2021 Mazda CX-9 Problems And Complaints

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Rating6.9

Ranked #10 in 

Midsize SUV
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$34,160 - $46,805
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2021 Mazda CX-9

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Disliked by Users

  • G

    Geo

    22/12/2022

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... through curvy roads drives like a dream. Has a very nice torquee engine with enough HP. It has that zoom zoom from Mazda. In terms of reliability I can’t really comment on that since I only had the car for a year and only 12,000 miles on it. The 2.5 turbo engine is pretty new and there is not a long record to called it reliable. This is my 1st Mazda and I’mRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • G

    G

    21/08/2022

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... 3500-4000 miles the vehicle would run out of oil, Mazda is aware of the problem and their solution is to top off the oil. They are currently being sued for refusing to repair the valve stem defect in their engines, they are probably topping off the engine with oil until the vehicle warranty runs out so the customer is liable to pay out of pocket. Hopefully they lose the lawsuit and are forced to repair their fault engines. Will never buy another Mazda, a shame sinceRead More

    Source: edmunds

2021 Mazda CX-9 Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid?

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

32

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 22, 2023

The CX-9 is a family SUV that comes with Mazda’s trademark athleticism and engaging driving capabilities. With a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, the CX-9 delivers plenty of power for its size and offers an exciting experience as you go around curves. The interior is fitted with quality materials and the finish of the interior is also done commendably well. But what you might not like is the limited cargo space, especially when all three rows are up.

Despite all that, the CX-9 is a really compelling offering. Japanese brands have had a good reputation for reliability and Mazda is no different. The 2021 Mazda CX 9 has only had 1 recall alongside 9 registered complaints on the NHTSA website.

 

2021 Mazda CX 9 User Complaints and Problems

Engine and Mechanical Problems

  • Engine - A few users complained that the engine was using up a lot of oil, with the low engine oil light coming on quite often. Some claim that the engine is consuming 1 quart of oil every 3,500 miles. This seems to be the most common problem among the 2021 models, as there are 6 complaints regarding this. We assume that lots of people might have had this issue as this seems to be a trend. 
  • Brakes - A user complains that while they were driving with minimal snow on the ground, they had to tap the brake 7 times before they locked up. They then tried to turn the vehicle but the steering failed to work and the vehicle was forced off the pavement.

Safety Problems

  • Airbags - One user complains that when the airbag deployed, the rear passenger handle hood above the seat splintered into sharp projectiles which were sent flying through the cabin. Luckily, no one was injured. 

Structural Problems

  • Rear lift gate - A user claims that their rear liftgate opened unexpectedly and hit the ceiling of a parking garage, after which, the glass window shattered and the glass fell inside and outside the car. They claim that the likely cause was the unexpected opening of the lift gate, which does seem to occur randomly. 

2021 Mazda CX 9 Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

September 27, 2021

21V750000

The seat may slide forward in a crash/FMVSS 210

A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing the risk of injury

Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2021 Mazda CX 9?

Mazdas, and Japanese cars, in general, have a pretty good reputation for reliability. As it is apparent, the 2021 CX-9 is also pretty reliable, with only the issue of the engine oil being the most predominant. But in all honesty, even though it is an inconvenience, it is certainly not a dealbreaker. And considering the fact that the Japanese SUV has had only 1 recall to date, it makes the CX-9 even more reputable and reliable. So, yes, we would definitely recommend the CX-9 if you are looking for an affordable family SUV.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

June 5, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11665046

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11665046

Incident Date:
June 5, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TCACY5M0

Consumer Location:
WOODSTOCK, GA

Summary
My vehicle is part of Mazda's 2021-2022 Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. The dealership had yet to call ...

December 23, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11632117

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11632117

Incident Date:
December 23, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TCADYXM0

Consumer Location:
TAMPA, FL

Summary
My MazdaCx9 engine consumes (burns) an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs between o...

November 29, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11627970

Components: 265000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

NHTSA ID Number:
11627970

Incident Date:
November 29, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TCBDY7M0

Consumer Location:
CARNEGIE, PA

Summary
On [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] I was driving on an interstate highway with a 65 mph speed limit with no warning a...

October 15, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11619774

Components: 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11619774

Incident Date:
October 15, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TCBCYXM0

Consumer Location:
SEVEN HILLS, OH

Summary
Hello, I have been to a Mazda dealer complaining of clicking and squeaky brakes for 2 years now. Dealer r...

October 11, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11619249

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11619249

Incident Date:
October 11, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
JM3TCACY8M0

Consumer Location:
RICHMOND, TX

Summary
Please add the 2021 CX9 model to the following bulletin. [XXX] This is exactly what is happening with...

80/100Best

Quality & Reliability

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

85/100Best

Driving Experience

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

87/100Best

Resale

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

82/100Best

Dealership Experience

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

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