Photo: TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2018 Mazda CX-9: common problems and reliability
One of the worst CX-9 years.
One of the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid. All CX-9 years
128 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 CX-9?The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has 128 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 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.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CX-9 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the CX-9?
Across the 17 CX-9 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2022) to 221 (2012). With 128 complaints, the 2018 CX-9 sits above the model's median of 61.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 CX-9
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V875000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 19V403000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
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.
- Very frequentCylinder 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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-9. See the full CX-9 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CX-9 listings typically run $16,755–$25,100 across 2015 to 2023 model years.
Other CX-9 model years
Compare every CX-9 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CX-9 against its rivals
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