MAZDA CX-9 · model year

2018 MAZDA CX-9

157 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018MAZDACX-9 carries 157 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 CX-9 is engine with 70 filings, followed by unknown or other (19) and electrical system (14). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 21 investigation files overlapping the 2018 CX-9, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

157
Complaints
6
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 MAZDA CX-9 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 MAZDA CX-9. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

157 filings

Crashes Reported

6 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE70
UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
POWER TRAIN12
SERVICE BRAKES10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
STEERING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
AIR BAGS2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
CHILD SEAT1

Recalls (2)

19V40300030/05/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.

21V87500012/11/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Recent Complaints

20260205ENGINE

Here the facts, bought a car out of state (Illinois) from Iowa with 130,131 miles on Sept 12th 2025, Mazda CX9, the dealer did not disclose any problems with the car, after 3 months of ownership, the car overheats on highway whit family including a [XXX] infant, white smoke under the hood and exhaust pipe, towed home, radiator was replaced, few days after that a coolant leak, vehicle was sent to an authorized Mazda dealership for diagnose, the technician told us, according to Mazda procedures, a cod P111A, the vehicle's engine reached unsafe level of temperature and the whole engine needs to be replaced because a cracked head cylinder. This problem is well known by Mazda because they addressed on a TSB01-002/23 and CSP11 extended warranty, there is a flaw in the design of the engine near the cylinders manifold area, that cracks the engine and requires a full replacement of the engine. its just a flaw in the design of the engine. This issue can appear at any point threatening the lif

20260128FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Passenger seat heater either had a grounding issue or shorted out, causing to seat to start smoldering and catching fire, destroying the seat. There has been recalls and lawsuits for this specific issue on this model in other years, but not for this model year.

20251020VISIBILITY/WIPER

Passenger side sun visor will not stay in place. Cannot lock it in up position, which means it droops. Causing sight of vision impairment.

20250911ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Customer Experience Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety and technical issue I have experienced with my 2018 Mazda CX-9. After a recent inspection conducted by Mazda Koch 33, it was brought to my attention that the engine wiring harness is defective and may potentially cause a fire or result in burns, posing a severe safety risk to me, my passengers, and others on the road. This issue is deeply concerning and unacceptable, especially considering Mazda’s reputation for reliability and safety. A fault in the engine wiring harness, particularly one that has the potential to ignite or burn, should be treated with the utmost urgency. It is troubling that such a critical compo

20250911BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Customer Experience Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety and technical issue I have experienced with my 2018 Mazda CX-9. After a recent inspection conducted by Mazda Koch 33, it was brought to my attention that the engine wiring harness is defective and may potentially cause a fire or result in burns, posing a severe safety risk to me, my passengers, and others on the road. This issue is deeply concerning and unacceptable, especially considering Mazda’s reputation for reliability and safety. A fault in the engine wiring harness, particularly one that has the potential to ignite or burn, should be treated with the utmost urgency. It is troubling that such a critical compo

20250911LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Customer Experience Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety and technical issue I have experienced with my 2018 Mazda CX-9. After a recent inspection conducted by Mazda Koch 33, it was brought to my attention that the engine wiring harness is defective and may potentially cause a fire or result in burns, posing a severe safety risk to me, my passengers, and others on the road. This issue is deeply concerning and unacceptable, especially considering Mazda’s reputation for reliability and safety. A fault in the engine wiring harness, particularly one that has the potential to ignite or burn, should be treated with the utmost urgency. It is troubling that such a critical compo

20250909SERVICE BRAKES

my 2018 MAZDA CX-9 safety issue SCBS / SBS, LAS / LDWS, MASTER AND/OR HBC WARNING LIGHTS Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning cause my car run rough even depress accelration and those light came on dashbaord -Forworad smart city brake support malfunction -smart brake system -front camera sensor malfunction

20250909ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my 2018 MAZDA CX-9 safety issue SCBS / SBS, LAS / LDWS, MASTER AND/OR HBC WARNING LIGHTS Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning cause my car run rough even depress accelration and those light came on dashbaord -Forworad smart city brake support malfunction -smart brake system -front camera sensor malfunction

20250909POWER TRAIN

my 2018 MAZDA CX-9 safety issue SCBS / SBS, LAS / LDWS, MASTER AND/OR HBC WARNING LIGHTS Forward sensing camera (FSC) stops functioning cause my car run rough even depress accelration and those light came on dashbaord -Forworad smart city brake support malfunction -smart brake system -front camera sensor malfunction

20250822SERVICE BRAKES

I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Mazda vehicles across different models and years. Each time, I have been forced to pull over, turn off the car, and restart it to temporarily resolve the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds, as it creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and sudden loss of vehicle control. When reported to Mazda, the concern was dismissed as a “sensor issue,” but the repeated nature and widespread reports suggest a potential systemic defect that requires urgent investigation and recall.

20250822ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Mazda vehicles across different models and years. Each time, I have been forced to pull over, turn off the car, and restart it to temporarily resolve the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds, as it creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and sudden loss of vehicle control. When reported to Mazda, the concern was dismissed as a “sensor issue,” but the repeated nature and widespread reports suggest a potential systemic defect that requires urgent investigation and recall.

20250822FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Mazda vehicles across different models and years. Each time, I have been forced to pull over, turn off the car, and restart it to temporarily resolve the issue. This is extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds, as it creates a high risk of rear-end collisions and sudden loss of vehicle control. When reported to Mazda, the concern was dismissed as a “sensor issue,” but the repeated nature and widespread reports suggest a potential systemic defect that requires urgent investigation and recall.

20250816ENGINE

Cracked cylinder head/leaking coolant.

20250721ENGINE

. In January 2024, I purchased a used 2018 Mazda CX-9. The vehicle ran well until [XXX], when I discovered an engine coolant leak. My mechanic diagnosed it as a known defect involving the cylinder head. My husband contacted Mazda Customer Service (CS), and they advised us to get an official diagnosis from a Mazda dealer. We brought the car to Orland Park Mazda, where a diagnostic confirmed the defect (report attached). We later received an email from Mazda CS saying that since our car was at the dealership, Mazda would take the lead in submitting the goodwill repair claim (email attached). When we followed up with Orland Park Mazda, they informed us that no one from Mazda CS had contacted them to authorize the repair. We relayed this to Mazda CS and gave them the direct number of our service advisor, Adrian. Mazda CS said they would follow up and get back to us within 48–72 hours. On a follow-up call, I spoke with Nancy at Mazda CS, who again told me that our case manager Cindy wo

20250714ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Infotainment screen (LCD) of Mazda CX-9 2018 has developed what looks like discoloration/scratching/frost in corner of screen about 2 years ago and it is continuing to spread over last 6 months. This screen is used for hands-free bluetooth/calling (which is now the law in Iowa) and the back-up camera which allows for safe backing. If screen is unreadable, these safety functions cannot be performed properly. I take my car into Mazda dealership for maintenance/oil changes and it has never been addressed as an issue, but I'm concerned.

20250714UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Infotainment screen (LCD) of Mazda CX-9 2018 has developed what looks like discoloration/scratching/frost in corner of screen about 2 years ago and it is continuing to spread over last 6 months. This screen is used for hands-free bluetooth/calling (which is now the law in Iowa) and the back-up camera which allows for safe backing. If screen is unreadable, these safety functions cannot be performed properly. I take my car into Mazda dealership for maintenance/oil changes and it has never been addressed as an issue, but I'm concerned.

20250430ENGINE

Our Mazda CX-9, having roughly 86,000 miles, had catastrophic engine failure while driving. This is caused by coolant leaking at the cylinder head and around the exhaust manifold. This in turn caused a crack in the engine block. Mazda refused to fix this as it wasn’t a “recall” and only a tsb sent out. 1000 of people have reported this issue, causing failure while driving but Mazda will not recall the engines nor fix them under an extended warranty. After a 4 month battle with Mazda they refused to fix this in our car even though they know the engine is a bad manufacturing issue. A recall needs to be made and Mazda needs held accountable. Our exact cause was exactly what the TSB stated but Mazda stated our crack was not in the correct spot. They need a recall covering all engine block cracks due to faulty manufacturing

20250415ENGINE

coolant leaking from engine block cracked cylinder head

20250415SERVICE BRAKES

1. The navigation has a frosted crackle appearance framing the screen. It is difficult to read the navigation when needed. I know this has happened to other models of this vehicle and those were recalled and covered. 2. The brake senor keeps going off stating "SMART BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". This goes off repeatedly while driving. 3. Then a second message pops up and reads "FRONT RADAR SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNTION".

20250415FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1. The navigation has a frosted crackle appearance framing the screen. It is difficult to read the navigation when needed. I know this has happened to other models of this vehicle and those were recalled and covered. 2. The brake senor keeps going off stating "SMART BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". This goes off repeatedly while driving. 3. Then a second message pops up and reads "FRONT RADAR SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNTION".

Compare 2018MAZDACX-9 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 MAZDA CX-9 have?
The 2018 MAZDA CX-9 has 157 NHTSA complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 MAZDA CX-9?
The 2018 MAZDA CX-9 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 MAZDA CX-9?
Yes, the 2018 MAZDA CX-9 has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 MAZDA CX-9?
The most-complained component for the 2018 MAZDA CX-9 is ENGINE with 70 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 MAZDA CX-9 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 MAZDA CX-9 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.