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 has 938 complaints over 10 years (93.8/yr) with engine fires and false braking, while the CX-9 has 306 complaints (30.6/yr) with uncommanded acceleration and electrical shutdowns. The CX-9 has fewer issues per year. 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, with 938 complaints over 10 years (93.8/yr), shows a high rate of owner-reported issues, especially in the engine and electrical systems. Owners describe serious failures like engine fires, total systemic loss while reversing, and false emergency braking, making it a vehicle with notable reliability concerns.
Mazda CX 9
The Mazda CX-9 has 306 complaints over 10 years (30.6/yr), a lower rate than the CX-5. Reported issues include uncommanded acceleration, stalling, and complete electrical shutdowns, but with fewer incidents overall. It still presents significant concerns, particularly with engine and electrical systems.
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 | 938 | 306 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 | 6 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 50 | 15 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 93.8 | 30.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 33 | 6 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
- 01ENGINE355
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER167
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM157
- 04POWER TRAIN93
- 05SERVICE BRAKES75
Owners report engine fires causing total loss of the vehicle, and total systemic failure when reversing on low-friction surfaces, leading to loss of power and control.
The Emergency Call Unit malfunctions with warning chimes, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggers false braking during highway merging, creating collision risks.
Life-threatening rollaway incidents due to 'Not-P' switch circuit malfunction, where the vehicle moves unoccupied, causing personal injury.
Sunroof glass spontaneously explodes while driving at highway speeds, and rollaway issues persist, indicating potential design flaws.
“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
- 01ENGINE156
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER54
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 04POWER TRAIN25
- 05SERVICE BRAKES22
Uncommanded acceleration occurs during braking, and the vehicle hesitates or stalls while driving, sometimes shutting off completely at stops.
Multiple 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts via the Mazda app, including parking brake failures, and complete electrical shutdown while driving, causing loss of steering and brakes.
Valve stem seal issues lead to oil consumption and extended warranty claims, and fuel cap warning lights persist despite dealer reprogramming.
Sudden complete system malfunction while driving, with total loss of steering and power, leading to crashes.
“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;…”
“The vehicle will hesitate/stall while driving down the road. The vehicle has done this multiple times and has actually shut off on 2 different occasions while at a stop. on 2 occasions now the vehicle has not wanted to start. I have taken vehicle to Mazda dea…”
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 — 6 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 2019 CX-9 vehicles equipped with Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires, size P255/50R20 104V, having date code 1619. An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing, allowing the tread to separate and detach.
The risk: A detached tire tread can decrease vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four tire serial numbers, replacing the tires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Ma…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 5 or Mazda CX 9: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-9 has fewer complaints per year (30.6 vs 93.8), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, CX-9 owners face serious but less common failures, while CX-5 owners encounter more frequent and varied problems, including fire risk.
Key differences
- CX-5 has 3x more complaints per year than CX-9 (93.8 vs 30.6).
- CX-5 owners report engine fires and sunroof explosions; CX-9 owners report uncommanded acceleration and complete electrical shutdowns.
- CX-5 has rollaway incidents due to 'Not-P' switch; CX-9 has sudden system malfunctions causing loss of steering.
- Both share fuel pump recalls, but CX-5 has additional recalls for air bags and trailer hitches.
- Check for any signs of engine fire damage or unusual smells, and test the sunroof for secure fitment.
- Test the Automatic Emergency Braking system in a safe area to see if it triggers falsely.
- Test for uncommanded acceleration by lightly braking from low speed; check for stalling during test drive.
- Verify the electrical system by monitoring for warning lights or app alerts during a long test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any fire or electrical-related claims.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for signs of oil leaks or previous fire damage.
- Test all electronic systems, including emergency call unit and parking brake, for proper function.
- Check for open recalls and ensure they have been performed, especially fuel pump and air bag recalls.
- Take the vehicle on a highway test drive to evaluate AEB and acceleration behavior.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 0 |
| 2025 | 22 | 0 |
| 2024 | 38 | 0 |
| 2023 | 57 | 12 |
| 2022 | 61 | 9 |
| 2021 | 136 | 33 |
| 2020 | 104 | 17 |
| 2019 | 257 | 50 |
| 2018 | 109 | 124 |
| 2017 | 146 | 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
- 938
- Mazda CX 9 total complaints
- 306
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Mazda CX 9 total recalls
- 6
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 93.8
- Mazda CX 9 avg complaints/year
- 30.6
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Mazda CX 9 top complaint area
- ENGINE