Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Mazda CX-9Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 99 owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-9. Most complaints involve engine (61) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
23–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
99
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

99 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2016 – Nov 2025
  1. Engine61
  2. Electrical system14
  3. Service brakes11
  4. Power train9
  5. Fuel/propulsion system7
  6. Structure4
  7. Seats3
  8. Vehicle speed control3
  9. Wheels3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CX-9 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200786
2008172
200959
2010195
2011171
2012221
201368
201454
201535
201699
201761
2018128
201953
202019
202140
202211
202313
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

61 reports1 crash
“In June of 2022 I started having a strong antifreeze/engine coolant smell inside the cab of my vehicle and also outside the vehicle. I had the car checked for a radiator leak, but there wasn’t one. I took my car into my local Mazda where they found that the engine coolant was leaking into the heads of the engine. Mazda kept my car for 5 months and repaired the problem, it cost me $4000 and they had added a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty for the parts. My car is a 2016 Mazda cx-9 at the time of the repair it had 70,430 miles on it. Now a few years later I am having the same issue with the coolant smell inside the cab and outside my vehicle, it goes into the shop for diagnosis on Monday November 10,2025. The car now has 118,000 miles on it. I had purchased an extended warranty for the car at the time of purchase but it had timed out a month before I took my car in for the first repair….please Mazda stand behind your vehicles I am a senior woman with very little income and I will not be able to pay out of pocket for this repair and I CANNOT afford a new car… I would like to get reimbursed for my out of pocket on the first repair and get my car repaired this time as…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2025EngineODI 11697196

Electrical system

14 reports1 crash1 fire
“Smart City Break Malfunction warning light appears while driving. Simultaneously the tire pressure warning appears. Also, at the same time, the temperature reads -20 to -40 degrees. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Fearful that car could randomly break while driving putting myself and family in danger since there is a malfunction. Mazda service center says the problem can’t be reproduced so there’s nothing they can do. The problem seems to appear when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11656449

Service brakes

11 reports
“The vehicle has tire pressure monitoring system malfunction warnings and parking brake malfunction warnings even after taking to dealership to be fixed. Was told it’s a known problem by Mazda, should be recalled, but there were not any current recalls for the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2023Wheels, Service brakesODI 11559545
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-9 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222824$2,700364
CX-9 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
212623$2,800384
  • CX-9 2WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    22 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • CX-9 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    21 city · 26 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 CX-9 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-9 problems?

Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (61), electrical system (14), service brakes (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda CX-9 at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026