Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 9 vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda CX 9 and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The CX-9 has 511 complaints and 11 recalls over 10 years, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints versus 22 for the CX-9. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 9 or FORD F 150 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 with a relatively low complaint volume: 511 over 10 years, about 51 per year. Most owner reports center on the engine, including a valve stem seal settlement and rare uncommanded acceleration, plus electrical glitches that can cause sudden shutdowns or parking brake alerts. Recalls cover fuel pumps, seats, and airbags, so a used CX-9 can be a manageable choice if you verify recall work and listen for engine issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: 11,621 over 10 years, about 1,162 per year. Owners frequently report transmission problems like limp mode and stuck gears, electrical faults tied to the lead frame, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, a used F-150 demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 9 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 511 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 Better | 297 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE264
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 04POWER TRAIN48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
Owners report valve stem seal issues covered by a settlement, with some complaints about dealers refusing warranty work. There are also rare reports of uncommanded acceleration, which can be alarming in traffic. A buyer should confirm the valve stem seal repair was done and check for rough running or oil consumption.
Complaints include sudden complete electrical shutdowns while driving and repeated 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts for parking brake and electric parking brake. These can leave you without power steering or brakes, so test all electronics and ask about any software updates.
Reports mention multiple warning messages at highway speed, such as 'Smart Brake System Malfunction' and 'Driver Attention Alert,' and valve stem seal settlement issues affecting the powertrain warranty. These warnings can indicate sensor or transmission problems that may recur.
Some owners report brake-related warnings and malfunctions, including electric parking brake faults. Brake issues are safety-critical, so have a mechanic inspect the brake system and check for any open recalls.
“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;…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause limp mode, stuck gears, and near collisions, plus transmission failures like getting stuck in 5th gear. A 2017 V8 with the 6-speed automatic is specifically mentioned for daily limp mode. These problems can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
The lead frame problem also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short has been reported to shatter the back window. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
A specific complaint describes the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen while driving. Inspect the rear defroster and window for any signs of overheating or damage.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area, though sample texts do not detail specific failures. Lighting problems can affect visibility and safety, so check all lights, including brake and turn signals, for proper operation.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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 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.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 9 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-9 has far fewer complaints per year (about 51 vs. 1,162 for the F-150) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 151). In practice, that means a used CX-9 is likely to need less frequent repair attention, while the F-150's higher volume of transmission and electrical reports suggests a greater chance of costly, recurring problems.
Key differences
- The F-150 has about 23 times more complaints per year than the CX-9 (1,162 vs. 51), with many tied to transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The CX-9's top issue is engine-related, including a valve stem seal settlement, while the F-150's top issue is power train, with reports of stuck gears and near collisions.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 11 for the CX-9, covering more systems like seat belts, door latches, and airbags.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the F-150's include a rear window defroster short that can shatter glass, while the CX-9's include sudden shutdowns and parking brake alerts.
- Check for any signs of valve stem seal issues, such as blue exhaust smoke or oil consumption, and confirm the settlement repair was completed.
- Test all electronics, especially the parking brake and infotainment, for 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts or sudden shutdowns.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission limp mode, harsh shifting, or getting stuck in a single gear, which points to lead frame or sensor problems.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any cracks, discoloration, or signs of overheating that could lead to shattering.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- Ask for service records showing the Mazda CX-9 valve stem seal settlement repair or the Ford F-150 lead frame and transmission software updates.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine (CX-9) or transmission and electrical system (F-150).
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for warning lights, limp mode, or unusual noises.
- Check the rear window defroster and glass on the F-150, and test all electrical features on both vehicles.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 10 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 39 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 19 | 44 |
| 2019 | 53 | 52 |
| 2018 | 128 | 79 |
| 2017 | 61 | 59 |
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 9 vs FORD F 150
- Mazda CX 9 total complaints
- 511
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda CX 9 total recalls
- 11
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda CX 9 avg complaints/year
- 51.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 9 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN