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.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 2.0× usual, mostly brakes and engine Extended coverage
208 serious complaints of 221, the most about brakes (139) and engine (25); per car on the road, 2.0× this model's usual year. 4 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE15022: lower ball joint separation. NHTSA investigation PE19006: inadvertent curtain air bag deployment.
What owners report
“Without warning the brakes became spongy and difficult to depress the pedal. Stopping distance significantly increased and a hissing noise while brakes pedal depressed. Took it in for evaluation and diagnosed with brake booster failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, May 2017
“The contact owns a 2012 mazda cx-9. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to kennedy mazda located at 1411 ridge pike, conshohocken, pa 19428, (610)272-0700, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was damaged due to a water pump failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jan 2020
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.
221 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 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 2012
- Starting prices: +$590 (3 trims; hover for each)
2012 CX-9 trims
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $35,125 | $31,115 | $33,035 |
| 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 |
| Length | 200.2 in | 200.2 in | 200.2 in |
| Curb weight | AWD: 4,546 lb FWD: 4,328 lb | AWD: 4,546 lb FWD: 4,328 lb | AWD: 4,546 lb FWD: 4,328 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | — | Optional |
| Android Auto | 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 |
| Power liftgate | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 20 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | HID Projector | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (35)
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Touring Power Liftgate | Optional | — | — |
| Moonroof and Bose Audio Package $2,255 | Optional | — | Optional |
| Multi Information Display and 6-Disc CD Changer Package | — | — | Optional |
| Navigation System | Optional | — | — |
| Power Driver's Seat with Heated Front Seats and Mirrors | — | Optional | — |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio Package | Optional | — | — |
| Touring Power Liftgate Package | — | — | Optional |
| Towing Prep Package $100 | — | Standard | Standard |
| Towing Receiver Hitch (Class II) with Trailer Wiring Harness | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cross Bars for Roof Rails | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector $70 | Optional | — | Optional |
| Towing Receiver Hitch for Non-Tow-Prep Vehicles | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard (Stainless Steel) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rails $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards (Set of 4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $55 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Back-Up Camera | — | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink | — | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Retractable Cargo Cover $205 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-Month Trial Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Antitheft Alarm System with Shock Sensor | — | Optional | Optional |
| Brilliant Black Clearcoat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Copper Red Mica | Optional | 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, Nhtsa vin decode. 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.