Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2023The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2017–2018Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2010–2012, 2016More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.2× usual, mostly engine and brakes Extended coverage
57 serious complaints of 68, the most about engine (17) and brakes (16); per car on the road, 1.2× 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
“Engine throwing a code after dying at intersection. Found that it isa known issue for this vehicle and repair costs are astronomical.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Apr 2026
“My brake pedal became very hard to press down to stop my vehicle. A hissing sound was coming from the pedal. Even at low speeds 20-30 miles per hour I was not sure if my car would stop. I was pressing down on brake pedal has hard as I could.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, May 2018
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.
68 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 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 2013
- Starting prices: +$260 to +$1,250 (3 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with VVT → 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 (all trims)
- Headlights: HID Projector → Bi-Xenon Projector (Grand Touring)
2013 CX-9 trims
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $36,375 | $31,375 | $33,820 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Horsepower | 273 hp | 273 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed Sport automatic | 6-speed Sport automatic | 6-speed 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 | 200.6 in | 200.6 in | 200.6 in |
| Curb weight | AWD: 4,552 lb FWD: 4,317 lb | AWD: 4,552 lb FWD: 4,317 lb | AWD: 4,552 lb FWD: 4,317 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | 5.8 in | 5.8 in | 5.8 in |
| 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 | — | Blind Spot Alert |
| Parking sensors | Rear | — | Rear |
| 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 | Power Liftgate | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 20 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | Bi-Xenon Projector | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (53)
| Grand Touring | Sport | Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Touring Technology Package $2,435 | Optional | — | — |
| Power Driver's Seat with Heated Front Seats and Mirrors | — | Optional | — |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose Audio and Sirius Package | Optional | — | — |
| Touring Technology Package $3,000 | — | — | Optional |
| Towing Prep Package $100 | — | — | — |
| Car Cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Car Cover Cable Lock | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Box, Medium | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Box, Short | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Class II Towing Receiver Hitch with Trailer Wiring Harness | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Kayak Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| License-Plate Frame | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Luggage Basket | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Wind Deflector | Optional | — | Optional |
| Towing Receiver Hitch for Non-Tow-Prep Vehicles | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Guard (Stainless Steel) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof-Rack Bike Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rack | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ski/Snowboard Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards (Set of 4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Surfboard Carrier | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Touch-Up Paint | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bike Carrier, Trailer Hitch Mount | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks (Set of 4) $55 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 3.5 mm Audio Cable | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Back-Up Camera | — | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink | — | Optional | Optional |
| Bluetooth Car Kit by Motorola | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $125 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Floor Mats, Carpet | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Navigation System | Optional | — | Optional |
| Portable Navigation Devices by Garmin | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Retractable Cargo Cover | — | Optional | Optional |
| Roadside Assistance Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Windshield Sunscreen | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-Month Trial Subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Alarm System with Shock Sensor | — | Optional | Optional |
| Perimeter Alarm System | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Brilliant Black Clearcoat | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crystal White Pearl Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dolphin Gray Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Liquid Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Meteor Gray Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Zeal Red 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: powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, 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…
Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayThird row (7+ seats)AWD or 4WDPower liftgateAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
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.