repaired · 2020 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2013 Mazda CX-9Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 68 owner complaints about the 2013 Mazda CX-9, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-451 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Mazda CX-9 has problems
68 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Engine
16Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
9Suspension
9Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Power train1 crash/fire/injury
4Structure
2Seat belts
1Forward collision avoidance
1Seats
77 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 2 |
| Suspension | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2013 Mazda CX-9 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Steering
Risk. If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other CX-9 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CX-9 median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Mazda CX-9 safety ratings
2013 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Mazda CX-9, and the recalls they led to.
- Lower ball joint separationLed to recall 15V-451
- Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag DeploymentNo recall
In owners' words
What CX-9 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Engine throwing a code after dying at intersection. Found that it isa known issue for this vehicle and repair costs are astronomical. Diagnostic Summary: 2013 Mazda CX-9 (3.7L V6)Issue: Faulty Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Code P0016)Current Mileage: ~160,000 miles Reported Symptoms: Extended…
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arm needed to be…
The engine in my Mazda blew with no warning. I got in my car after warming it up and noticed my check engine light on, which wasn’t unusual because it has came on before with a loose gas gap warning, so I put it in gear and drove less than 50 ft before it started making noises. I immediately turned…
Own a 2013 CX-9?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.