ProblemsByVin File / 2018-MAZDA-CX-9 NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago

2018 · Mazda

Mazda CX-9 problems

124 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

Reliability score

7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2018 CX-9?

Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

engine

61 reports · fails ~60,770 mi · avg $3,100

moderate

electrical

13 reports · fails ~14,426 mi · avg $850

severe

powertrain

12 reports · avg $2,500

moderate

brakes

5 reports · fails ~33,333 mi · avg $450

severe

steering

3 reports · fails ~3,600 mi · avg $700

moderate

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2018 CX-9's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2018 CX-9?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 CX-9 · engine

After owning this used vehicle for about 11 months, the engine temperature gauge indicated the car was running hot - about 240 degrees. After inspecting the vehicle at home, we added coolant to the system. This helped maintain engine temperature temporarily, but we noted over…

12/27/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499063.0 · see engine pattern →

2018 CX-9 · engine

Engine coolant leaking due to cracked cylinder head, found by Mazda dealership service inspection and diagnostics. Powertrain warranty only covers this until 80,000 miles, our vehicle is 116,000.

12/21/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11561290.0 · see engine pattern →

2018 CX-9 · steering

Steering makes knocking noises when turning. It happened suddenly with no damage to car to cause it. It was fine prior to parking, when the car was restarted and the wheel was turned knocking noise started. Mechanic found there is a tsb for this problem but no recall.

12/11/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11630249.0 · see steering pattern →

2018 CX-9 · engine

Cracked cylinder head resulting in no heat, leaking coolant and risk of overheating and fire. Crack on backside of cylinder head near exhaust manifold bolts. Weight of exhaust manifold is too much for the cylinder head and results in a Crack around the bolt. Cylinder head was…

12/06/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11558860.0 · see engine pattern →

View all 124 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2018 Mazda CX-9? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V403000 May 30, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles

The passenger frontal air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Inoperable turn signals prevent the driver from signaling to other drivers, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3419E.

Common questions

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2018 Mazda CX-9?

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Mazda CX-9?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 61 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,770 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 60,770 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mazda CX-9 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Mazda CX-9?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 124 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Mazda/CX-9. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mazda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.

Mazda CX-9 problems

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

Estimate your repair exposure

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles

Common questions

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