Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda CX 9
How the Mazda CX 5 and Mazda CX 9 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda CX 9: The CX-5 averages 100 complaints per year and 6 recalls, while the CX-9 averages 51 complaints per year and 11 recalls. Both have engine issues, but the CX-9 has more crashes and injuries per complaint. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 5 or Mazda CX 9 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV with a mixed reliability record. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 100 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like engine fires, sunroof shattering, and electrical glitches. While not all vehicles experience these issues, the volume of complaints suggests potential trouble spots.
Mazda CX 9
The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row SUV with fewer annual complaints than the CX-5, averaging about 51 per year. However, it has more recalls (11 vs. 6) and a higher proportion of engine-related complaints. Owners describe sudden electrical shutdowns, unintended acceleration, and valve stem seal issues. The CX-9's issues tend to be more severe, including crashes and injuries.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 5 | Mazda CX 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,002 | 511 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 11 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 53 | 22 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.2 | 51.1 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 | 15 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 5
- 01ENGINE375
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER177
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
- 04POWER TRAIN101
- 05SERVICE BRAKES81
Owners report engine fires, complete systemic failure while reversing, and other serious engine problems. One complaint describes a 2024 CX-5 catching fire and burning to a total loss. These are rare but potentially catastrophic, so a thorough inspection and recall check are critical.
Common complaints include a sensitive key fob that can accidentally open the hatch (causing damage), and headlight leveling motor failures that create distracting noises. These issues are annoying and can lead to costly repairs, but are generally not safety-critical.
Owners report clicking noises from the rear seats and rumbling sounds while driving. One complaint describes an incident where the vehicle was left in park but rolled, causing injury. These suggest potential transmission or drivetrain concerns that should be checked during a test drive.
Brake-related complaints are less frequent but still present. While specific failure patterns aren't detailed in the sample, any brake issues are safety-relevant. Buyers should have the brake system inspected by a mechanic.
“My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odo…”
“Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing a…”
Mazda CX 9
- 01ENGINE264
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 04POWER TRAIN48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
A major issue is the valve stem seal defect, which led to a class-action settlement. Owners report oil consumption and warranty repair difficulties. There are also reports of uncommanded acceleration, where the engine revs without driver input, which can be frightening.
Owners describe sudden complete electrical shutdowns while driving, leaving the vehicle dead in the road. Others receive multiple 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts for parking brake and other systems. These failures can be dangerous if they occur at speed.
Complaints include multiple warning messages appearing simultaneously (e.g., Smart Brake System Malfunction) and issues related to the valve stem seal settlement. These can indicate broader powertrain problems that may be expensive to fix.
Brake complaints are present, though fewer than engine or electrical. Given the CX-9's higher crash-related complaint count, any brake anomaly should be taken seriously. A pre-purchase inspection should include a brake check.
“This complaint refers to Mazda and it's dealer refusal to properly execute the warranty work under the SSPD5 Valve Stem Seal Class Action Campaign and does not follow the Court's approval of the final Settlement Agreement. I assert that Mazda and it's dealer…”
“THE MAZDA CX-9 UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION REPORTED HEREIN DID NOT RESULT IN ANY DAMAGE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT COMMENCED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER I BEGAN LIGHT BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS TO INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE;…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 5 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety S…
The risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda 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.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffl…
The risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer…
Mazda CX 9 — 11 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for th…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for th…
The defect: Mazda 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.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda 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.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 5 or Mazda CX 9: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-9 has fewer complaints per year (51 vs. 100), but more recalls and a higher rate of crashes and injuries relative to its complaint volume. The CX-5's issues are more numerous but tend to be less severe on average. In practice, the CX-9 may have fewer day-to-day annoyances, but when problems occur, they can be more serious.
Key differences
- The CX-5 has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the CX-9 (100 vs. 51), but the CX-9 has almost twice as many recalls (11 vs. 6).
- Engine problems dominate both, but CX-5 complaints include fires and total failures, while CX-9 complaints include valve stem seal defects and unintended acceleration.
- CX-9 owners report sudden electrical shutdowns and multiple system malfunctions, whereas CX-5 electrical issues are more about key fobs and headlight motors.
- The CX-9 has more crash-related complaints (22 vs. 53 for CX-5) and injuries (15 vs. 34), but the CX-5 has more total complaints, so the rate per complaint is higher for the CX-9.
- Check for any signs of engine fire damage or overheating, and verify that all engine-related recalls have been performed.
- Test the key fob to ensure it doesn't accidentally open the hatch, and listen for unusual noises from the headlight leveling motor.
- Ask for proof that the valve stem seal recall/settlement repair was completed, and check for excessive oil consumption.
- Test drive and watch for any electrical glitches, such as warning lights or sudden shutdowns, and ensure the parking brake functions correctly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, electrical, and brake systems.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises (clicking, rumbling) and test all electrical features, including the key fob and parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any warranty work related to known issues.
- For the CX-9, specifically inquire about the valve stem seal repair and any electrical system repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 5 | Mazda CX 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 63 | 13 |
| 2022 | 63 | 10 |
| 2021 | 147 | 39 |
| 2020 | 107 | 19 |
| 2019 | 270 | 53 |
| 2018 | 119 | 128 |
| 2017 | 148 | 61 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 5 or Mazda CX 9 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 5 total complaints
- 1,002
- Mazda CX 9 total complaints
- 511
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Mazda CX 9 total recalls
- 11
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 100.2
- Mazda CX 9 avg complaints/year
- 51.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Mazda CX 9 top complaint area
- ENGINE