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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine61
- Electrical system14
- Service brakes11
- Power train9
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Structure4
- Seats3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each CX-9 model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 86 |
| 2008 | 172 |
| 2009 | 59 |
| 2010 | 195 |
| 2011 | 171 |
| 2012 | 221 |
| 2013 | 68 |
| 2014 | 54 |
| 2015 | 35 |
| 2016 | 99 |
| 2017 | 61 |
| 2018 | 128 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 13 |
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Engine
“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…”
Electrical system
“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.”
Service brakes
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 364 |
| CX-9 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 384 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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).