2013 Mazda CX-9: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 has 68 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. 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 2013 model year

68
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
3
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
17
service brakes
16
suspension
9
air bags
9
power train
5

Recalls affecting the 2013 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,

suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint

Campaign 15V451000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrod

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,

steering

Campaign 16V203000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016

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