2020 Mazda CX-9
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 78. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: the mazda cx-9 uncommanded engine acceleration reported herein did not result in any damage primarily because it commenced several seconds after i began light braking while approaching a red traffic light. my immediate response was to increase brake pressure; there was no need for me to move my leg. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
25
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
5 complaints- • THE MAZDA CX-9 UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION REPORTED HEREIN DID NOT RESULT IN ANY DAMAGE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT COMMENCED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER I BEGAN LIGHT BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS TO INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE; THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO MOVE MY LEG
- • Some vehicles may have coolant leaks at the cylinder head around the exhaust manifold. There may be cracks at the stud bolt hole or at the outside of the exhaust manifold - from Mazda's TSB. Excessive coolant leak leading to engine-overheating and going into 'limp mode' couldn't drive faster than ar
- • Excessive oil consumption. In less than 3000 miles, I have to add a quart of oil
“THE MAZDA CX-9 UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION REPORTED HEREIN DID NOT RESULT IN ANY DAMAGE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT COMMENCED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER I BEGAN LIGHT BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS TO INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE; THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO MOVE MY LEG”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (1)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mazda CX-9
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mazda CX-9
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda CX-9 Service Intervals
SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2020 CX-9, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: THE MAZDA CX-9 UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION REPORTED HEREIN DID NOT RESULT IN ANY DAMAGE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT COMMENCED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER I BEGAN LIGHT BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS TO INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE; THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO MOVE MY LEG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: The 2020 Mazda completely shut off following an exit from an expressway, turn under a bridge and slow down for a red light. The Mazda electrically shut off and coasted to a braked stop in the center lane of a 3 lane road. The entire electrical system went dead, no exterior lights, signals, instrumen
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: On 10/12/2021 we were driving on and urban street when the vehicle infront of us signaled and initiated a right hand turn. At that point were we traveling approximately 20 mph, and we were driving with active cruise disengaged. When we were around 150 feet behind the vehicle taking a right when our
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: We were on the freeway and all of a sudden it stopped accelerating and the engine light, sensor light, and sensor warning came on. We could not accelerate, that became disabled and we had to pull over. My husband said our fluid levels were normal and he checked them all in the shoulder of the freewa
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda CX-9 — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 78
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Mazda CX-9