Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2010CAREFULSerious complaints 1.6× usual, mostly brakes and engine Extended coverage
177 serious complaints of 195, the most about brakes (88) and engine (23); per car on the road, 1.6× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE14005: brake booster failure. NHTSA investigation PE15022: lower ball joint separation.
What owners report
“Brake booster failed, dealership indicated it was under extended warranty. Brought in for repairs at no cost, mazda failed to acknowledge and do repair. Cost me 556.21 for a very serious safety issue that is under investigation. Would like to get reimbursed. Loss of brakes, unsafe to drive. Hissing sound from brakes when pressed”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Jul 2016
“Our 2010 Mazda CX-9 stopped on the highway and had to be towed away. The dealer determined it was an engine failure due to a faulty water pump. It had leaked into the engine, causing permanent damage. No warning lights. The car just stopped. Two dealerships did not want to repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2021
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On some vehicles, when driving under high load or at high speeds, increased oil temperature inside the transfer unit may result in poor lubrication. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for power transfer unit (PTU) replacement on certain 2010-2014 CX-9 vehicles with AWD and… (SSP92, Apr 2014)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles may exhibit a condition that the brake pedal is harder than usual to depress. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repairs for vacuum power brake booster units on 2007-2013 CX-9 vehicles produced from October 24, 2006 through April 26, 2013. (SSP93, Apr 2014)
- Extended coverage Subject: - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. (SSPB3, May 2021)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
195 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 17–18 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2010
First year we have trim data for.
2010 CX-9 trims
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $34,215 | $30,205 | $32,125 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT |
| Horsepower | 273 hp | 273 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed electronically controlled Sport automatic | 6-speed electronically controlled Sport automatic | 6-speed electronically controlled Sport automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Max towing | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb | AWD: 3,500 lb FWD: 2,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 17.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 100.7 cu ft | 100.7 cu ft | 100.7 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom | 32.4 in | 32.4 in | 32.4 in |
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in | 8 in |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | — | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 + option | 6 | 6 + option |
| Driver assistance | |||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Blind Spot Alert | — | — |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option |
| Heated seats | Front | Optional | Front |
| Driver seat memory | Driver Seat | — | — |
| Climate zones | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | Optional | — | Optional |
| Power liftgate | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 20 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | HID Projector | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (34)
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Touring Power Liftgate Package | Optional | — | — |
| Moonroof and Bose Audio Package | Optional | — | Optional |
| Multi Information Display and 6-Disc CD Changer Package | Optional | — | Optional |
| Navigation System | Optional | — | — |
| Power Seat Option Package | — | Optional | — |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio Package | Optional | — | — |
| Touring Power Liftgate Package | — | — | Optional |
| Towing Prep Package | — | Standard | Standard |
| Towing Receiver Hitch (Class II) with Trailer Wiring Harness | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector | Optional | — | Optional |
| Stainless Steel Rear Bumper Guard | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rails | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Front and Rear Splash Guards (Black, Set of 4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks (Set of 4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rearview Camera System with Auto-Dimming-Mirror Display | — | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and HomeLink | — | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Retractable Cargo Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dockable Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Game Boy® Advance | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio Receiver Kit with 6-Month Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Alarm System with Shock Sensor | — | Optional | Optional |
| Brilliant Black Clearcoat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Copper Red Mica | Optional | — | Optional |
| Crystal White Pearl Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dolphin Gray Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Liquid Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Stormy Blue Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | — | Optional | — |
| Black Leather | Optional | — | Optional |
| Sand Cloth | — | Optional | — |
| Sand Leather | Optional | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD | 23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 13 | Unknown or other (4) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD | 23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 10 | Electrical system (2) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 39 | Engine (20) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 19 | Engine (5) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 53 | Engine (23) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 128 | Engine (76) | No |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 227 hp | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 61 | Engine (43) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, FWD | 23–24 mpg | — | 0 | 99 | Engine (61) | No |
| 2015 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 35 | Engine (17) | No |
| 2014 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 54 | Engine (19) | No |
| 2013 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 68 | Engine (17) | No |
| 2012 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 221 | Service brakes (139) | No |
| 2011 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 170 | Service brakes (97) | No |
| 2010 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 195 | Service brakes (88) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: CX-9 2019–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 13 |
| 2022 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 10 |
| 2022 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 10 |
| 2021 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 39 |
| 2021 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 39 |
| 2020 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 19 |
| 2020 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 19 |
| 2019 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 53 |
| 2019 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 53 |
| 2018 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 128 |
| 2018 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 128 |
| 2017 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 61 |
| 2017 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 61 |
| 2015 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 35 |
| 2015 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 35 |
| 2014 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 54 |
| 2014 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 54 |
| 2013 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 68 |
| 2013 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 68 |
| 2012 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 221 |
| 2012 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 221 |
| 2011 | Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 170 |
| 2011 | Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 170 |
| 2010 | Mazda CX-9 4-DR.w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 195 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2022 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2021 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2020 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2020 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2019 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2019 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2018 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2018 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2017 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2017 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2016 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2016 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2015 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2015 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2014 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2014 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2013 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2013 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2012 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2012 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2011 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2011 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 19 |
| 2010 | CX-9 2WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 18 |
| 2010 | CX-9 4WD | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L | 17 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.