2021 Mazda CX-9
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 78. The most common issue is engine problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased this vehicle june 5 2021. the vehicle has approximately 9150 miles at this time. i changed the oil the first time at 3222 miles just because it was new and i wanted to have a starting point on oil changes. the car has an app you load on your cell phone for messages. the first time i rece. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
42
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.5x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
17 complaints- • I purchased this vehicle June 5 2021. The vehicle has approximately 9150 miles at this time. I changed the oil the first time at 3222 miles just because it was new and I wanted to have a starting point on oil changes. The car has an app you load on your cell phone for messages. The first time I rece
- • Every 4,000 miles my engine oil warming light comes. When the dealership checked my oil level, it was about a quart low.
- • New Mazda vehicle engine is consuming approximately 1 quart of oil, approximately every 3,500 miles. No recall for this yet, however Mazda technical service bulletin TSB # 01-012/21 admits this is a common and known issue for this vehicle which may eventually lead to the vehicles engine and parts no
“I purchased this vehicle June 5 2021. The vehicle has approximately 9150 miles at this time. I changed the oil the first time at 3222 miles just because it was new and I wanted to have a starting point on oil changes. The car has an app you load on your cell phone for messages. The first time I rece”
— 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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 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 42 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: I purchased this vehicle June 5 2021. The vehicle has approximately 9150 miles at this time. I changed the oil the first time at 3222 miles just because it was new and I wanted to have a starting point on oil changes. The car has an app you load on your cell phone for messages. The first time I rece
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: REAR PASSENGER HANDLE AND HOOK ABOVE SEAT IN ROOF SPLINTERED INTO SHARP PROJECTILES FLYING THROUGH CABIN WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOPYED I SHOWED THE SHARP PIECES TO MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER THE POWER OF THE RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BROKE THE HANDLE TO PIECES AND IF ANYONE HAD BEEN IN THE BACK SEAT THEY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: On 4/30/2022 the rear door lift gate opened unexpectedly and hit the ceiling of a parking garage (The Summit at Las Calinas, Irving Texas) , the glass window shattered, glass fell in and outside the car. An unfamiliar beeping was heard before the accident, but the source could not be located prior t
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: AS I WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL WITH MINIMAL SNOW ON THE GROUND, I TAPPED MY BRAKES ABOUT 7 TIMES BEFORE THEY LOCKED UP. I WENT TO TURN TO STAY ON THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD, INTO AN EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 5-10MPH WHEN THIS OCCURED ON A CITY
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 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 10
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 78
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Mazda CX-9