUV also carries 9 official complaints and 1 recall on NHTSA after selling a total of 27,638 units. Most of these complaints were regarding false braking and a sudden cut-off of power from the engine. Such problems were not the only factor that concerned Mazda as they had to face veteran players such as the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and the Subaru Ascent.
Electrical Problems
- Battery – It was found that the car would cut its electrical power randomly. There were no external lights, signals, instrument panels, or radio once the complete electrical system went out. No warning message was displayed before the total shutdown. Without being put in PARK, the car was unable to maneuver or restart in a situation with moving traffic. This was said o have happened due to a faulty alternator and the users had to ultimately get it replaced.
Mechanical Problems
- Transmission – Mazda comes equipped with an Aisin Warner AWF21 transmission which was said to cause trouble while driving. Users experienced a sudden power loss and the vehicle was said to turn off on its own. The engine was said to crank back on only after putting the gear into PARK. The dealers inspected the issue and found that the solenoid was faulty and caused the vehicle to lose power when shifted into gear. This also caused the engine to rev up high while barely moving apart from completely cutting the power off. The mechanics had to repair the transmission and replace a few parts to fix the issue.
- Charcoal canister – The fuel light was turning on at random times and the users immediately consulted a mechanic. The fuel lines were said to be in good condition but they found the fuel to be leaking from the charcoal canister. This can even cause the car to jerk as air would enter the line through the leak. The user had to get the charcoal canister replaced and the issue was resolved.
Safety Problems
- Braking – It was reported that the Navigator would engage its automatic braking even when the vehicle ahead is far away. This increases the chances of getting rear-ended and the braking happens when the occupants least expect it, resulting in injury. Mazda disclosed that the issue was not related to any mechanical parts and instead was a Smart Braking System control software needing reprogramming. The software had to be fixed in order to resolve this issue.
Exterior Problems
- Wheel cap – Multiple users found the wheel caps to detach while driving without any contact or prior damages. This could cause a hazard to other motorists on the road and upon inspection, it was found that the wheel cap itself had a manufacturing defect, which failed to make it fit snugly. Dealers replaced the wheel caps on the affected vehicles.
2020 Mazda CX-9 recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
27th September 2021 |
21V750000 |
Seat May Slide Forward in a Crash/FMVSS 210 |
Certain 2020 Mazda CX-9 models with second-row benches featuring a 60/40 split layout are being recalled. During a collision, the left-side second-row seat could unintentionally slip forward. Because of this, the vehicle fails to comply with the "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," standard, increasing the risk of injury for a belted passenger due to the excessive force transfer. |
The affected second-row seats' internal components will be replaced by dealers free of charge. Owner notices were sent out on November 4, 2021. |
Should you buy the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
Mazda was not able to sell a whole lot of CX-9’s as rivals from Toyota and Honda sold a 6-figure unit, capturing a majority of the market. Subaru was able to sell close to 70,000 units and that leaves Mazda with a very tiny part of the highly competitive segment. However, low sales do not necessarily mean the car is unreliable and the Mazda CX-9 poses as a great choice for anyone looking for a city runner or family commuter that puts more miles than stay stagnant at a mechanic's workshop. The CX-9 has had only one recall so far and that is a key pointer to look for when picking a used CX-9 from 2020. The general warranty offered by Mazda spans up to just 3 years but the powertrain is taken care of for 5 years or 60,000 miles from the original sale date. Despite its struggle in the market, we find the 2020 Mazda CX-9 to be a great vehicle for its reliability and practical nature. With no major red flags associated with this model, it is safe to pick a used CX-9 over its rivals.
