2012 Mazda CX-9 reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mazda CX-9 holds 221 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 11 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 12 CX-9 years on this site. NHTSA has 4 recalls on file, including Inflator and Front lower ball joint.
221
11
4
15
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (139 of 221), then Engine (25) and Air bags (23). Those filings include 9 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
The 2013 CX-9 has 68 complaints, 5 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mazda CX-9. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (4)
Complaints by component (221 total)
Show 11 more Show less
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4
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"While drive i feel like there is sticking something below the car when i am accelerating. And the acceleration became hard. Also i heard a weird noise at that time. Then a saw a leakage below my car."
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"My driver and passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed without a collision. Thankfully I was at a stop sign when this happened. If it happened while I was driving, I’m sure I would have wrecked and could…"
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"Ball joints replaced due to tear in both rubber covers and driver side ball joint very loose. Was previously repaired in July 2015 under recall Number: 15V451000."
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"I was driving normally when I started sowing down and noticed the brakes were harder to push. I finally stopped just before almost rear-ending a vehicle in front of me. It turns out the brake booster, a known problem…"
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"The water pump suddenly started leaking and the mechanics I talk to said this is a very common problem with this vehicle and type of engine. Sounds like owners are left to foot the bill for this costly and difficult…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4 stars |
| 2012 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 two-wheel drive | 3.7L, 6-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 17 | 24 | 19 MPG | $3400 |
| CX-9 four-wheel drive | 3.7L, 6-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Four-wheel drive | 16 | 22 | 19 MPG | $3400 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 19V-403 covers certain 2018 Mazda CX-9 vehicles whose wiring harness may disrupt electric power steering assist. Recall 21V-875 covers certain 2018-2019 CX-9 (and other Mazda) vehicles for a low-pressure fuel pump impeller that may crack and cause an engine stall. Confirm open campaigns by VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda CX-9 reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mazda CX-9 holds 221 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 11 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 12 CX-9 years on this site. NHTSA has 4 recalls on file, including Inflator and Front lower ball joint.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mazda CX-9?
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (139 of 221), then Engine (25) and Air bags (23). Those filings include 9 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2012 Mazda CX-9 more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 CX-9 has 68 complaints, 5 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mazda CX-9 been recalled?
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has 4 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mazda CX-9?
Owners have filed 221 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-9 with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2012 Mazda CX-9 get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Mazda CX-9 is 19 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What engine oil does a Mazda CX-9 use?
US CX-9 manuals specify SAE 5W-30 for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbo engine.
What generation is the 2018 Mazda CX-9?
2nd generation / TC (2016-2023).
What tire sizes does a Mazda CX-9 use?
Second-gen US sizes include 255/60R18 and 255/50R20; first-gen pages list 245/60R18 and 245/50R20.