2010 Mazda CX-9: common problems and reliability

The 2010 Mazda CX-9 has 195 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine. Owners most often flag cylinder head cracking / coolant leak in 2.5t engine — a design/manufacturing defect leading to coolant leaking into the engine, potentially causing catastrophic failure. affects model years 2016-2020 with production dates before june 9, 2020. warranty was extended to 10 years/120,000 miles. frequency: very frequent (dominant topic in discussions).

Safety record for the 2010 model year

195
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
7
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
92
engine
23
power train
23
air bags
18
suspension
16

Recalls affecting the 2010 CX-9

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V717000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina,

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V782000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 17V429000

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal ai

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V018000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina,

What owners say across generations

Predominantly positive sentiment, with the vehicle widely praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, premium interior feel, and strong value proposition. Long-term owner reports consistently highlight its car-like, sporty handling, comfortable and quiet cab

  • Cylinder head cracking / coolant leak in 2.5T engine — A design/manufacturing defect leading to coolant leaking into the engine, potentially causing catastrophic failure. Affects model years 2016-2020 with production dates before June 9, 2020. Warranty was extended to 10 years/120,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent (dominant topic in discussions).
  • High oil consumption in some later models — Mentioned alongside the cylinder head issue as a potential problem for some vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Wide turning radius — Noted as requiring adjustment due to the vehicle's length. Frequency: isolated.
  • Heavy steering feel — Described as sport-oriented but heavier than some competitors. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-9.

Typical used price

Used CX-9 listings typically run $16,249–$25,499 across 2010 to 2023 model years.

Other CX-9 model years