Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2019 Mazda CX-9Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 53 owner complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-9. Most complaints involve engine (23) and electrical system (7). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2021
Owner complaints
53
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 12, 2021NHTSA 21V875000

Tires: tread

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019 CX-9 vehicles equipped with Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires, size P255/50R20 104V, having date code 1619. An incorrect rubber compound may have been used in the tire's manufacturing, allowing the tread to separate and detach.

TiresReported Oct 28, 2019NHTSA 19V770000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

53 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2019 – Aug 2026
  1. Engine23
  2. Electrical system7
  3. Power train5
  4. Suspension4
  5. Back over prevention3
  6. Structure3
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Steering2
  9. Service brakes2

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
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

23 reports
“The engine cylinder head developed an internal coolant leak, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. This caused engine overheating and smoke coming from the tailpipe while driving. A dealer performed a coolant pressure test confirming coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, and wet/dry compression testing on all 4 cylinders showed low and inconsistent readings consistent with cylinder head coolant intrusion (Cylinder 1: 105/125 psi, Cylinder 2: 115/125 psi, Cylinder 3: 110/175 psi, Cylinder 4: 160/190 psi). Overheating creates a risk of sudden loss of power and potential engine failure while driving, including on the highway. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealer service center, and the manufacturer's technical hotline department reviewed the diagnostic findings directly. Warning symptoms (overheating codes and visible tailpipe smoke) first appeared at the time the vehicle was brought in for diagnosis. The manufacturer has an active technical service bulletin addressing cylinder head coolant leaks on this engine and model, along with a related warranty extension program, but has denied coverage for this repair on…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11749615

Electrical system

7 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the front windshield wipers had turned off. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. The contact stated that occasionally the windshield wipers failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact purchased and replaced a sensor. Upon investigation, the contact became aware that the on and off switch for the front windshield wipers related to the sensor located on the front windshield. The contact stated that the sensor controlled the on and off switch and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the OEM windshield provided protection against the sensor malfunctioning; however, if the front windshield was replaced…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2025Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11706077

Power train

5 reports
“2019 CX-9 GT, 30K miles, in August found coolant leaking under the car. This was 5 months past the warranty (but only 30K miles!). After doing research online, I found this is a massively common issue with all engines from several years encompassing 2019, where the coolant leaks due to a cracked cylinder head. There is a TSB from Mazda, which requires replacement of the engine, once the crack is developed. I immediately called Mazda corporate on 8/15/2024 and opened the case with them. They said they can try to assist, but first I have to take the car to the dealer for diagnosis of the problem. Had to wait 2 weeks, then leave the car, they did a full inspection and confirmed cracked cylinder head. Dealer opened up claim with Mazda (which apparently is separate from the case I made when I called the corporate). I had to go back because Mazda warranty dept. was asking the dealer to prove the engine was overheating, which it hasn't yet, because I kept adding coolant, so the engine never overheated. But the dealer lowered the coolant and had the engine overheat a little bit just to generate the computer code the warranty dept was requiring. This itself was an…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2024Power trainODI 11620217
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$2,700362
CX-9 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202623$2,800391
  • 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
    20 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

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 13149Vehicle 13148
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

2019 CX-9 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda CX-9 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Mazda CX-9 problems?

Owners filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (23), electrical system (7), power train (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Mazda CX-9 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Mazda CX-9 at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Mazda CX-9?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Mazda CX-9 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026