Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 9 and Chevrolet Silverado 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 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX-9 averages about 51 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511, with 100 recalls versus 11. Silverado owners report more engine, power train, and brake failures, including sudden power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 9 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 9
The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row family SUV that, over the past decade, has generated about 51 complaints per year. The most common owner-reported trouble spot is the engine, with many complaints describing a flashing check engine light, a rattling sound, and coolant leaks that can lead to sudden power loss. Electrical and brake-related complaints also appear, including parking brake malfunction alerts. Overall, the CX-9's complaint volume is relatively low for its class, but the engine issues owners describe are serious and can be expensive.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has accumulated roughly 511 complaints per year over the same period, far more than the CX-9. The bulk of complaints center on the engine and powertrain, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. Electrical system complaints are also frequent, including braking and steering becoming inoperable. With 100 recalls and one death reported, the Silverado's ownership experience appears to involve more frequent and varied safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 506 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 50.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 9
- 01ENGINE262
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 04POWER TRAIN47
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
Owners report a flashing check engine light, a rattling noise under the hood, and coolant leaking from a failed water pump. In some cases, the engine shuts off while driving, which can be frightening and dangerous, especially with children in the car.
Complaints include repeated 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts for the parking brake and electric parking brake, sometimes accompanied by deceleration. A separate report describes a seat warmer overheating to the point of discomfort. These electrical glitches can be distracting and may indicate deeper software or wiring problems.
The same water pump leak that affects the engine can also cause the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly, as reported by owners. This loss of power while driving is a serious safety concern and often requires costly repairs.
Brake-related complaints are less common but still present, with some owners experiencing brake malfunctions that may be linked to the electronic parking brake system. Any brake issue is critical for safety and should be addressed immediately.
“We have a 2015 Mazda CX-9 Touring with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The issue that has been happening is a flashing check engine light (CEL) indicator showing up in the gauge cluster. This issue originally started in October of 2023. I was on the highway doing at l…”
“On December 14, 2015, I bought, a Mazda CX-9, at Sentry West Mazda located at 940 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury MA 01545. Unfortunately, the car's engine contains a defect in design, manufacturing, materials and/or workmanship that causes the water pump to sudd…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverado models report severe engine problems, including a loss of motive power, loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off, even at low speeds. This loss of power train function is dangerous, especially in traffic or parking garages, and may indicate transmission or software defects.
Owners report a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as inoperable brakes and steering at highway speeds. These electrical failures can be life-threatening and often require immediate attention.
Brake complaints include a severe loss of braking ability shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This pattern suggests a potential hydraulic or electronic brake system fault that could lead to a crash.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
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 9 — 11 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. M…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-201…
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.…
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…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 9 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-9 has far fewer complaints per year (about 51) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), and also fewer recalls and crash-related reports. In practice, this means a used CX-9 is likely to spend less time in the shop for major safety defects, though its engine issues can still be costly. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a higher risk of encountering serious problems, especially with the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 10 times more complaints per year than the CX-9, with engine and power train issues dominating both lists.
- CX-9 owners frequently report water pump leaks causing engine shutdown, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake failure.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 11 for the CX-9, covering areas like tailgate latches, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (117 vs 22), and it has one reported death, while the CX-9 has none.
- Check for a flashing check engine light and listen for a rattling sound under the hood, which owners link to water pump failure and potential engine shutdown.
- Test the electronic parking brake and watch for any 'Parking Brake Malfunction' alerts on the dashboard or via the Mazda app, as these are commonly reported.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, or unusual engine noises like pinging, which owners report.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stopping, and watch for a firm pedal with reduced braking effect, a symptom owners describe as a severe loss of normal braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brake systems.
- For the CX-9, ask the seller for records of water pump replacement and check for coolant leaks or low coolant levels.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in parking garages to check for sudden power loss or transmission issues.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed, especially for the Silverado's tailgate latch, seat belt anchorage, and brake fluid warning sensor.
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 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 38 | 934 |
| 2020 | 19 | 0 |
| 2019 | 53 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 126 | 591 |
| 2017 | 61 | 0 |
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 9 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 9 total complaints
- 506
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda CX 9 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda CX 9 avg complaints/year
- 50.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 9 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE