Here Are The Mazda CX-9 Years To Avoid
We've identified four Mazda CX-9 years to avoid. See which ones (and which CX-9 years are safe to buy used) so you can make a smart used car shopping decision.
The first Mazda CX-9 was released in 2007 as a successor to the Mazda MPV minivan. It was an enlarged CX-7 that was roomy, comfortable, and agile. Furthermore, it provided a third row that increased the number of passenger seats to seven.
The CX-9 has come a long way since its early days. It is now redesigned, bigger, and more luxurious than its predecessor. Today’s post will provide details about the best models to buy and the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid. This is based on the information collected from users of different model years.
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Quick Answer: Avoid 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Mazda CX-9 Year Models
The Mazda CX-9 is currently in its second generation. It has undergone improvements to make it a reliable SUV today. We recommend staying away from 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 year models.
These have recorded the highest number of problems since the car was launched into the market. They have severe defects covering the brakes, engine, transmission, and water pump.
The most affected models include the 2008 and 2012 Mazda CX-9. The former has more problems per mile that cost more to repair, while the latter has the most complaints overall. If you’re looking for a reliable used SUV, these are the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid.
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Which Mazda CX-9 Years Are Safe to Buy Used?
Despite the model years that don’t quite make the cut, the Mazda CX-9 has remained a reliable SUV throughout the years. This is, of course, except for those mentioned above.
There are several year models that you can choose from. It wouldn’t make sense for Mazda to continue making a lousy car. We recommend buying the following Mazda CX-9 model years if you’re looking for a dependable SUV:
- 2007 Mazda CX-9
- 2009 Mazda CX-9
- 2013 Mazda CX-9
- 2014 Mazda CX-9
- 2015 Mazda CX-9
- 2016 Mazda CX-9
- 2017 Mazda CX-9
- 2018 Mazda CX-9
- 2019 Mazda CX-9
- 2020 Mazda CX-9
The best Mazda CX-9 years to buy include the 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These have fewer complaints compared to the 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years.
The 2007 CX-9 has only received a few complaints regarding the transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and airbags. The worst problems here include:
- Rear differential failure at 79,000 miles.
- Premature bearing wear at 28,000 miles.
- A noisy and leaking transfer case at 99,000 miles.
The 2009 model received the least number of complaints among the earlier releases. The worst problems recorded include windows that roll down after being closed at 95,000 miles, a melted light bulb harness at 95,000 miles, and a leaking sunroof when you take your car for a wash at 25,000 miles. Owners filed a few issues with the airbags and brakes.
The most complained about parts in the 2013 Mazda CX-9 include the engine, brakes, and airbags. The worst problems encountered by some owners include:
- Water pump failure at 99,000 miles.
- Engine failure at 86,000 miles.
- A bad pump brake pedal at 64,000 miles.
Engine problems, loss of braking, and a failed alternator were the top complaints in the 2014 model year. As for the 2015 CX-9, problems with the brakes were more prevalent. The 2016 model year was the last model year to receive common complaints among many owners.
The 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 years have little to no problems. In fact, some of these models were awarded the Top Safety Pick +Award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
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Which Year Models of Mazda CX-9 to Avoid:
As seen above, there are plenty of Mazda CX-9 models to pick from if you’re looking to get a reliable used car. They provide the comfort, handling, and interior space that you need. They also do not cost much when it comes to maintenance and repair.
We recommend sticking to those models and avoiding the following Mazda CX-9 years:
- 2008 Mazda CX-9
- 2010 Mazda CX-9
- 2011 Mazda CX-9
- 2012 Mazda CX-9
The most common pain points about the 2008 Mazda CX-9 involve the engine, brakes, wheels, suspension, airbags, and steering. The worst problems experienced include:
- Water pump failure at 102,000 miles.
- A master cylinder brake booster that stopped working at 133,000 miles.
- Stained, dirty wheels at 31,000 miles.
As for the 2010 model year, the highest number of complaints cover the brakes, engine, drivetrain, and suspension. The worst problems include engine failure at 100,000 miles, difficult and stiff braking at 99,000 miles, and a failed water pump at 104,000 miles.
The 2011 Mazda CX-9 follows closely with many brake problems and airbag problems. The most expensive problems reported involved the brakes. They include a bad brake booster at 107,000 miles, brakes that stopped working at 83,000 miles, and hissing brakes at 88,000 miles.
The 2012 model year has the highest number of complaints overall, mainly involving the brakes. The rest are about the engine, drivetrain, and airbags. When it comes to the worst cases, users reported experiencing transmission problems at 36,000 miles, hard braking at 61,000 miles, and brake power boost failure at 67,000 miles.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MAZDA CX-9
In the end, you’ll have the information you need to make a more educated choice about which year is the most reliable for the Mazda CX-9.
Common Mazda CX-9 Problems
The Mazda CX-9 is a relatively popular SUV among its owners. RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-9 an above-average reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 and ranked 1st out of 14 full-size SUVs. However, the CX-9 wasn’t spared from common mechanical problems:
- Water pump failure - According to CarComplaints.com, the number one problem of the CX-9 is its faulty water pump, mainly due to collateral damage. Once the water pump fails, the coolant leaks into the engine oil and may lead to engine failure.
- Engine failure - Frustrated owners of the 2010 CX-9 reported that their engine failed at around 103,350 miles. This engine issue is connected to the faulty water pump failure mentioned earlier. The typical fix is to replace the engine, which costs up to $5,000.
- Hard shifts and transmission slips - The CX-9 is known to have transmission issues, including hard shifts, jerking, hesitations, etc. In some cases, the cause may be software-related, but some experts suspect it might be a damaged valve body or faulty shift solenoids.
- Brake power boost unit failure - Another problem to watch is the faulty brake power boost unit. It doesn’t stop braking altogether, but it does increase braking distance which makes you prone to accidents if you’re not ready.
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Mazda CX-9 Problem Counts by Year
Here is a list of the number of complaints each Mazda CX-9 has received based on the year made. These numbers are obtained from popular platforms such as carcomplaints.com, Car Talk Community, and carproblems.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Mazda CX-9 Years to Avoid
Q: What are the specific Mazda CX-9 model years should be avoided?
A: Based on the information collected from users of different model years, it is recommended to stay away from the 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Mazda CX-9 models. These years, the number of problems has been recorded as the highest since its launch.
Q: What issues are most common in the not-so-reliable Mazda CX-9 years?
A: The 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Mazda CX-9 models have been known to experience severe defects related to the brakes, engine, transmission, and water pump. These problems can be costly and compromise the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
Q: Which Mazda CX-9 model years are considered the most problematic?
A: Among the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid, the 2008 and 2012 models are the most troublesome. The 2008 model has more problems per mile that are expensive to fix, while the 2012 model has received the highest overall number of complaints from owners.
Q: Are there any Mazda CX-9 model years that are safe to buy used?
A: Yes, several Mazda CX-9 model years have proven reliable and safe to invest in. These include the 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years.
Are Mazda CX-9s typically reliable?
For the most part, the Mazda CX-9 is known for being a dependable mid-sized crossover. However, this reputation doesn’t apply to every model year of this three-row family hauler.
How much does a used Mazda CX-9 typically cost?
Car buyers looking for a Mazda CX-9 will encounter various prices depending on model year, mileage, and condition. A 2013 CX-9 has an average asking price of $12,671, according to CoPilot Price Pulse. This number includes a 22% premium due to abnormal market conditions. Meanwhile, a 2019 model goes for $28,766 (which reflects a 28% premium). Crossovers are in high demand.
Is the Mazda CX-9 a good car to purchase?
Overall, the Mazda CX-9 can be a solid vehicle if care is taken to avoid the less-dependable years. This family crossover has been on the market for over a decade and a half, so there are many examples to sort through. Begin by checking out the most reliable Mazda CX-9 years.
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