OverviewSpecificationsPrice
Mazda CX-9 4WD
Mazda · Cars · 2023
Mazda CX-9 4WD (2023)
90
⚠ 11 complaints
Status
Certified
Long track record, no issues found
Status Certified — verified clean safety record across 5+ years of official monitoring.
Specifications
Engine Size2.5L
Fuel TypeRegular
Transmission6 speed automatic
Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive
Combined MPG23 MPG
Mazda CX-9 4WD Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Mazda CX-9 4WDMazda CX-9 4WD (this vehicle)Hyundai Kona FWDHyundai Kona FWDToyota Corolla CrossToyota Corolla CrossGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon 2WDGMC Yukon 2WDBuick Encore GX AWDBuick Encore GX AWD
Price$39,600$23,000–$31,000———$27,900
Engine Capacity2.5L2L2L3L3L1.3L
Fuel TypeRegularRegularRegularDieselDieselRegular
Transmission6 speed automaticAutomatic (AV-S1)Automatic (AV-S10)Automatic 10-spdAutomatic 10-spdAutomatic 9-spd
Body TypeSUVSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
About

The 2023 Mazda CX-9 4WD offers a robust 2.5L turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque for confident performance. With its 4-wheel drive system and comfortable 6-speed automatic transmission, this SUV is ready for your adventures.

Pros
  • Certified safety status
  • No recalls on record
  • Turbocharged engine power
  • Combined 23 MPG
Cons
  • 11 complaints on record
  • Regular fuel type
Complaints11 total
MAZDA CX-9 2023 Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
medium
I am reporting a critical mechanical restraint failure regarding the 5-point harness crotch buckles on the Graco TrioGrow and the Graco TriRide car seats. The red button-release tension on both of these models is engineered with insufficient physical resistance. My toddler is capable of physically depressing the lower crotch buckle and completely freeing themselves while the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. The harness was explicitly verified as tight via the pinch test and the chest clip was at armpit level, proving the failure is strictly the low force required to disengage the buckle.I contacted the manufacturer (Graco), and their customer support agents dismissed this hardware failure by suggesting 'behavior modification' instead of addressing the mechanical vulnerability. A child restraint system must physically restrain the occupant regardless of behavioral variance. This is an active, ongoing safety hazard for young children traveling in these specific models.
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
MAZDA CX-9 2023 Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
medium
I am reporting a critical mechanical restraint failure regarding the 5-point harness crotch buckles on the Graco TrioGrow and the Graco TriRide car seats. The red button-release tension on both of these models is engineered with insufficient physical resistance. My toddler is capable of physically depressing the lower crotch buckle and completely freeing themselves while the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. The harness was explicitly verified as tight via the pinch test and the chest clip was at armpit level, proving the failure is strictly the low force required to disengage the buckle.I contacted the manufacturer (Graco), and their customer support agents dismissed this hardware failure by suggesting 'behavior modification' instead of addressing the mechanical vulnerability. A child restraint system must physically restrain the occupant regardless of behavioral variance. This is an active, ongoing safety hazard for young children traveling in these specific models
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
MAZDA CX-9 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
On February 9, 2026, our 2023 Mazda CX‑9 experienced a sudden and complete system malfunction while being driven. Multiple system failures began approximately six minutes before the crash. During this time, the driver reported: • Total loss of steering • Complete brake failure • No response to acceleration or driver input • No ability to slow, stop, or maneuver the vehicle • No meaningful warnings that allowed corrective action The vehicle became completely uncontrollable. At the crash site, there were no skid marks, no braking evidence, and no signs of evasive action, consistent with a full loss of vehicle control. The vehicle only stopped after entering approximately two feet of water and striking a tree. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident represents a severe safety defect involving critical electronic and mechanical systems. A modern vehicle should not lose all steering, braking, and control functions under any circumstances. We are requesting a full investigation into the cause of this failure and whether similar incidents have occurred in other Mazda vehicles. We can provide photos, crash documentation, diagnostic information, and driver statements upon request.
NHTSAUSFeb 2026Source →
MAZDA CX-9 2023 SERVICE BRAKES
low
If you press both the brake and gas at the same time (even if accidental), the onboard computer apparently thinks that the driver is confused, and it sets the gas flow to “idle”. The first time this happened was on the freeway, and I was very lucky to be able to coast into a gas station (thinking that I simply running out of gas - even though the gas gauge showed plenty of gas remaining). And so, I took it to Christian Brothers automotive the next day, and they ran extensive (and expensive) diagnostics. They found (to their surprise!) that this is the way the latest CX-9 works! The computer sees that you are on the gas and brakes, and so it “thinks” that you must be confused. And so, it sets the gas to “idle”. I believe this is an extremely dangerous action for the computer to take, and this behavior needs to be removed from all CX-9's IMMEDIATELY! And please don't just say (as others have) that the driver "shouldn't press both the brake and accelerator at the same". One might use the brake and accelerator at the same time for good reason, such as an icy road. But the computer SHOULD NOT DECIDE ON ITS' OWN TO SET THE THROTTLE TO IDLE!
NHTSAUSNov 2025Source →
MAZDA CX-9 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
Starting [XXX], through [XXX], we began receiving multiple "Critical Vehicle Malfunction" alerts (46 alert messages)via the Mazda app, including "Parking Brake Malfunction" and "Electric Parking Brake Malfunction." During this time, the vehicle experienced delayed starts and eventually required a jump-start. We brought it to the dealership multiple times to show the messages, before our 3-year/36,000-mile B2B warranty expired, but the issues were dismissed until the battery was finally replaced. At just over 36,000 miles (currently 39,646), a new issue emerged a “thud” sound from the steering wheel. The dealer diagnosed it as a failed u-joint shaft, which was deemed non-serviceable and not covered under warranty. I inquired about potential causes or prevention—no clear answer was known. I found relevant NHTSA TSBs (06-001/20 & 06-001/24) related to steering issues and escalated to Mazda USA. Mazda agreed to cover 50% as a goodwill gesture, leaving me to pay about $500. Two weeks later, the part arrived and was installed—but it did not fix the issue. The dealership now says it’s a failed bearing within the Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit, which requires complete replacement at a cost of over $2,000. Only one part is available in the U.S., with another two-week wait. The original (misdiagnosed) part was already sent back to Mazda. My out-of-pocket cost is now $1,151 and rising. Given the early warning alerts, misdiagnoses, and the fact that EPS controls several safety-critical functions (steering, cruise, lane assist, etc.), I believe this is a fundamental system failure that should be fully covered under warranty or as a safety-related goodwill repair. I respectfully request that Mazda assume full financial responsibility for the replacement and any related work. Thank you for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSAUSMar 2025Source →
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Status history
Uncertain→Certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.
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